Is Rap Dying? Hardly! Ask Manhattan Center Studios

NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- "The only constant is change." Is that a reference to the song by heavy metal band As I Lay Dying? No, though it could be. Just like humans, who are born small and defenseless, and progressively adapt throughout life until death, musical genres exist by a lifecycle too- in which they are born, live in a constant state of flux, and die. The question at hand: is Rap music dying, as some claim in online blogs? Keep in mind- the internet gives everyone a forum to express their opinions, no matter how far out those opinions might be.

In fact, reports of Rap's demise are far out. Just ask Darren Moore, the hands-on Chief Audio Engineer of Manhattan Center Productions and lover of all forms of music, including rap. He would know: his iconic Midtown complex is a magnet for rap artists, producers, and composers, who all take full advantage of the recording oasis in the heart of Midtown Manhattan—with its state of the art Studio 7 and renowned Studio 4, affectionately called "The Log Cabin," and the connected performance spaces: the Hammerstein and Grand Ballrooms. The connection of these ballrooms to the two recording studios is part of what makes Manhattan Center so attractive for these performers, and perfect for live recordings. Rap artists of today and days past have, on countless occasions, delighted their fans with live performances at these venues.

Moore attested to the popularity of the rappers that frequent his complex. "We love our rap stars," he said. "They're very loyal to us and have such enthusiastic fanbases that most sell out almost immediately."

The adage, "the only constant is change," comes into play when considering how today's Rap has evolved from its beginnings. Rap music (a rhythmic style of chanting or poetry often presented in 16-bar measures or time frames) is a manifestation of "Hip-Hop," a broad conglomerate of artistic forms including DJing, breakdancing and graffiti, that originated in the South Bronx communities of New York City in the early 1970's. Bronx resident and street performer Kool Herc is credited as the "father" of Hip-Hop.

While the rhythms and lyrical content of Rap music have changed significantly since its origination, one must only look so far as the ever-apparent changes since that time period in all other genres and art forms to understand why; Rap is often regarded as the symptom of society's current state and ongoing changes.

Since their humble beginnings as localized cultural movements in New York City, the Hip-Hop culture and Rap genre have gained widespread popularity in both urban and suburban communities within the U.S., and more recently- throughout the world. In the midst of its lifecycle, Rap has changed, but has never been more alive.

"Hip hop, including rap, is continuing to develop globally, in many diverse styles. It will keep changing, but will never die," Moore predicts.

For more, please visit www.mcstudios.com

Contact:  Enrique Briz, Dian Griesel Int'l., 212.825.3210

SOURCE Manhattan Center Studios