IN THE 80S
Rap offically started in the mid-1970s in New York City but didn't really get any nationwide attention until the 1980s. As the 80s started Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" was a moderate hit in dance clubs, but as the decade ended MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice were at the top of the charts, both selling millions of records. I know I could never list all of the rap artists of the 80s, so I've just listed some that had an impact on my life at the time. Also, these are just alphabetized by the first letter of the artist's first name to avoid confusion.
Afrika Bambaataa - One of the pioneers of rap, Afrika was also the first rapper to collaberate with James Brown.
Beastie Boys - They were the first very successful white rap group, with their first hit being "Fight For Your Right (To Party)". They started out as little punk kids who didn't give a damn, and have grown into a group with a consciousness. I think I prefer the little punk kids.
Big Daddy Kane - "Ain't No Half Steppin'", "I Get The Job Done", and "Lean On Me" were his popular videos.
Biz Markie - Biz continues to be one of the funniest rappers in the business. Who could forget "Just A Friend" or "Vapors"?
Boogie Down Productions - KRS-One was one of the first rappers to use "Edutainment" (in his words) to both educate and entertain his audience. D-Nice, D-Square, Miss Melody and (in the early days) the late Scott LaRock were also in the group.
Busy Bee – This early rapper is most known for his role in the first rap/break dancing movie, Wild Style.
Cameo - Word Up! HEY!
Chicago Bears Shufflin’ Crew - Even though they only had one single, I had to include them on this list to show how rap affected nearly everything in the 80s. We saw all sorts of people rapping who shouldn't have been, including football players.
Chubb Rock - "Treat Em Right" was the popular video from this (you guessed it) chubby rapper.
Coke La Rock – According to what I read, he is the first "official" MC who rapped with DJ Kool Herc.
Cold Crush Brothers - DJ Tony Tone, Easy AD, DJ Charlie Chase, Grandmaster Caz, Almighty KG and JDL were all part of one of the first rap "crews". They were also a big part of Wild Style.
Def Jef - "Give It Here"
De La Soul - Trugoy The Dove, Posdnuos, and PA Pasemaster Mase (Plugs 1, 2 and 3) came out with a "softer" side of rap when Gangsta Rap was becoming popular. "Me, Myself & I" was their first hit.
Digital Underground - Using innovative samples, their debut album "Sex Packets" was a big success. I could never quite do "The Humpty Dance" correctly.
The D.O.C. - Once a member of the NWA, The D.O.C. was considered one of the best rappers in the game until he had an accident which ruined his voice.
Donald D - A member of Ice-T's Rhyme Syndicate crew, Donald D rapped on a few of Ice-T's early albums.
Doug E. Fresh – Known as "The Original Human Beat Box", Doug and Slick Rick (then known as MC Ricky D) had huge hits in the early break dancing days with their singles "La-Di-Da-Di" and "The Show". Doug recorded several albums since then, but did not reach the commercial success of his early work.
Eazy-E - Eazy was a member of the infamous NWA, along with having several solo albums. He passed away in 1995 shortly after announcing that he had AIDS.
Ed Lover & Dr. Dre - These two "Abbott & Costello's of rap" were the hosts of Yo! MTV Raps Today. On every Friday on that show viewers looked forward to the famous "Ed Lover Dance". They also released an album in 1994.
EPMD - "Erik and Parish Making Dollars" released several hit videos in the 80s, including "You Gots To Chill" and "Strictly Business".
Eric B & Rakim - One of the most talented and respected rappers of all time, Rakim (now without Eric B) continues to make records. Some of their popular videos were "Microphone Fiend" and "Juice (Know The Ledge)".
Fab 5 Freddy - Although Freddy never had a hit record he remains one of the most important figures in the early history of rap. He helped put the first hip-hop film "Wild Style" together and, of course, was the host of Yo! MTV Raps.
Fat Boys - Prince Markie Dee, Kool Rock-Ski and The Human Beat Box used to be known as The Disco Three. In 1984 they changed their name and went on to have a couple of hit records and star in the films "Krush Groove" and "Disorderlies". The Human Beat Box (Darren Robinson) died of a heart attack in 1995.
Gang Starr - "Words I Manifest"
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - Grandmaster Flash was one of the most influential and innovative DJs in the business. Some of the group's more known hits are "White Lines" and "The Message".
MC Hammer - "U Can't Touch This". Although Hammer started in the 80s, he didn't really make it big until the year 1990. His album "Please Hammer Don't Hurt Em" sold 25 million copies and stayed on the chart for 21 weeks. I used to work at a small record store at that time and we couldn't keep the album in stock, we must've sold about 20 a day. Unfortunately, it seemed that he lost his popularity almost as fast as he got it. We've all seen the VH-1 special where he.....STOP!!! HAMMER TIME!!
