View source for Nerdcore

{{Short description|Genre of hip hop music}}
{{for multi|the genre that fuses chiptune with metalcore and post-hardcore also known as nerdcore|Nintendocore|the hardcore punk movement|Nardcore}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox music genre <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Music genres -->
| name              = Nerdcore
| other_names       = {{flatlist|
* Nerdcore hip hop<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.2851/title.mc-chris-the-peoples-champ-of-nerdcore-hip-hop|title=MC Chris: The People's Champ of Nerdcore Hip Hop|date=February 11, 2016|first=Ural|last=Garrett|access-date=March 2, 2021|via=[[HipHopDX]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thedmonline.com/nerdcore-playlist-of-the-week|title=Playlist of the week: Nerdcore hip-hop|date=February 26, 2019|first=Adam|last=Dunnells|access-date=March 2, 2021|via=thedmonline.com}}</ref>
* geek rap
* nerd rap<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/music/mc-chris-talks-cartoon-network-sexual-trauma-star-wars-and-fatherhood-10218158|title=Nerd-Rapper mc chris Talks New Album, Animation, Trauma and Fatherhood|access-date=August 31, 2021|via=westword.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Cabrera |first1=Marc |title=Nerd rap |url=http://www.montereyherald.com/article/ZZ/20081120/NEWS/811209944 |website=Montereyherald.com |access-date=May 30, 2018 |language=en |date=November 20, 2008}}</ref>
}}
| stylistic_origins = {{hlist|[[Underground hip hop]]|[[alternative hip hop]]|[[nerd]] culture|[[hip hop music|hip hop]]|experimental hip hop}}
| cultural_origins  = Early 2000s, United States
| derivatives       =
| majority          =
| subgenres         = Geeksta rap
| other_topics      = {{hlist|[[Nintendocore]]|[[future bass#Kawaii future bass|kawaii future bass]]|[[chiptune]]|[[geek rock]]}}
}}
[[File:Frontalot.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of a man in a green shirt holding a microphone.|[[MC Frontalot]], considered the "Godfather of Nerdcore", performing in April 2007]]

'''Nerdcore''' is a genre of [[hip hop music]] characterized by subject matter considered of interest to [[nerd]]s and [[geek]]s.  Self-described nerdcore musician [[MC Frontalot]] has the earliest known recorded use of the term (to describe this genre) in the 2000 song "Nerdcore Hiphop".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://frontalot.com/index.php/?page=lyrics&lyricid=22 |title=MC Frontalot :: Lyric :: Nerdcore Hiphop |publisher=Frontalot.com |date=July 19, 2007 |access-date=2013-08-01}}</ref> As a niche genre similar to [[punk rock]], nerdcore generally holds to the [[DIY ethic]], and has a history of self-publishing and self-production.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2007/11/04/refrain_of_the_nerds/|title=Refrain of the Nerds|work=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=November 4, 2007|first=Jeff|last=Miranda}}</ref>

Though nerdcore rappers rhyme about anything from politics to science fiction, there are some perennial favorites in nerdcore subject matter such as [[anime]], [[film|movie]]s, [[role-playing game]]s, science, [[high fantasy|fantasy]], computers and [[video game]]s.

==Sound==
{{Unreferenced section|date=February 2024}}
Being more defined by lyrics, nerdcore has no unifying musical sound, and the sound of nerdcore varies wildly from artist to artist. One common theme, especially in the early days of the genre, is [[Copyright|uncleared]] [[Sampling (music)|sampling]]. [[MC Frontalot]] addressed this directly in his 1999 song "Good Old Clyde", a thank you of sorts to [[Clyde Stubblefield]] for the "[[funky drummer]]" [[break (music)|break]] – which was sampled to provide the song's beat. Sources for samples in nerdcore range from [[Vanilla Ice]]  to [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart]] ("[[Piano Sonata No. 11 (Mozart)|Rondo Alla Turca]]", in MC Plus+'s "Computer Science for Life"). [[YTCracker]]'s  ''Nerdrap Entertainment System'' is an entire album made up primarily of samples from [[8-bit]] [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Nintendo]] games. Another notable artist, [[Random (musician)|Random]], created an album dedicated to the Mega Man video games in 2007 titled ''MegaRan''. Though some artists have moved away from this—Frontalot, for example, completely remixed several songs to remove uncleared samples before releasing them commercially on his 2005 album ''[[Nerdcore Rising]]''—it is still quite common, as most nerdcore tracks are released non-commercially and thus attract little to no attention from the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]].

Several DJs have provided beats and done [[remix]]es for multiple nerdcore artists, most notably Baddd Spellah, who currently mixes the majority of Frontalot's tracks. Spellah also won a remix competition in 2004.

