Dre was also a co-founder and co-president of the well-known label Death Row Records and managed and produced for some of the greatest hip-hop artists of the ‘90s and 2000s, including 2Pac, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and 50 Cent. Winning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance for the single “Let Me Ride,” Dr. Dre, still considered one of the greatest hip-hop performers and producers of all time, released his solo debut studio album, The Chronic, in 1992. Although often criticized for the latter, Ice Cube became one of the most respected MCs (masters of ceremonies) in hip-hop.ĭr. Ice Cube’s funky-bass ’90s hip-hop songs featured on his debut solo album AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted and later, on his Death Certificate and Predator albums, stood out for the sharp social commentary and offensive language. Post-N.W.A., two of its members, Ice Cube and performer-producer Dr. In 2016, the album became the first rap album inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. N.W.A., calling themselves “the world’s most dangerous group,” released their debut album Straight Outta Compton (1988) to great public response: it became the first hip-hop album to win a platinum certification, with one million copies sold at the time. As an outlet for airing out life’s daily struggles, gangsta rap disrespected women and glorified guns, crime, and drugs, all while often touching on topics like police brutality and racial profiling. Gangsta rap music was born in Compton, a small city south of LA, and it came to life through the five-man collective N.W.A. Although the music style and the location were fresh elements, the lyrical concerns and socio-political frustrations stayed the same across geographies. ’80s hip-hop born on the East Coast was becoming a staple of radio channels as the decade was coming to a close - and on the West Coast, a new subgenre was taking shape. Smith (1995), which include referential hip-hop classics still popular today. Two of the artist’s finest music releases are Mama Said Knock You Out (1990) and Mr. With perseverance, skill, and charisma, LL built a solid, time-spanning career that also included film roles. Ī gifted lyricist and a six-packed charmer, LL Cool J stepped into the spotlight at age 16 through Def Jam Recordings (which, to this day, is recognized as one of the most important record labels in hip-hop history). Aggressive when attacking every line, Rakim – admired by Nas and Eminem – provided a great example of intellectual and cultural wit through albums like Paid In Full (1987), Follow The Leader (1988), and Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em (1990). & Rakim, he was (and continues to be) considered one of the most technically skilled lyricists in the hip-hop industry. It was a place of intense competition, where stylistic differentiation, creative sampling, and lyrical mastery were essential for rappers to stand out. NYC was the golden age’s main backdrop and the stomping ground for artists like Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim, Chuck D, LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, De La Soul, Nas, 2Pac, the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Run-DMC. As the track’s title suggests, PE’s music is a shout for justice and corrective action - and became a blueprint for future political hip-hop, like Kendrick Lamar’s single “Alright” (2015). One of their most important songs, “Fight the Power” (1989), was initially conceived as part of the soundtrack for Do the Right Thing, director Spike Lee’s provocative film illustrating a day in the life of Black youth in Brooklyn. Public Enemy’s music, inspired by Run-DMC’s urban sounds, also crossed over into the film world. King’s birthday becoming a national holiday the following year. The song was popular enough to affect the state’s tourism revenue in a major way, ultimately contributing to Dr. It speaks of their frustration with the state of Arizona refusing to make Martin Luther King’s birthday a holiday. Their song “By the Time I Get to Arizona” (1991) exemplifies revolutionary hip-hop with cutting lyrics and sonically bold backdrops. Public Enemy is a perfect example of just how tight the relationship between music and culture became during this time.
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