About Nerdcore Hip Hop
Nerdcore is a subgenre of hip hop music characterized by themes and subjects considered to be nerdy. In the past geeks and nerds were the exception to the rule, but today most people under 40 have at least one 'geeky' hobby or interest.
Nerdcore rappers rhyme about anything, but there are some hot Nerdcore Favorites: video games, Star Wars, science, cult films, anime, comic books, computers and ofcourse the internet.
Nerdcore Criteria (According to NERDCORE FOR LIFE)
Among fans of the genre it is widely agreed upon that these conditions must be met to define an artist as Nerdcore:
- Content
Nerdcore artists cover many topics but for the most part their work usually focuses on different aspects of g33k 1if3.
- Acceptance
A nerdcore rapper accepts the fact that they are a geek or nerd and makes no apologies for it.
- Nerd Pride
The boasting that is found in mainstream hip-hop exists in Nerdcore Hip-Hop as well. "Fronting" in Nerdcore is in part satire of traditional hip-hop but is also a sincere effort to emulate the genre.
- Technology
Nerdcore hip hop has a strong Do It Yourself ethic. The music is usually created with tools available to consumers and beats are typically homemade. Oops, and don't forget the 8-bit Nintendo samples ;-)
- Distribution
Nerdcore albums cannot be found in record stores. Most of the music is made available for free download on-line. Some Nerdcore rappers do sell CDs of their work but these sales are usually done via the Internet.
- Self-Identification
Nerdcore is consider to be an "Opt-in" genre. Not only must a Nerdcore artist embrace their nerdiness, they must embrace the term "Nerdcore." Therefore, hip-hop artists who rap about geeky or intellectual things are not considered to be part of the genre unless they refer to themselves or their style of music as "Nerdcore."
Also check out:
- THE BOSTON GLOBE - Nerdcore turns geeks into hip-hop freaks
- WIRED: Rap Marketing Comes to Nerdcore
- NEW YORK TIMES: Dungeons, Dragons and Dope Beats
- ASSOCIATED PRESS: Geeks bumrush hip-hop game