==History==
{{More citations needed section|date=May 2023}} 
[[Image:MC ROUTER@ THE WRECK ROOM.jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of a woman holding a microphone|[[MC Router]] performing in June 2007]]
The term "nerdcore hip hop" was first recorded in 2000 by MC Frontalot. However, long before its formal naming, artists like the [[Beastie Boys]], [[Kool Keith]], [[Deltron 3030]], [[MC 900 Ft. Jesus]], [[MC Paul Barman]], [[Company Flow]], and [[MF Doom]] explored unconventional hip-hop topics, including science fiction and space, while these artists were not directly part of the nerdcore movement, their work influenced its development.<ref name="hotnewhiphop">{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/748060-what-is-nerdcore|title=What Is Nerdcore? The Evolution Of Geek Rap|first=Demi|last=Phillips|date=January 2, 2024|website=[[HotNewHipHop]]|access-date=October 23, 2025}}</ref> For example, the Beastie Boys’ sci-fi-themed 1998 album ''[[Hello Nasty]]'' featured tracks like "[[Intergalactic (song)|Intergalactic]]" and "[[Hello Nasty|Unite]]," which predated the popularization of nerdcore. Similarly, [[Blackalicious]] created science-oriented compositions like "Chemical Calisthenics," and [[MF DOOM]] drew heavy inspiration from comic book [[supervillain]]s. Despite these thematic overlaps, they are generally seen as part of conventional hip hop rather than nerdcore, largely because they did not self-identify as nerdcore artists.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/05/fashion/05nerdcore.html|title=Dungeons, Dragons and Dope Beats|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 5, 2007|first=Alex|last=Williams}}</ref>

Conversely, nerdcore artists do not always concentrate solely on stereotypically "nerdy" topics. For instance, MC Frontalot's songs often explore broader themes. The key distinction between nerdcore and other genres lies in self-identification: while groups like Blackalicious do not label themselves as "nerds," Frontalot and other nerdcore artists embrace that identity.

[[File:YTCracker Performing Live.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Photograph of a man in a red jacket holding a microphone.|[[YTCracker]] performing in January 2013]]
Nerdcore was influenced by other "geek" genres, such as [[filk]] and [[geek rock]]. Artists like [[They Might Be Giants]] and [["Weird Al" Yankovic]] (with tracks like "I Can't Watch This," "[[It's All About the Pentiums]]," "[[White & Nerdy]]," and "Foil") helped lay the groundwork for nerdcore’s rise by combining humor, fandom, and niche cultural references.

The genre gained significant traction in 2004 when the webcomic [[Penny Arcade]] held its first convention, the [[Penny Arcade Expo]] (PAX), in Bellevue, Washington. Alongside gaming-focused content, geek-friendly musicians, including MC Frontalot and [[Optimus Rhyme]], performed at the event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.penny-arcade.com/2004/08/30/check-me-out-i-am-david-duchovny/|work=[[Penny Arcade]]|date=August 30, 2004|title=Check Me Out, I Am David Duchovny}}</ref> The following year’s expo featured full concerts with nerdy hip-hop acts, further solidifying the "nerdcore" label and growing its fan base. Many fans eventually became artists themselves, expanding the genre.

In 2005, a subgenre called '''geeksta rap''' emerged, drawing inspiration from [[gangsta rap]] but focusing on technical expertise and skills, such as computer programming. This braggadocious style led to nerdcore's first major feud, between MC Plus+ and [[Monzy]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.eetimes.com/news/latest/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=179101995&pgno=1|title=Geeksta Rappers Rhyme Tech Talk|work=[[EE Times]]|date=February 13, 2006}}</ref>

[[File:Nerdapalooza 2008 - Schäffer the Darklord (2655355046).jpg|thumb|alt=Photograph of a man in a purple shirt and black suit holding a microphone.|Schäffer the Darklord performing at [[Nerdapalooza]] in July 2008]]
In 2006, Jason Z. Christie (aka High-C) launched the first websites dedicated solely to nerdcore, NerdcoreHipHop.org and RhymeTorrents.com.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110129021654/https://groups.google.com/forum/#!search/%22Rhyme$20Torrents%22 |sort:relevance/alt.os.linux/PdWzmpb-UP0/dr5uGeZvmN0J]</ref> These platforms became hubs for the community and distributed the "Rhyme Torrents Compilation," the first nerdcore-focused CD series. This brought mainstream media attention to the genre, including coverage in ''[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.09/play.html?pg=5|magazine=Wired|date=November 4, 2007|first=Roger|last=Thomasson|title=Me So Nerdy}}</ref>

