Final answer:
Early rap producers made producing records economical by using preexisting songs without paying for the appropriate rights, exemplified by the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" and Afrika Bambaataa’s work. This practice played a critical role in hip hop's development and its spread through stimulus diffusion, which led to distinctive regional styles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early rap producers made producing rap records economical primarily through the first option: using preexisting songs without paying for them. During the formative years of hip-hop, musicians and DJs created new works by manipulating vinyl on turntables and sampling beats and melodies from existing music. Due to the high costs associated with licensing music, many early rappers and producers often utilized these samples without securing the rights from the original artists, leading to a culture of remixing and repurposing that was foundational in the genre's growth.
The iconic track "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang is an excellent case in point. The group used a bassline from Chic's "Good Times" without originally obtaining permission, showcasing how hip-hop music leveraged existing material to create something new and exciting. Similarly, artists like Afrika Bambaataa often incorporated elements from multiple songs to create new pieces, helping to develop the art of sampling that remains a core aspect of hip-hop production today.
As hip hop transcended its Bronx origins through stimulus diffusion, locally adapted styles emerged in other regions like New Jersey and Los Angeles, each adding their unique twist to the original blueprint. This adaptation process highlights how rap, as a cultural movement, was not just music but also a reflection of localized social contexts and issues.