From the beginning it seems, the terms "Rap" and "Hip-Hop" have been used interchangeably by the mainstream but they are distinct. While Rap refers primarily to a form of music or vocal performance, Hip-Hop is widely considered an entire culture. It's a way of being in the world. On a technical level there are 4 elements involved in Hip-Hop culture - emceeing (or "rapping"), DJing, B-Boying, and Tagging (i.e. graffiti).