When rap came out 30 years ago I thought it was just a fad


Now it seems like it dominates the music industry, movies and fashion. My only question is why?

taters
I came out a lot longer than 30 yrs ago.  Just listen to (and watch the video of) Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67u2fmYz7S4

This is where it all started.  Seriously. Dylan was/is a "f@@@ing" genius
@souljasmooth that right.  The purpose of the original poster was never to actually get an answer. It was just say it's terrible. However, I listen to hip hop and mostly jazz.  I can respect any genre. Anyway enjoy your music.  I grew up on it and I am happy for the younger guys who are still doing it. Great cultural impact. Some good some bad. Like most other music.  
This thread would have lasted about 5 minutes on just about any owner reputable music forum before being zapped by a moderator. Let me guess...one of your best friends is black?
Am I perhaps the only one to remember...  Kurtis Blow, on your stere-ereo ?
I want to say like 1980. 
For better or worse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZDUEilS5M4

Don't shoot the messenger; I'm not a fan. But I remember this guy hitting the scene and thinking, this is a very different genre of music -- with the entire vocal range of one-to-three notes.
Yup, Kurtis Blow was the man!  There is a movie called "Krush Groove" Stars Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Fat Boys, Beastie Boys, Kurtis Blow. Shiela E., New Edition. It shows some of the early years of Rap. Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin started Def Jam. Gives you a lot of history of the genre and how they overcame the people who hated it. There is a great song called "King Of Rock" by Run DMC. It has some great guitar riffs in it. I still know the song word for word 30 years later.