Raw, sample-heavy beats from the Bronx that birthed hip-hop. 88–115 BPM.
Nephop is a genre of hip-hop music that originated in the Bronx, New York City in 1973. It is characterized by the use of samplers, drum machines, basslines, and rapped vocals, typically at tempos between 88 and 115 BPM.
The defining artists of Nephop — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Nephop.
Nephop is built on sampled drum breaks, often from funk or soul records, looped and layered with a heavy bassline. The rhythm is syncopated, with a steady kick-snare pattern and occasional syncopated hi-hats. Vocals are rhythmic and poetic, delivered in a rapped style that flows over the beat.
The sound is raw and gritty, with a focus on the groove. Producers often use vinyl crackle and analog warmth. The tempo ranges from slow, head-nodding grooves to more energetic bangers, but always retains a laid-back, confident feel.
Nephop emerged in the early 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, pioneered by DJs like Kool Herc who extended instrumental breaks of funk and soul records. By 1973, the genre took shape with block parties where MCs rapped over these loops.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Nephop evolved from party music to a platform for social commentary. Artists like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa introduced turntablism and electronic elements, while the 1990s saw the rise of sample-based production by the likes of DJ Premier and RZA.
Culturally, Nephop became a global phenomenon, influencing fashion, language, and art. It gave voice to marginalized communities and remains a dominant force in music, spawning countless subgenres and shaping popular culture worldwide.
How Nephop is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
Start with a classic drum break (e.g., 'Amen, Brother' or 'Funky Drummer') and loop it. Add a sub-bass line that follows the kick pattern. Use a sampler to chop and rearrange the break, adding swing (around 60-70% swing on hi-hats). Layer a sample from a jazz or soul record, filtered to fit the mix.
Keep the BPM between 88-115. The snare should be punchy, the kick deep. Use sidechain compression to make the bass pump with the kick. Nephop is about feel—don't quantize everything; let the groove breathe. Add scratches or vocal snippets for texture.
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