Beatboxing

Beatboxing is the art of vocal percussion. Although the term beatboxing derived from hip hop culture, it is not limited to hip hop music. It is primarily concerned with the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one's mouth, lips, tongue, voice, and more. It may also involve singing, vocal imitation of turntablism, the simulation of horns, strings, and other musical instruments. It is a form of vocal music, etymologically related to scat singing and puirt a beul.

The simplest and stereotyped beatboxing pattern is as follows:

However, this pattern may be unrecognizable in more elaborated and skilled beatboxing.

History of beatboxing

The technique and the art of replicating percussion sounds with one's voice is thought to be conceived in India several thousands years ago, and the Chinese developed Kouji which was one kind of vocal percussion performing arts. These had little relation with hip hop, however, and are not related to modern Western beatboxing. This kind of sound-simulating technique is called humming and chanting. Beatboxing is currently experiencing a second wind, thanks in part to the likes of artists like Rahzel and Kenny Muhammad, who have carried the artform across the world. In 2002, the documentary Breath Control: The History of the Human Beatbox premiered. It is a history of the art form that includes interviews with Doug E. Fresh, Emanon, Biz Markie, Marie Daulne of Zap Mama, Kyle Faustino and others.

Beatboxing's early pioneers include Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, and Buffy from the Fat Boys. Doug E. Fresh is credited for being the first "human beatbox," and Barry B for coining the term along with Buffy perfecting the art. The term "beatboxing" is derived from the mimicry of the first generation of drum machines, then known as beatboxes.

In 2005 the world championship of beatbox was organised in Leipzig (Germany). Amongst the participants coming from all over the world, especially Tom Thumb, Roxorloops, Joel Turner and Faith SFX had a chance to win. After some hardcore beatbox-battles, the final between Roxorloops (Belgium) and Joel Turner (Australia) was decided. The 5 judges had a hard time picking a winner and called for an extra round after which Joel Turner won the world championship.

See also

• List of beatboxers
• Hip hop music
• Scat singing
• Puirt a beul

References

beatbox.be/foras/viewtopic.php?t=2337