Rap Almanac Generates Reports on Trends and Slang

True rap nerds are about to rejoice over this one. Developer Tahir Hemphill has just built and introduced a sophisticated search tool called The Hip-Hop Word Count (HHWC), which houses a database of over 40,000 rap song lyrics from 1979 to the present day. Using an online analysis tool, HHWC is then able to generate reports on phrases, memes, trends and ideas that have kept barbershops debating for years.

"The idea to build the Hip-Hop Word Count came out of having hundreds of heated and passionate discussions about rap music," said Hemphill. "Who was the best rapper of all time? Which rapper had the smartest songs? Which was the most popular champagne in hip-hop during 1999-2003? Which rapper uses the most clever metaphors? Which city's rap songs use the most monosyllabic words? Does living in higher altitudes create a natural proclivity for gangster rap?"

This means that if you want to see how certain phrases ("keep a razor under my tongue") or trends (Adidas vs. Nikes) have evolved over time, all you have to do is search those terms and let the database create a report for you.

Hemphill is taking a very natural, DIY approach to the project, using the online fundraising tool Kickstarter to get enough capital to build and maintain the site. He currently has nearly 350 backers that have given upwards of $8500 for new research and development.

Check out the HHWC Kickstarter for updates and upcoming launch dates.