Rap Metal is a fusion of alternative metal and rap. It builds on rap rock by making it heavier, groovier and further driven by riffs. While many bands lean toward a metal sound with rapped vocals, rap metal can also incorporate turntable scratches and hip-hop-style drums. The style reached its peak popularity during the nu metal era of the 2000s.

In the early 1990s, hardcore-influenced bands pushed Rap Metal in a more serious, politically charged, and aggressive direction. Rage Against the Machine, in particular, gained popularity fusing rap-style vocals with heavy, groove-driven riffs, setting the template for the genre. By the late 90s, rap metal would be blend into into the rising nu metal genre as both genres featured a prominent hip hop influence.

Artists:

• Rage Against the Machine
• Limp Bizkit
• P.O.D.
• Body Count