Generally speaking, the rule for Hip-Hop music of the later 80s and 1990s was that behind every successful rap act, there was a producer. Rap music was born as a "do it yourself" art in which the "message" was more important than the music. During the 1990s, interest in the lyrics declined, while interest in the soundscape that those lyrics roamed substantially increased. The "rapping" itself became less clownish, less stereotyped, less macho, and much more psychological and subtle. In fact, lyricists often crossed over into singing. Hip-Hop music became sophisticated, and in many cases, wed jazz, soul and pop. Instrumental Hip-Hop became a genre of its own, and one of the most experimental outside of classical music.

REMEMBER:
Hip Hop is first and foremost a culture with five important elements: the b-boys (break dancers), Graffiti/Aerosol artists, MCs, DJs, and the beatboxers. Knowledge and understanding and respect for Hip Hop and its roots are vital!