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Welcome to ‘Dip-Hop’: a sub-genre within the deaf community that epitomises the cutting edge of musical expression. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and musician Warren ‘Wawa’ Snipe coined the term in 2005 in order to promote and support deaf artists who don’t fit into ableist confines of mainstream music production.

According to ethnomusicologist Katelyn Best, Dip-Hop is just one of the many ways in which deaf rappers and musicians have consistently supported and grown underground music scenes around the globe.

Best explains via The Conversation that deaf artists and other differently-abled musicians have always had their fingers on the pulse of contemporary music production, with significant contributions made over the last three decades:

“In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Deaf DJs and entertainment entrepreneurs organized [sic] DIY parties, nightlife events and social gatherings. These venues provided opportunities for rappers, DJs, dancers and other artists to begin to develop and explore their own style of hip-hop and connect with other rappers and DJs.”

In all its diversity, Dip-Hop artists use a variety of techniques to appeal to both hearing and hearing-impaired fans. From collaborations with sign language interpreters to experiments with boot-shaking sub-woofer bass lines, Dip-Hop is making a name as the genre-defying expectations.

While it’s clear that these musicians have no problem speaking and/or signing up, the music industry has taken its sweet time in appreciating deaf artists. Despite ongoing contributions to the scene, it was only in 2009 that Finnish rapper Marko “Signmark” Vuoriheimo became the first ever deaf artist to be signed to a major record label.

That being said, since 2009, huge strides have been made to bring more differently-abled musicians to the mainstream. In 2022, Detroit-based rappers Forbes and Wawa changed the game yet again as the two became the first-ever ASL performers at a Super Bowl halftime show.

And it’s not just US artists who are showing off their skills. SignKid’s videos incorporating slick bars, big beats and seemingly effortless British Sign Language (BSL) have been making waves over the last decade:

With South Africa recognising South African Sign Language (SASL) as the twelfth official national language just this month, it’s perfect timing to explore more ways to listen to music and support differently-abled artists.

“Through their performances, dip hop artists not only subvert preconceived notions of music but also of Deaf culture and deafness, changing what it means for music to be heard.”

It’s a sign of the times that it’s time to sign!

[source:theconversation]