TSD Celebrates, 50 years of HipHop! If you do hip-hop and don't know the history, you need to quit!
It's hard to believe that it has been 50 years since the birth of hip hop. The genre that was born out of the Bronx in the 1970s has since taken over the world with its unique style, sound, and culture. From the early days of block parties and DJ battles to the present-day multi-billion dollar industry, hip hop has come a long way. In this blog post, we'll take a look back at the history of hip hop and the ten greatest hip hop artists of all time.
History:
Hip hop was born in the Bronx in the 1970s. It started as a cultural movement that consisted of four key elements: MCing, DJing, breaking, and graffiti. The early days of hip hop were characterized by block parties where DJs would play records and MCs would rap over them. These parties were often held in abandoned buildings and parks, and they quickly gained popularity among young people in the Bronx.
In the early 1980s, hip hop began to gain national attention. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five released "The Message," a song that dealt with the harsh realities of inner-city life. This song marked a shift in the genre, as it showed that hip hop could be used as a tool for social commentary and political activism.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, hip hop continued to evolve. Artists like Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy pushed the boundaries of the genre and brought it to new heights. In the 2000s, hip hop became a mainstream force, with artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye West dominating the charts.
Ten Greatest Hip Hop Artists of All Time: (Arguable)
Notorious B.I.G. - With his smooth flow and vivid storytelling, Notorious B.I.G. is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Tupac Shakur - Known for his introspective lyrics and passionate delivery, Tupac Shakur was a true icon of the genre.
Jay-Z - With over 100 million records sold worldwide, Jay-Z is one of the most successful and influential hip hop artists of all time.
Nas - Nas is widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists in hip hop history, with a flow that is both poetic and powerful.
Eminem - Eminem's unique style and razor-sharp lyrics have earned him a place as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
Run-DMC - Run-DMC helped to popularize hip hop in the 1980s with their fusion of rock and rap, paving the way for future artists.
Public Enemy - Known for their politically charged lyrics and hard-hitting beats, Public Enemy helped to define the sound of hip hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Wu-Tang Clan - The Wu-Tang Clan's raw, gritty sound and clever wordplay made them one of the most influential groups in hip hop history.
Outkast - Outkast's innovative blend of funk, soul, and hip hop helped to redefine the genre in the 1990s and 2000s.
Kendrick Lamar - Kendrick Lamar is widely regarded as one of the greatest rappers of his generation, with a flow that is both introspective and socially conscious.
Conclusion:
Hip hop has come a long way since its early days in the Bronx. From the block parties of the 1970s to the global phenomenon it is today, hip hop has become an integral part of our culture. As we celebrate the genre's 50th anniversary, we can look back on the incredible artists and moments that have shaped its history, and look forward to the next 50 years!