What is the difference between hip-hop and rap music?

There is no difference. The terminology was coined to tell differences in geographical locations and some styles however it is one in the same.

I thought “hip-hop” was the term for the culture surrounding rap, but originally was a synonym for the music. I could be wrong, but that’s been my impression.

Today, nothing.

All rap means is music where the lyrics are spoken or chanted to a beat as opposed to sung. Rapping describes the actual act of speaking the lyrics to a song, a common feature in hip hop music. Hip hop originally referred to the entire culture involving rapping, DJing, graffiti, etc.

Hip hop music often contains rapping, DJing, sampling, etc. and the term “rap music” is often used interchangeably with “hip hop music”.

If you are specifically inquiring about the styles in music, Hip-hop has more substance in the lyrics. It deals with real issues, conveys a positive message, still has arrogance of course, but it more tactful about it. People like @rentluva5256 do not actively seek out this music and just listen to the radio, most likely.

One is shit and the other is crap.

The level of mind numbing.