Song about playing in a band from Icelandic children's programme 'Lazytown'.

KS1 idea: Pupils could start by identifying the instruments and then listening to the different styles as the song is in a pop style but also features a little 'disco' style and 'hip -hop' in a brief record scratching interlude half way through.

This shows different techniques that can be used when two vocalists share a rap, including drop-outs in the mix. The lyrics include examples of internal rhyming and double time flow. The time signature is unusual for rap, involving triplet patterns. This, along with the whistle sample, give the song a folky feel.

Curriculum area: Listening and understanding

Main focus: rap vocal techniques, triplets

Possible learning outcomes: pupils recognise various ways in which two vocalists can make a vocal texture more interesting

This is an example of modern pop Hip Hop. It includes melodic singing, beatboxing and modern drum patterns.

Curriculum area: Listening and understanding

Main focus: Pop Hip Hop style

Possible learning outcomes: pupils recognise features of modern Pop Hip Hop style

2009 hit by American hip hop musician Eminem, includes samples from "Hot Summer Nights" by Walter Egan.

2008 hit for US Hip Hop artist Kanye West. An example of performing a mixture of rapping and singing within a Hip Hop tune.

November 2008 hit single from British Hip Hop/R&B group N Dubz. Example of rap and pop music fusion with mixture of rapping and singing.

Excellent clip that illustrating the concept of building up layers of rhythm, harmony and melodic riffs using sampling and effects to accompany a song or rap, using drums, bass, keys and flute sample. From Fortknight Productions www.myspace.com/fortknightproductions

KS2/3 idea - a superb resource to support a sampling and sequencing session. Play this to pupils and set them the task of producing their own variation using a beat, bassline, keys (Cm chord shown) and melodic line sample (such as flute in example).

Original song whose lyrics describe the basic structure of most rap songs. A good place to start looking at verse and choruses with a group who already have some rap ideas.
Composed and recorded by Max Wheeler for Hip Hop Coach.

An original rap song by Max Wheeler that explains the sounds that make up a rap song backing track or 'beat'. See Making Beats remixer to enable pupils to mix their own version or simply listen to each layer.

2009 hit all about New York for Jay Z and Alicia keys, featuring rapping with a sung chorus. Example used in KS2 Hip Hop module.