MC Lars also contributed to nerdcore’s rise in 2006 with his single "[[Download This Song]]," which criticized the music industry’s stance on digital downloads. The track charted at #29 on the [[ARIA Chart]] and highlighted the genre’s strong ties to digital culture.<ref>{{cite web |title=Australian Singles Chart |url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=MC+Lars&titel=Download+This+Song&cat=s}}</ref><ref name="UH1">{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1522669/20060127/index.jhtml|title=Canadian Record Label Blasts RIAA Over File-Sharing Lawsuits|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|date=January 27, 2006|accessdate=March 12, 2007|website=[[VH1]].com|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001030814/http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1522669/20060127/index.jhtml|archivedate=October 1, 2007}}</ref>

From 2008 to 2013, Orlando, Florida hosted [[Nerdapalooza]], an annual charity festival bringing together nerdcore acts and other "nerd music" genres.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301122041/http://nerdapalooza.org/|url=http://nerdapalooza.org/|title=Nerdapalooza|archive-date=March 1, 2012 }}</ref> In 2009, Amsterdam hosted "Glitched: The Dutch Nerdcore Event," featuring European premieres and performances by MC Lars, YTCracker, Beefy, and MC Router.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glitched.nl/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025105226/http://www.glitched.nl/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-10-25|title=GLITCHED – The Dutch Nerdcore Event|publisher=Glitched.nl|date=February 26, 2009|access-date=2013-08-01}}</ref>

By the late 2010s and early 2020s, Nerdcore expanded on platforms like YouTube, giving rise to subgenres like [[Otacore]] (focused on anime-themed rap) and Hackcore, which explores hacking and tech culture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2022/06/02-1/interview-gameboyjones-on-how-to-write-rap-songs-about-anime|title=Crunchyroll – INTERVIEW: GameboyJones on How to Write Rap Songs About Anime|website=Crunchyroll.com|access-date=May 25, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://volt.fm/genre/6380/anime-rap | title=Anime Rap artists, songs, albums, playlists and listeners |website=Volt.fm }}</ref>

==Film==
[[File:MC Chris.jpg|thumb|alt=Black and white photograph of a man in a hoodie holding a microphone.|[[MC Chris]] performing in February 2008]]
Two feature-length documentaries about the world of nerdcore were released in early 2008: ''[[Nerdcore Rising (film)|Nerdcore Rising]]'' and ''[[Nerdcore For Life]]''. While both films aimed to document the rise of nerdcore, they faced criticism for not fully addressing the genre's complexity and controversies. ''Nerdcore Rising'' premiered at the [[South by Southwest|SXSW Film Conference and Festival]] on March 9, 2008, while ''Nerdcore For Life'' debuted at the tenth annual [[Wisconsin Film Festival]] on April 5, 2008.

''Nerdcore Rising,'' directed by New York filmmakers [[Negin Farsad]] and [[Kimmy Gatewood]], focuses on nerdcore pioneer [[MC Frontalot]] and his first US tour in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nerdcorerisingmovie.com|title=Nerdcore Rising: The Movie|work=Nerdcorerisingmovie.com}}</ref> The film was noted for centering primarily on Frontalot’s journey, leaving broader aspects of the genre underexplored.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tinymixtapes.com/film/nerdcore-rising|title=Tiny Mix Tapes}}</ref>

''Nerdcore For Life,'' directed by Chicago filmmaker Dan Lamoureux, examines the genre through appearances by over three dozen notable performers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.Nerdcoreforlife.com|title=Nerdcore For Life|work=Nerdcoreforlife.com}}</ref> Critics pointed to challenges in capturing the genre’s diverse perspectives and addressing key cultural issues within the nerdcore <ref>{{cite web|url=community.https://theindependentcritic.com/nerdcore_for_life|title=The Independent Critic}}</ref>
[[File:Adult Swim (Symbol).svg|thumb|Commonly associated with Adult Swim (see above). [[MC Chris]] was able to further expand the subculture of Nerdcore and grow its community.]]
Notably, MC Chris helped bring Nerdcore, to a wider audience through his inclusion in the [[Adult Swim]] programming block. His songs, such as ''Fett’s Vette'', ''Hoodie Ninja'', and ''I Want Candy (Remix)'',<ref>{{Cite web |title=mc chris bio and press materials |url=https://mcchris.com/pages/press#:~:text=mc%20chris%20is%20most%20widely,called%20Aqua%20Donk%20Side%20Pieces. |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=mcchris.com |language=en}}</ref> gained acclaim through their use in Adult Swim promos. Additionally, MC Chris contributed voice acting and writing to several Adult Swim shows, including [[Aqua Teen Hunger Force]], where his character, [[MC Pee Pants]], became a fan-favorite. Through these contributions, [[MC Chris]] played a significant role in expanding Nerdcore beyond music and into other forms of media.

