Jazz is rooted in African music.
African-American music includes jazz, rap, hip hop, gospel and R&B. These styles of music share a rich history and make up a cultural identity that, while rooted in a common past, is as diverse today as the music itself. And while wildly different, all five styles share some common elements that distinguish African-American music from other types of music.
Message
All styles of African-American music are rooted in the oral traditions of the African slaves who were first brought to America. Music then, as it is now, was used to pass on their storied history and important messages, and to ease suffering. It’s easy to see how many jazz and even R& B songs are meant to ease suffering, even if that suffering is not from slave labor but rather from a lost love. And today’s rap and hip hop music tells the story of urban life and modern struggles of African-Americans, from black women raising children alone to men struggling to make money any way they can.
Rhythm
Most African-American music styles incorporate a strong rhythm to carry melodies and provide a unique sound. Rap is perhaps the style of African-American music that relies most of strong beats, but other styles also make use of drums. This is likely a carryover from music styles from the African continent, which made heavy use of drums.
Outside Influences
All African-American music is rooted in African music styles. However, various different types of African-American music fused with other cultural influences to create styles that are uniquely African-American. For instance, jazz is heavily influenced by dance music played by brass bands during the 1880s in America, as well as Caribbean sounds brought over to parts of the country by immigrant groups.
