Hip-hop music focuses on rhythm rather than melody and harmony. It is characterised by:

• rapping
• use of samples
• use of programmed beats
• DJing

Rapping is rhythmical, rhyming, semi-spoken recitation. Often the lead vocal is joined by another member of the group who:

• doubles the last word of some lines
• adds answering phrases
• adds spoken ad libs

A sampler is a device that can take any sound that is put into it, process it and play it back. A sample is a digitally recorded fragment of sound. It could be a bass guitar riff, a song chorus, the sound of breaking glass, or indeed anything.