Deaf rappers who perform rhymes in sign languages are redefining the concept of experiencing music

In April 2023, DJ Supalee hosted Supafest Reunion 2023, celebrating entertainers and promoters within the U.S. Deaf community. The event showcased performances by R&B artist and rapper Sho’Roc, female rapper Beautiful The Artist, the group Sunshine 2.0, DJs Key-Yo and Hear No Evil, and ASL performer and former rapper Polar Bear, now known as Red Menace. Many of these artists, activists, and entrepreneurs have significantly contributed to the expanding hip-hop scene within the Deaf community, which includes a subgenre known as dip hop. As hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, its cultural influence spans both mainstream and underground areas. Originating in the Bronx, hip-hop is now a global phenomenon, evolving into various forms such as trap music, horrorcore, and spaza, which emerged in Cape Town, South Africa. Dip hop is one among many rap styles developed over the years, distinguished by rappers who use sign languages and create music inspired by their experiences within the Deaf community. As an ethnomusicologist, I have been following the evolution of dip hop since 2011, documenting how rappers have pioneered this art form and introduced outsiders like me to Deaf culture. In 2005, rapper Warren “Wawa” Snipe coined the term “DIP HOP” in ASL and English to classify an emerging rap style within the Deaf community. While artists use various labels for their music, such as “deaf rap,” “deaf hip-hop,” and “sign rap,” the term “dip hop” signals an independent style deeply rooted in both hip-hop and Deaf culture. Like bounce, trap, and drill, the term “dip hop” establishes it as a unique style heavily embedded in Deaf culture and aesthetics. Dip hop has mirrored hip-hop’s trajectory in many ways. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Deaf DJs and entertainment entrepreneurs organized DIY parties, nightlife events, and social gatherings, providing platforms for rappers, DJs, dancers, and other artists to explore their hip-hop styles and connect with others. Cities with Deaf schools became cultural hubs for musical networking, with Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf in Rochester, New York, acting as significant production sites. Additionally, greater access to recording technology, video streaming sites, and social media has equipped Deaf artists with tools to create music and connect with other artists and fans. While incorporating sign language is a core element of dip hop, this style extends beyond crafting original rap songs in sign language. It embodies musical expression shaped through a Deaf cultural perspective, reorienting mainstream notions of music. Each artist has their unique rapping style, resulting in dip hop performances that vary in form and structure. Some dip hop artists use both oral and manual languages to make their music accessible to hearing people. They may perform in both languages simultaneously or prerecord vocal tracks to play in the background as they rap in sign language. Some collaborate with interpreters; for instance, Deaf Kat Night raps in German sign language in “Vergiss mich nicht,” while the lyrics are orally interpreted in German. Others collaborate with hearing or Deaf DJs, like Wawa and DJ Nicar in “Breaking Barrels.” Performances may also incorporate musical instruments, such as Sean Forbes, who performs with a live band while rapping in ASL and English, as seen in his music video “Calm Like a Bomb.” Some rappers create music for Deaf audiences, rapping solely in sign languages, though these songs may still include auditory elements, like self-composed beats or amplified previously recorded songs. Dip hop, like many music styles, thrives in live performances. Artists move dynamically on stage, their hands expressive as audiences feel the rhythm of the powerful bass beats. Some artists further engage the audience with specialized equipment like subwoofers, vibration-conducting objects like balloons, or new haptic technology, which includes wearables such as vests that channel sound vibrations. Visuals, including video screens and sound-activated lights, are also often part of dip hop performances. Dip hop artists have faced challenges in gaining recognition as musicians in their own right, with a focus on their artistry rather than their deafness or hearing impairment. However, this is changing. In 2009, Finnish rapper Marko “Signmark” Vuoriheimo signed a record deal with Warner Music Finland, releasing “Smells Like Victory” and “Speakerbox” that year. This marked the first time a Deaf artist was signed to a major record label. In 2010, Detroit-based rapper and National Technical Institute for the Deaf alumnus Sean Forbes signed with WEB Entertainment and released the single “I’m Deaf,” drawing mainstream attention to this rap style. Supported by the Deaf community, hearing allies, and fans, Forbes’ EP “Little Victories” topped the iTunes hip-hop category and reached the top 200 on the Billboard chart in 2020. In 2021, Wawa’s single “LOUD” became a top 20 dance track on iTunes. In 2022, Forbes and Wawa made history as the first ASL performers at a Super Bowl halftime show. In “Sign of the Times,” Wawa raps: As dip hop evolves, it continues to challenge conventions, pushing musical and social boundaries. In the spirit of hip-hop, dip hop breaks norms and expands possibilities for musical expression.