The Message

The Climax

by Sanni Brown

August 25, 2022

  Play Now [1:01:35]
Natalie Stewart (L) and Marsha Ambrosius perform as Floetry at Black Entertainment Television's 10th Anniversary Walk of Fame celebration honoring Smokey Robinson on October 9, 2004 in Washington D.C.
Natalie Stewart (L) and Marsha Ambrosius perform as Floetry at Black Entertainment Television's 10th Anniversary Walk of Fame celebration honoring Smokey Robinson on October 9, 2004 in Washington D.C. David S. Holloway/Getty Images

Someone on Twitter said modern songs don't have the big note like they used to. I immediately knew what they were referring to: It's the climax, or what's also known in hip hop as the hook. This week on The Message we're going to explore the climax and how it shows up in hip hop and R&B.

You'll hear music from Floetry, Common, Keyshia Cole, Lil Wayne, and more.

Program playlist

The Climax