The best of 80's hip hop music (2023)

The Best of 1980s Hip Hop Music is a blog about the best hip hop music of the 80s.

introduction

In the 1980s, hip-hop music became a popular genre, with artists like Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy, and N.W.A finding commercial success. The hip hop sound evolved during this decade as the sampler replaced live instrumentation and new styles of music such as jazz and soul were incorporated into the music. Electronic music was also popular in the early 1980s 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 in which hip hop music took off. Artists like Run DMC, Public Enemy and N.W.A. he brought this new style of music into the mainstream. Hip hop has become one of the most popular music genres in the world. In this article we take a look at the best hip hop music of the 80s.

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, combining elements of disco, soul and Jamaican toast to create something new and exciting. In the mid-1980s, hip-hop exploded in popularity, and artists like Run DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy became household names. The genre continued to evolve as the decade progressed, with artists like the Beastie Boys and N.W.A. pushing the boundaries of what hip-hop could be. Hip-hop reached a commercial peak in the late 1980s, with artists such as 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 has also become more visible and widespread with the growing popularity of break dancing, graffiti art, and MCing (rap). 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-oriented themes. The competition and rivalry between these two subgenres would help shape the sound and culture of hip hop for years to come.

The new school days

A new generation of hip-hop artists emerged in the mid-1980s. Instead of focusing on street gangs and turf wars, they delved into more personal issues like the party lifestyle, teenage pregnancy and getting out of the ghetto. These artists have sometimes been referred to as "new school" rappers. These included LL Cool J, 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 80's

The 1980s was a decade of great hip hop music. These are some of the best albums of this decade.

RunDMC. - Hell Ascending

Raising Hell, released in 1986, is the third studio album by American hip hop group Run-D.M.C. The album was produced by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. It is considered 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 will take a nation of millions to stop us

With their second album, EP took everything that was good about their debut and made it even better. The beats are heavier, the rhymes sharper and the overall feel more intense. In short, this is one of the most important hip-hop albums ever made.

JUNGE – Straight from Compton

Straight Outta Compton is the debut studio album by American hip hop group N.W.A, released on August 8, 1988 by Ruthless Records. Produced by Dr. Co-produced by DJ Yella, Dre is widely regarded as one of the seminal albums in hip-hop history, ushering in a reality that had barely been heard before. The album's title track, "Straight Outta Compton," became a rallying cry for young African Americans in the United States who identified with the harsh reality of life in Compton, California.

The best hip hop songs of the 80s

Hip hop music emerged in the 1970s, but it really took off in the 1980s. This was the decade when hip hop became a worldwide phenomenon, with artists like Run DMC, Public Enemy and N.W.A. open the way. Let's take a look at the best hip hop songs of the 80's.

"Rapper's Delight" - La pandilla de Sugarhill

"Rapper's Delight" was released in 1979 by the hip hop group Sugarhill Gang. The song is credited with helping popularize the hip hop genre and is widely considered one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time. It peaked at number 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

"The Breaks" - Kurtis Blow

One of the early hits of the '80s hip-hop music scene, Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks" is a classic party anthem. With a catchy bassline and funny lyrics, the song is still popular today and has been covered by many artists.

"Fight the Power" - Enemy of the State

"Fight the Power" is a song by American hip hop group Public Enemy, released as a single on Motown Records in June 1989. The song was written and produced by band member Chuck D with assistance from Hank Shocklee and Sikhularum Naiyandi. It is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential songs in hip hop history.

The song's musical sampling of James Brown's "Funky Drummer," along with several horn samples, made it one of hip-hop's most celebrated tracks. The song's message encourages African Americans to stand up against racism and fight for their rights. "Fight the Power" reached #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 are often referred to as the golden age. This was the decade when the genre emerged and gained popularity. Many of hip-hop's biggest and most influential names got their start during this decade, including Run-DMC, Public Enemy and N.W.A.

If you're a hip hop fan, it's definitely worth exploring the 1980s as there are so many great artists and songs to explore. And if you're looking for a starting point, be sure to check out our list of the best hip-hop songs of the '80s.