You may not recognize the lingo, but chances are you’ve heard their guttural rumbling before. Human beatboxers first appeared in the early eighties, when freestyle rappers often relied on them as mobile percussionists. They took their name from the drum machine — or beat box — that DJs used for their pre-programmed rhythm tracks. After falling off the map for a few years, human beatboxing is back in full force. Produced by Derek John.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!