First Rap Song

Difficulty:Level 5

Rap is a very popular genre of music in the modern world, but that wasn't always the case. This short dictation shares some details about the first rap song that achieved commercial success.

In fact there is some debate over which song should be acclaimed as the first successful rap release, but this dictation sides with the majority.

After you've listened to the dictation, why not listen to the track it talks about? What do you think of it?

rap

rap

Meanings

verb

• strike (a hard surface) with a series of rapid audible blows, especially in order to attract attention.
  E.g. he stood up and rapped the table
• talk or chat in an easy and familiar manner.
  E.g. we could be here all night rapping about spiritualism
• perform rap music.
  E.g. he raps under the name of Mr T

noun

• a quick, sharp knock or blow.
  E.g. there was a confident rap at the door
• a type of popular music of US black origin in which words are recited rapidly and rhythmically over an instrumental backing.
  E.g. the label specializes in rap and modern soul
• a lengthy or impromptu conversation.
  E.g. dropping in after work for a rap over a beer
• a criminal charge, especially of a specified kind.
  E.g. he's just been acquitted on a murder rap
• a person's reputation, typically a bad one.
  E.g. why should drag queens get a bad rap?

noun

• the smallest amount (used for emphasis).
  E.g. he doesn't care a rap whether it's true or not

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She has an American accent and expects you to use American spelling.

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