Heavy D - Big guys who rap seem to be the only people in show business that are proud of their fatness, enough to call themselves "Fat", "Heavy", "Chubby", "Big", etc. I think it would be great if Oprah, for example, started calling herself "Heavy O". Anyway, his hits included "Now That We Found Love" and "Girls They Love Me".
Ice-T - Ice-T is known as the father of "Gangsta Rap", being the first to bring this style to the mainstream. He would rap about the violence and the reality of living in South Central Los Angeles, while the popular rappers of the time were mainly rapping about themselves. The song "Cop Killer", by his band Body Count, got the attention of the FBI and the President. Because of all of the controversy, Ice subsequently removed the song from the album.
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - These guys ended up being known as the "nice guys of rap", with their hits "Parents Just Don't Understand" and "Girls Ain't Nothin' But Trouble". Jazzy Jeff is working on his new solo album to be released in 2002. I have no idea what The Fresh Prince has been up to.
J.J. Fad - "See, the J is for Just, the other for Jammin', the F is for Fresh, A-And, D-Def"-Supersonic. Now you don't have to ask what JJ Fad means anymore.
Jungle Brothers - "Straight Out Of The Jungle" and "I'll House You" were the popular videos from this group.
Kid Capri - Kid Capri is arguably the most popular DJ in the world (and also my personal favorite). He started out in New York City being a DJ at parties and also selling mix tapes of his work. His reputation quickly spread and before long he was working with some of the top names in the rap business. He is probably most known for his work on Russell Simmon's Def Comedy Jam.
Kid-N-Play - "Oh La, Oh La, Aaaa..." These guys were known for their fun, party, dance songs. They also starred in several House Party movies. Kid also had the highest "high-top fade" that I have ever seen. I've seen him recently hosting info-mercials and a pay-per-view comedy series.
King Tee - One of the earliest west coast "Gangsta Rappers".
Kool G Rap & DJ Polo - "Road To The Riches" was the popular video from this duo who featured a unique (though unintentional) style of rapping. Kool G Rap had a bad problem with his speech, and would often slur his words. Although sometimes annoying, you would always know who it was when you heard one of their songs.
Kool Herc - This DJ is known as being the forefather of rap music. He was the first to use a style of mixing records from two turntables to create a continuous beat. Being too busy mixing the records to talk to the crowd like other DJs would do at parties, he had to have someone else be the Master of Ceremonies for him. This spawned the DJ and MC style that evolved into the multi-billion dollar rap industry.
Kool Moe Dee - "Wild Wild West" and "How Ya Like Me Now" were some of his hits. He was also known for his feud with LL Cool J (who wasn't?) and for his large shades that he never took off.
Kurtis Blow - One of the earliest popular MCs, Kurtis Blow's hits included "The Breaks" and "Basketball".
LL Cool J - "Ladies Love Cool James" was the first artist on the now legendary Def Jam label. Some of his first hits were "Radio" and "I'm Bad", and he's consistantly had hit records to this day. He's also known for his verbal battles with many rappers, including Kool Moe Dee and Ice-T.
MC Lyte - "Lyte As A Rock" was her first video, and she also appeared in the Stop The Violence Movement video "Self Destruction".
Marley Marl - Marlon Williams is a legendary producer and DJ who's worked with many 80s rappers, including LL Cool J and Eric B & Rakim.
Monie Love - "Monie In The Middle" was her first video, but she is probably most known for her work in Queen Latifah's "Ladies First".
Newcleus – "Jam On It."
Nice & Smooth - "Sometimes I Rhyme Slow" was the hit video from Gregg Nice and Smooth Bee.
NWA - "Ni**az With Attitude" changed the face of rap in 1988 when their "Straight Outta Compton" album was released. Although Ice-T was the first to break through with Gangsta Rap, NWA pushed it to it's limit. The group (Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren, The D.O.C., & DJ Yella) received nationwide attention when the FBI investigated their song "F**k Tha Police". Ice Cube soon left the group, stating that they were getting ripped off by their manager. The group disbanded when Dr. Dre and Eazy-E had a falling out a few years later. There is constant talk of a reunion album with Snoop Dogg replacing the late Eazy-E, but it seems less and less likely as time goes on.
Oaktown 3-5-7 - Sweet LD and Terrible T started out as dancers for MC Hammer. The had some moderately successful videos, including "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" and "Juicy Gotcha Crazy".
Public Enemy - Public Enemy (Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Terminator X, Professor Griff & The S1Ws) were considered by some to be very controversial because of their "pro-black" lyrical content. I, personally, think they are one of the best rap groups of all time. With Chuck D's serious intelligent raps, Flavor Flav's funny style, and Terminator X's DJ skills, it was the perfect combination. Chuck D often described the chemistry of the group by saying that "I'm the meat, and Flav's the Kool-Aid". I agree.
Queen Latifah - Latifah had early hits with "Ladies First" and "Dance For Me". She later starred in several movies and the TV series "Living Single".
