We celebrate 50 years of Hip Hop and we passed the  to our Hip Hop Editor Ayoub,  who walked us through the curation process of his playlists, his passion for this genre and more…

Where does your passion for Hip hop come from and how did you become a Rap editor at Deezer?
I fell in love with Hip-Hop because at a young age I used to be a rapper, but I didn't make it big “haha” . However, that pushed me to try music production and audio engineering. I also got some experience in radio and Hip Hop media. Now, I'm a Hip Hop Editor at Deezer.
 

Can you walk us through the curation process of one of your playlists? What are the key elements to consider?
Creating and maintaining a successful playlist like "Rap Bangers" on Deezer is all about staying on top of the latest hip-hop trends. As the playlist curator, your music background and programming experience play a crucial role in selecting tracks that could become tomorrow's hip-hop biggest success.
 

Also using Deezer's data tools & external tools to understand which tracks resonate with the audience and which ones might need replacing. To keep the playlist fresh and appealing, regular updates are necessary. Engaging with your audience, listening to their feedback, and collaborating with others in the industry can also offer valuable insights. Continuously monitoring the playlist's performance and making adjustments accordingly ensures that "Rap Bangers" remains a popular and engaging playlist for the hip-hop community.
 

Top 3 playlists that you feel proud of
I take great pride in the "Rap Bangers" playlist. Another playlist I'm proud of is "Non-Fiction," which showcases the storytelling aspect of rappers. Additionally, the recently created and successful playlist, "Baddie Mode" highlights the emerging female rap scene with artists like Ice Spice, Glorilla, Coi Leray, among others. This empowering mood playlist celebrates women in the hip-hop industry.

What's the impact of female artists in Hip hop?
Female artists like Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah set the stage for today's diverse and influential women in hip-hop. Recently, a bunch of talented female rappers has burst onto the scene, taking over the charts and changing the genre. They're breaking stereotypes, making new paths, and making hip-hop more inclusive for what's to come.
 

You can follow Ayoub here: https://www.deezer.com/en/profile/917475151/playlists
 

The Bronx in New York is considered the hip-hop mecca. Do you think this movement could have started in another city or was New York essential?
New York's diversity, urban culture, and social conditions helped hip-hop grow, especially in the Bronx with block parties and breakdancing.If conditions were right, hip-hop could have emerged in another city with its own unique style. New York's influence on hip-hop is significant, but creative movements can happen anywhere with the right elements and energy.
 

Hip hop was a very discriminated musical genre. When do you think the key turned? Any example of a song/singer that marks this turning point?
Hip-hop was once discriminated against but has since become widely accepted and influential. A turning point was the success of songs like "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang in 1979, which introduced hip-hop to a broader audience. Socially conscious artists like Public Enemy and N.W.A. further challenged negative stereotypes. Now, hip-hop is a dominant force in the music industry and has a significant impact on culture.
 

The original four main pillars of hip-hop include DJing/turntablism, MCing/rap, B-boying/breaking and visual art/graffiti. Which ones do you think are essential for the movement and why?
Each of these pillars has contributed to the authenticity, creativity, and cultural impact of hip-hop. Together, they form the foundation of a multidimensional and inclusive movement that transcends borders and unites diverse communities worldwide. Removing any one of these pillars would diminish the richness and depth of the hip-hop culture as we know it.
 

In your opinion, which cities/areas currently make the scene happen?
Rap/hip-hop is indeed one of the most influential and exported music genres globally. Its widespread popularity has facilitated the emergence of new sounds, sub-genres, and musical innovations. As it evolved, various regions and cities have contributed their unique touch to the genre, making it a truly global phenomenon.
 

Any recommendations to start exploring for users who are new to this Genre?
Absolutely! If you're new to the hip-hop genre and want to discover it properly, it's recommended to start by exploring the pioneers  (Dj Kool Herc, Grand Master Flash… ) of the genre and listening to classic albums. Dive deep into the various sub-genres and the unique sounds of different regions. Watch documentaries to learn about hip-hop's rich history and cultural significance. Listen to curated playlists to experience a wide range of artists and styles. Engage with online communities to connect with other hip-hop enthusiasts and gain valuable insights. This comprehensive approach will help you fully immerse yourself in the diverse and dynamic world of hip-hop!

Now that you're hooked on Hip Hop, let's test your knowledge!