DJ Kool Herc- Let Me Clear My Throat
DJ Kool Herc is regarded as the father of Hip Hop. He is said to be the first to discover that a drum beat could be isolated and looped to create a cool dance beat. By throwing block parties on his block Sedgewick Avenue, Kool Herc pioneered the Hip Hop movement and helped it spread throughout the South Bronx. The song below is one of his most well-known tracks and continues to play at block parties and cookouts around New York City. It is an excellent example of how a DJ calls a crowd to action, amping them up and giving them what they ask for. It also shows how Kool Herc would loop the beat sections and the repetitive form of early Hip Hop, which worked to give break dancers something to follow.
Afrika Bambaataa- Planet Rock
Afrika Bambaataa is often referred to as the godfather of Hip Hop or the Amen Rah of Hip Hop. He is credited with outlining the four principles of the Hip Hop culture (B-Boying, Graffiti, Rapping, and DJing) as well as creating the Universal Zulu Nation. The Zulu Nation which was once known simply as The Organization began as the street gang the Black Spades but soon became a Hip Hop awareness group, it now works to spread Hip Hop culture internationally. The track below is one of Afrika Bambaataa’s signature works and is extremely demonstrative of the way he would blend contemporary Hip Hop elements with electronic elements. This would later be recognized as the beginning of electro funk.
Eric B. and Rakim- Follow the Leader
Although from Long Island, NY and not the South Bronx, Eric B. and Rakim are regarded as one of the most influential Hip Hop groups during the 1980s and beyond. They are true examples of early Rap Music. Attentive listening will reveal several jazz elements in the track below, as well as electro and funk influence and the looping of the drum beat.
RUN DMC – King of Rock
As Hip Hop surged through the nation, Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell discovered the turntable at age 13 in 1978. By 14, like many other DJs of his time he would play at local parties and parks. In 1981, RUN DMC was established by Jam Master Jay with Joseph “RUN” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and soon became a national sensation with their signature look and strong lyrical talent. By the 80s, Hip Hop had hit the national main stream market, released in 1985 the below song was quickly certified Gold. By 1997, it had been certified Platinum.
A Tribe Called Quest- Electric Relaxation
A Tribe Called Quest is recognized for their unique approach to rap music by employing jazz infused soundscapes to Afro centric rhymes, without the more common aggressive attitude associated with hip-hop, A Tribe Called Quest was largely responsible for the popularity of a new genre that dominated the East Coast sound of the early 1990s. Queens, New York natives Q-Tip , Phife Dawg , and Ali Shaheed Muhammad of Brooklyn, formed ATCQ in 1985. ATCQ was a decisive and welcomed tangent of jazz, bass-heavy rhythmic vibes and eclectic sampling when compared to the signature soul loops, breaks and vocals of most Hip Hop groups of their time. Lyrically, emcees Q-Tip and Phife Dawg addressed social issues relevant to young blacks such as use of the n word and its relevance, date rape and other interpersonal relationships, industry politics and consumerism with infectious energy and fun and having a good time while still promoting positivity.
Public Enemy – Fight the Power
Formed in 1982 in Long Island, NY, Public Enemy consisted of Chuck D, Flava Flav, DJ Lord, S1W group, Khari Wynn and Professor Griff. As exemplified by the below video, they were known for their politically charged lyrics, public criticism of the media, and concern for the struggle faced by the Black community. Their first four albums released during the late 1980s and 1990s were all certified either Gold or Platinum.
The Beastie Boys- (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)
Established originally as a punk band in 1981, the Beastie Boys consisted of Mike “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz. After releasing a few songs as a punk band, the group transitioned to Hip Hop in 1984 and found great success. In 1985, the Beastie Boys released their debut Hip Hop album Licensed to Ill which sold 22 million albums in the United States and 40 million albums worldwide. The group was unusual for the Hip Hop scene of the time, which consisted almost entirely of African- Americans. Hip Hop was considered (and is sometimes still considered) the cultural possession of the African- American community, but the Beastie Boys broke that barrier and is now regarded as one of the most influential Hip Hop groups of all time.
The videos (and their content) appearing on this page are not my property and are used as examples of Hip Hop music, solely for noncommercial purposes.
