The term Rap in history has meant different things over time. First, being to utter sharply, vigorously, or suddenly. Then it meant to strike, or hit.
In 1956, there was a movement done by Africans called “toasting“. Toasting was a style of lyrical chanting over a dancehall beat where the DJ talks over the rhythm. It was an African tradition. The word Rap started from toasting, in the way that it was alike the slang “Rap” (which means to discuss informally).
The Griots were people who were poets, historians, and musicians in West Africa. They are the first people to ever actually rap (as we know it today). In their culture they delivered stories harmonious over drums and instruments. Most of these stories included heroism, advice, and knowledge.