Redhead Kingpin & The FBI - "Do The Right Thing" and "Pump It Hottie" were some of the videos from this (cleverly named) rapper with a red afro.
Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock - "It Takes Two" was played approximately every 3.2 seconds thruout 1988 and 1989. It was constantly on the radio and on MTV. I'm sure it was played at every club, party and school dance as well. DJs still play the song at clubs when they need to get the crowd moving. The group had some follow up hits, including "Joy and Pain", but never matched the success of their first hit.
Run-DMC - Run, DMC, and Jam Master Jay drastically changed the face of rap when they came on the scene. Their album "Raising Hell" was the first rap album to crossover and be a huge success. The list of firsts for this group is amazing: first rap album to go Gold (then Platinum), first rap group on MTV, first rap group to be nominated for a Grammy, first rap group on the cover of Rolling Stone, and first rap group on Saturday Night Live and American Bandstand. And who could forget the first rap/rock crossover hit (with Aerosmith, of course) "Walk This Way"? This single and video further broke down the barriers between rap and rock. Run-DMC are, without a doubt, the most important group in the history of rap. On October 30, 2002 Jason Mizell (Jam Master Jay) was killed in his studio in Queens, NY. The music world has truly lost a pioneer and a legend. There are a million things I could say about this but I'll leave the last quote to DMC (taken from the VH-1 Big In 2002 Awards):"...the one thing we always wanted to do...was bring smiles to people's faces. So, when you think of Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay, for his legacy, just keep smiling...that's what it's about."
Salt N Pepa - Salt, Pepa, and Spinderella were one of the first female rap groups to become commercially successful. They had several videos that were constantly played on MTV, including "Push It", "Shake Your Thang", "Do You Want Me", and "Expression".
Sir Mix-A-Lot - Mr. Sir is obviously most known for his hit "Baby Got Back". I enjoyed his previous record "Posse On Broadway" but it wasn't as big of a success as his "butt song".
Slick Rick – This one-eyed rapper (then called Ricky D) released some popular singles in the early 80s with Doug E. Fresh. He also had a moderate hit with "Children's Story", which was later turned into the Montell Jorden song "This Is How We Do It".
Stop The Violence Movement - This was a movement started by KRS One to help stop gang violence. Alot of rappers (including Kool Moe Dee, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Heavy D, and Chuck D) got together and performed on the song "Self Destruction".
Sugarhill Gang - Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike and Master Gee were the first rap group to have a hit single with "Rapper's Delight", which, at that time, became the highest selling 12 inch single ever. There was some controversy as to who wrote some of Hank's lyrics, rumor has it many of his rhymes were just taken from the Cold Crush Brothers. Regardless of this, "Rapper's Delight" is a very important rap record and it is still played frequently in dance clubs.
3rd Bass - MC Serch and Pete Nice were one of the few white rap acts that had the respect of most of the rap community. The use of clever rhymes and catchy beats were a memorable part of their style. Their video "Gas Face" dissed MC Hammer while their video "Pop Goes The Weasel" went on to diss Vanilla Ice. Perhaps if they just tried to get by on their talents instead of dissing everyone they would have made a bigger name for themselves.
Tone Loc - Tone Loc's short lived success came with his hit "Wild Thing", which sampled "Jamies Cryin" by Van Halen. His next single, "Funky Cold Medina" sampled KISS's "Christine Sixteen" (among others).
A Tribe Called Quest - Q-Tip, Phife, Ali, and Jarobi put together great, laid back beats over really cool rhymes to make some classic rap records. Although their first album didn't come out until 1990, I still think of them as being part of the 80s rap scene.
2 Live Crew - More known for their vulgarity then anything else, 2 Live Crew had the honor of being the only group whose album caused the arrest of a record store employee. That's right, (in America!) someone was actually arrested and fined $1000 for selling 2 Live Crew's "As Nasty As They Wanna Be" to adults. I never really liked 2 Live Crew but this arrest actually disgusted me more then their album did.
UTFO - Educated Rapper, Mixmaster Ice, Doctor Ice, and Kangol Kid released the successful "Roxanne, Roxanne" in 1984. This spawned several other "Roxanne" records by other groups.
Vanilla Ice - Even though he didn't make it big until 1990, I had to include Vanilla Ice on this list. His album "To The Extreme" went on to sell 15 million records. However, almost as soon as he made it big, he became the victim of alot of criticism from fans and critics. I, for one, didn't think he deserved the overwhelming ridicule he received. He has lately released some hardcore/rap albums and continues to tour with a full band.
Whodini - An early 80s group, Whodini is most known for their hits "Friends" and "Freaks Come Out At Night".
Young MC - Known as a "nice, clean rapper", Young MC had a huge hit with "Bust A Move", featuring Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) on bass.
Compiled by Brian
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