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Beatboxing
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Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion connected with hip hop culture (it has been called the "fifth element" of hip-hop) although it is not limited to hip hop music.[1] It is primarily concerned with the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, voice, and more. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments. Therefore it could be said to be a genre of a cappella music although it can be employed alongside other instruments. It may have some historical connections with other vocal traditions such as scat singing and puirt a beul.
The simplest and stereotyped beatboxing pattern is as follows:
However, this pattern may be unrecognizable in more elaborated and skilled beatboxing.
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History of beatboxing
Prehistory
Vocal imitation of percussion sounds has been known for a very long time. One tradition is thought to originate in India several thousands years ago: the tradition of bol. The Chinese developed Kouji which was one kind of vocal performing arts. These had little relation with hip hop, however, and have no direct connection to modern Western beatboxing.
Hip-hop origins
Beatboxing as known today originated in 1980s hip hop culture. Its early pioneers include Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, and Buffy from the Fat Boys. Doug E. Fresh is credited for being the first "human beatbox,"[2] and Barry B for coining the term along with Buffy perfecting the art. The term "beatboxing" is derived from the mimicry of the first generation of drum machines, then known as beatboxes.
Modern beatboxing
Beatboxing's current popularity is thanks in part to the likes of artists like Rahzel and Kenny Muhammad, who have promoted the artform across the world. [3]
In 2005 the world championship of beatbox was organised in Leipzig, Germany. Amongst the participants coming from all over the world, especially Tom Thumb, Roxorloops, Joel Turner and Faith SFX had a chance to win. After some hardcore beatbox-battles, the final between Roxorloops (Belgium) and Joel Turner (Australia) was decided. The 5 judges had a hard time picking a winner and called for an extra round after which Joel Turner won the world championship.
See also
References
- ^ The History of Beatboxing, humanbeatbox.com
- ^ http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/doug_e_fresh/artist.jhtml
- ^ Garfield, J., Breath Control: The History Of The Human Beat Box at the Internet Movie Database, 2002. (A documentary on the history of the art form, including interviews with Doug E. Fresh, Emanon, Biz Markie, Marie Daulne of Zap Mama, Kyle Faustino and others.)
- Shannon, T., Catch the beat: The transformation from african drumbeats to hip-hop synthesized basslines, Master’s thesis, Parsons Design School, 2002.
External links
- www.beatbox.tv - video tutorials on beatboxing
- www.humanbeatbox.com - website with various articles and tutorials on the topic
- Online Beatbox Database / Community
- http://www.wikihow.com/beatbox