== Controversies ==
Nerdcore, as a genre, has faced intense and polarizing controversies, with its connection to [[hip hop]]'s cultural foundations sparking fierce debate. Central to the conflict is the accusation that nerdcore distances itself from hip-hop's sociocultural roots, which are inextricably tied to [[African-American culture]]. Critics have argued that the genre, historically dominated by white artists, risks veering into [[cultural appropriation]], effectively erasing the contributions and struggles of Black communities that birthed hip-hop.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/may/30/popandrock.urban |title=Pop and Rock |date=May 30, 2008 |website=The Guardian |access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref> 

Tensions around race in nerdcore came to the surface in 2010, sparking online discussions about the genre’s relationship to hip-hop’s roots. Some critics raised concerns about the increasing presence of white artists and audiences, questioning whether this shift reflected a lack of awareness or respect for the culture’s Black origins. The conversation prompted many in the nerdcore community to reflect on representation, influence, and the responsibilities that come with engaging in a historically Black art form.<ref>{{cite news |last=Palopoli |first=Steve |title=Is White Rap Racist? MC Lars ignites controversy, rocks his anniversary |url=https://www.metrosiliconvalley.com/is-white-rap-racist/ |work=Metro Silicon Valley |date=February 24, 2010 |access-date=August 9, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/Other-Peoples-Property-Hip-Hop/dp/B001P80LB4/ |title=Other People's Property: A Shadow History of Hip-Hop in White America |author=Jason Tanz |date=2007 |website=Amazon.com |access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref>

Another layer of controversy within the nerdcore community centers on the personal behavior of some of its stars. Notably, [[mc chris]] faced backlash in 2012 when he had a fan ejected from a show over a critical tweet.<ref>Eakin, Marah (July 19, 2012). [https://www.avclub.com/mc-chris-kicks-fan-out-of-show-over-a-nasty-tweet-crie-1798232353 "MC Chris kicks fan out of show over a nasty tweet, cries about it"]. ''[[The A.V. Club]]''.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/wenjiazhao/2012/07/19/rapper-evicts-fan-from-show-due-to-tweet-pitchforks-and-apologies-follow/ |title=Rapper Evicts Fan From Show Due To Tweet; Pitchforks And Apologies Follow |publisher=Forbes |date=July 19, 2012 |access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref>

Additionally, in 2016, [[Alex Trebek]] faced backlash after calling the creators of a contestant's favorite music genre, nerdcore hip-hop, "losers" during a ''[[Jeopardy!]]'' episode. The contestant, Susan Cole, had shared her love for nerdcore, appreciating how it focuses on video games, science fiction, and other niche interests. Trebek’s comment, meant as a joke, sparked outrage on social media. Despite the controversy, Cole won $22,600 and returned for another episode.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/jeopardy-alex-trebek-losers-1201887940/ |title=Alex Trebek’s ‘Jeopardy!’ Remarks About Contestants’ Losses Spark Controversy |author= |date=October 18, 2016 |website=Variety |access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref> The incident would later resurface on social media during the [[COVID-19 lockdown]], leading fans to revisit the moment.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nypost.com/2020/04/23/alex-trebek-calling-jeopardy-contestant-a-loser-stuns-fans/ |title=Alex Trebek calling ‘Jeopardy!’ contestant a ‘loser’ stuns fans |author= |date=April 23, 2020 |website=New York Post |access-date=August 10, 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
{{wikiquote|Nerdcore hip hop}}
{{commons category|Nerdcore}}
* [[Alternative hip hop]]
* [[Chap hop]]

==References==
<references/>

==Further reading==
* {{cite book|chapter=Now Its Time for a Little Braggadocio|pages=161–174|first=Chris|last=Russell|title=Geek Rock: An Exploration of Music and Subculture|editor-first1=Alex|editor-last1=DiBlasi|editor-first2=Victoria|editor-last2=Willis|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2014|isbn=9781442229761}}
* {{cite book|chapter=Nerdcore hip-hop|pages=223–231|first=Amanda|last=Sewell|title=The Cambridge Companion to Hip-Hop|series=[[Cambridge Companions to Music]]|editor-first=Justin A.|editor-last=Williams|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=2015|isbn=9781107037465}}

{{hiphop}}
{{nerd music}}

[[Category:Nerdcore| ]]
[[Category:Hip-hop genres]]
[[Category:1990s in music]]
[[Category:2000s in music]]
[[Category:2010s in music]]