How to sign hip-hop related words?

Question

Hi! I've been practicing my ASL while on break and could not find any signs for "hiphop (music/dance)" or "rap/rapper". I was able to find RAP on handspeak: [https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=7411](https://www.handspeak.com/word/search/index.php?id=7411) , but I've noticed that rap-interpreters don't seem to use this sign when saying "rapper". I watched the video of Chance the Rapper's interpreter, Matt Maxey, signing hiphop slang, but he signed RAPPER like an S handshape circling in front of the mouth and then -ER. I haven't been able to find the sign for HIPHOP. ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwyVBdSolQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cwyVBdSolQ)) ​ For anyone with more knowledge of ASL than me, is the Handspeak sign the most common one, or is there a better one, and is there a sign for "hiphop"? My friends are music producers who work primarily on rap music, so I wanted to talk about them in ASL. ​ Thank you!

Answer 1

Hello! I think it is awesome you are learning hip-hop related signs in ASL. Often times, there is not an English equivalent for the signed word. From what I observe, It is most common to use the ASL sign for MUSIC, then fingerspell whatever said type of music is stated. For example, MUSIC- H-I-P-H-O-P, or MUSIC- P-O-P. As it is, since deaf individuals can not hear- music related signs are not abundant and frankly, are not too important.

The same goes for the word "rapper". I have not come across a sign for this. In the Chance video you mention, you are correct that he is using a S-handshape at his mouth and this indicates SING. After he brings his hands down he uses a body agent or (-ER) to signify SING-ER.

In both cases for Hip-hop and Rapper it is best to explain or describe visually first, then fingerspell to clarify.