Most hip-hop is based on music in 4/4 time, meaning there are 4 quarter notes per measure of music. Counting quarter notes is “1 2 3 4”. Subdividing that into 8th notes, while still counting the quarter notes at the same speed, gives you “1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and”. Triplets subdivide quarter notes into 3 while still counting the quarter notes at the same speed, so you can count “1 ee uh 2 ee uh 3 ee uh 4 ee uh”.
For singers, percussionists and melody instruments like lead guitar soloists, mixing those rhythmic feels is a great way to build interest and excitement. For listeners, especially people who aren’t familiar with the musical concepts involved, it seems to instantly change the feel of the underlying musical accompaniment and can seem as if the music is speeding up or slowing down even though it isn’t.
If you’re interested in the history of rappers using that particular flow, there is a Vox Earworm video about it that is pretty insightful.
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