80s Hip Hop: The Greatest Hits You Need To Know

by Jhon Lennon 48 views

Hey music lovers, are you ready to take a trip back in time? Let's dive deep into the golden era of hip hop, the 1980s! This was a period of incredible innovation, where the genre exploded from the streets of New York to become a global phenomenon. We're talking about the decade that gave us some of the most iconic sounds, styles, and artists that still influence music today. Get ready to explore the 80s hip hop greatest hits. This is the definitive guide to the beats, rhymes, and cultural impact that defined a generation. So, crank up the volume and let the good times roll!

The Birth of a Culture: Understanding 80s Hip Hop

Alright, before we get to the music, let's set the scene, shall we? The 1980s were a time of major social and technological shifts. The rise of hip hop wasn't just about music; it was a cultural revolution. It was the voice of a generation, primarily young, Black, and Latino communities, expressing their experiences, hopes, and struggles. The genesis of hip hop can be traced to the Bronx, New York, where DJs like Kool Herc pioneered the art of isolating instrumental breaks and looping them to extend the dance floor's energy. Early pioneers used turntables, mixers, and a whole lot of creativity to shape the sound of a new form of music. The use of sampling became an art form, with DJs and producers using snippets of funk, soul, and rock to create unique soundscapes. Alongside the DJs, emcees emerged, rapping over the beats and adding their unique voices and storytelling abilities. This partnership between DJs and emcees became the foundation of hip hop culture.

But it wasn't just about the music. Hip hop brought with it new forms of dance, like breakdancing, and visual art, such as graffiti. This holistic approach to art and self-expression made hip hop a powerful force. This era saw the birth of influential record labels like Sugar Hill Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Profile Records, which became instrumental in bringing hip hop to a wider audience. These labels provided a platform for artists to record and distribute their music, leading to a rise in popularity. The media also played a crucial role in spreading hip hop culture. Movies like Wild Style and Beat Street, along with the show Yo! MTV Raps, introduced hip hop to the masses. These influences helped create a culture that spread beyond New York and eventually to the whole world.

Iconic Tracks: The 80s Hip Hop Greatest Hits You Can't Miss

Now, let's get to the good stuff: the music. The 1980s gave us an unbelievable catalog of hits, tracks that are still celebrated and played today. These songs defined the genre and shaped its future, making them the 80s hip hop greatest hits. These iconic tracks are not only catchy but are also historical pieces of art. The message in the music brought people together. Let's take a look at some of the best songs of this decade:

  • Rapper's Delight by The Sugarhill Gang (1979): Ok, technically this one came out in late '79, but it set the stage for the entire decade. It was the first hip-hop song to break into the mainstream, and it introduced the world to the infectious energy of hip hop. It was a lengthy track that showcased the skills of multiple emcees, with memorable verses and a repetitive chorus. This song's influence cannot be overstated; it opened the doors for hip hop to reach a broader audience.
  • The Message by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five (1982): This song was more than just a hit; it was a watershed moment for hip hop. With its stark, realistic lyrics about the harsh realities of urban life, it moved hip hop into the realm of social commentary. Its somber mood and detailed storytelling were revolutionary in their time. The impact of The Message extended far beyond the music charts, influencing artists across genres and inspiring a new wave of socially conscious music.
  • Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force (1982): This track was a game-changer. It blended electronic music with hip-hop beats, creating a futuristic sound that was completely new. Its innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines set the stage for electro-hop. Its influence can be heard in everything from early house music to modern hip-hop production.
  • Rock Steady Crew's (Hey You) Rock Steady Crew (1983): Breakdancing, a fundamental element of hip hop culture, got its soundtrack through this song. This song had a catchy rhythm and the music video went viral at a time when music videos were just taking off. This track became a cultural anthem. Its success highlighted the intersection of music and dance within the hip hop community.
  • It's Tricky by Run-DMC (1986): Run-DMC was one of the first groups to achieve mainstream success, and It's Tricky is one of their most popular songs. With its heavy beats, rock-influenced guitar riffs, and catchy rhymes, it showed the world the power of hip hop. Their aggressive style and hard-hitting sound set them apart, and they became one of the most influential groups of the era.
  • Walk This Way by Run-DMC ft. Aerosmith (1986): This collaboration was a groundbreaking moment. They brought together hip hop and rock in a way that had never been done before, breaking down barriers between genres. The music video helped the song to break into the mainstream. This song not only introduced hip hop to a wider audience but also demonstrated the genre's ability to cross cultural boundaries.
  • Parents Just Don't Understand by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (1988): This song, with its humorous take on the generation gap, captured the hearts of a wide audience. Its storytelling, mixed with catchy beats, made it a huge hit. The song was a massive success, helping to bring hip hop to a wider audience.
  • Fight the Power by Public Enemy (1989): Public Enemy brought a politically charged voice to hip hop. With their aggressive sound and strong lyrics, they used their music to fight against racism and social injustice. It was an anthem for a generation. Its message of resistance and empowerment made it an essential protest song.

These tracks, along with many others, are the foundation of 80s hip hop greatest hits, representing the creativity and cultural impact of the decade.

Influential Artists: The Architects of the 80s Hip Hop Sound

Behind every great hit are the artists who made them. The 1980s saw the rise of many talented emcees, DJs, and producers who helped shape the sound of hip hop. These artists weren't just musicians; they were cultural innovators who helped to create hip hop music. Here are some of the most influential names:

  • Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five: They are true pioneers who helped to create many of the key elements of hip hop. Their storytelling style of rap, combined with Grandmaster Flash's skills on the turntables, set a new standard for hip hop.
  • Run-DMC: They broke down barriers by blending hip hop with rock. Their hard-hitting style and iconic image made them one of the most recognizable groups of the decade. They were a commercial success and helped bring hip hop to a wider audience.
  • Afrika Bambaataa: A DJ and cultural figure, he helped to popularize hip hop culture. He was known for his eclectic mix of music. He promoted peace, unity, and having fun, and he encouraged people to come together through music.
  • Public Enemy: Their political lyrics and revolutionary sound made them a powerful voice of protest. They were known for their uncompromising approach to social issues and helped to inspire a new generation of activists.
  • LL Cool J: He was one of the first rappers to achieve mainstream success, and his combination of rap and R&B helped to define the style. He became a style icon.
  • The Sugarhill Gang: They scored the first major hip hop hit with