The Best of 1980s Hip Hop Music
Contents
The Best of 1980s Hip Hop Music is a blog that covers the best Hip Hop songs from the 1980s.
Introduction
In the 1980s, hip hop music became a mainstream genre, with artists such as Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy, and N.W.A gaining commercial success. The sound of hip hop evolved during this decade, as sampling replaced live instrumentation and new musical styles such as jazz and soul were incorporated into the music. In the early 1980s, electro music was also popular, and this style had a significant impact on hip hop. By the end of the decade, hip hop had become one of the most popular genres in the United States.
Overview of the 1980s Hip Hop Scene
The 1980s was a decade that saw the rise of hip hop music. Artists like Run DMC, Public Enemy, and N.W.A. brought this new style of music to the mainstream. Hip hop would go on to become one of the most popular genres of music in the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best of 1980s hip hop music.
The Birth of Hip Hop
In the early 1980s, hip hop music was still in its infancy. Hip hop pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa and DJ Kool Herc were just beginning to experiment with the genre, blending together elements of disco, soul, and Jamaican toasting to create something new and exciting. By the mid-1980s, hip hop had exploded in popularity, with artists like Run DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy becoming household names. The genre continued to evolve throughout the decade, with artists like Beastie Boys and N.W.A pushing the boundaries of what hip hop could be. In the late 1980s, hip hop reached a commercial peak with artists like Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer achieving massive mainstream success.
The Golden Age of Hip Hop
In the 1980s, Hip Hop music began to diversify with the introduction of different styles such as electro, freestyle, and rap rock. Hip Hop culture also became more visible and mainstream with the increasing popularity of break dancing, graffiti art, and MCing (rapping). The music industry began to take notice of Hip Hop in the mid-1980s, and it soon became a commercialized Genre.
During this time, two distinct subgenres of Hip Hop emerged: East Coast Hip Hop and West Coast Hip Hop. East Coast Hip Hop was characterized by its hard-hitting beats and rhymes, while West Coast Hip Hop was defined by its laid-back style and party-centric themes. The competition and rivalry between these two subgenres would help to shape the Sound and culture of Hip Hop for years to come.
The New School Era
In the mid-1980s, a new generation of hip hop artists emerged. Rather than concentrating on street gangs and turf wars, they instead rapped about more personal issues such as party lifestyle, teenage pregnancy, and making it out of the ghetto. These artists were sometimes referred to as “new school” rappers. They included LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, Boogie Down Productions, EPMD, Jungle Brothers,De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Eric B. & Rakim.
The Best Hip Hop Albums of the 1980s
The 1980s was a decade of great hip hop music. Here are some of the best albums from that decade.
Run-D.M.C. – Raising Hell
Released in 1986, Raising Hell is the third studio album by the American hip hop group Run-D.M.C. The album was produced by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. It is considered to be one of the most influential hip hop albums of all time. The album’s success led to the popularity of hip hop music in the 1980s.
Public Enemy – It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
With their second album,PE took everything great about their debut and made it better. The beats are harder, the rhymes are sharper, and the overall feeling is more intense. In short, this is one of the most important hip-hop albums ever made.
N.W.A. – Straight Outta Compton
“Straight Outta Compton” is the debut studio album by American hip hop group N.W.A, released August 8, 1988 on Ruthless Records. Produced by Dr. Dre with co-production from DJ Yella, it is widely considered to be one of the groundbreaking albums in hip hop history, introducing a reality that had scarcely been heard up until that time. The album’s title track “Straight Outta Compton” became a rallying cry for young African Americans across the United States who related to the harsh realities of life in Compton, California.
The Best Hip Hop Songs of the 1980s
Hip Hop music originated in the 1970s, but it was the 1980s when it really took off. This was the decade when Hip Hop became a global phenomenon, with artists like Run DMC, Public Enemy, and N.W.A. leading the way. Let’s take a look at the best Hip Hop songs of the 1980s.
“Rapper’s Delight” – The Sugarhill Gang
“Rapper’s Delight” was released in 1979 by hip hop group the Sugarhill Gang. The song is credited with helping to popularize the hip hop genre and is widely regarded as one of the best hip hop songs of all time. It peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
“The Breaks” – Kurtis Blow
One of the earliest hits of the 1980s hip hop music scene, Kurtis Blow’s “The Breaks” is a classic party anthem. Featuring a catchy bassline and fun lyrics, the song is still popular today and has been covered by many artists.
“Fight the Power” – Public Enemy
“Fight the Power” is a song by American hip hop group Public Enemy, released as a single in June 1989 on Motown Records. The song was written and produced by group member Chuck D with assistance from Hank Shocklee and Sikhularum Naiyandi. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential songs in hip hop history.
The song’s musicsample of “Funky Drummer” by James Brown, as well as several horn samples, established it as one of the most acclaimed tracks in hip hop. The song’s message encourages African Americans to stand up against racism and fight for their rights. “Fight the Power” peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart and remains one of the most popular and well-known rap songs of all time.
Conclusion
When it comes to hip hop music, the 1980s is often considered the golden age. This was the decade when the genre first emerged and began to gain mainstream popularity. Many of the biggest and most influential names in hip hop started their careers during this decade, including Run-DMC, Public Enemy, and N.W.A.
If you’re a fan of hip hop music, then the 1980s is definitely a decade worth exploring. There are so many great artists and songs to discover. And, if you’re looking for a place to start, then be sure to check out our list of the best 1980s hip hop songs.
