Midwestern Rap/Hip-Hop

Although their production techniques characterize their sound as well, Midwestern rappers have distinguished themselves mostly through the strength of their vocal innovations. Emcees Twista and the Bone Thugs have carved out a sizable niche for Midwestern rappers by experimenting with vocal rhythm and meter and, in Twista's case, pushing the speed envelope for delivery of rhymes. The Midwest's place in the Rap world has been cemented by a healthy rivalry between Chicago's Do or Die and Cleveland's Bone Thugs N-Harmony. There's nothing like some well- publicized beef to grab a rap listener's attention.