An Analysis Of The Golden Age Of Hip Hop

By Matthew Barnes


When asked what they remember about the late 80s and early 90s, many people may talk about different things. In the music industry, however, many recognize the era as the golden age of hip hop. It was during this time that some rappers rose to fame and became household names.

Some albums that got churned back in the day still get lots of airtime on radio and TV stations to date. Back then, a large percentage of the artists engaged in mainstream music operated from New York City. A new touch was integrated in modern music thanks to the diversity ingrained in the genre.

Many artists made their first leaps during this time. They include LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, the Jungle Brothers and Slick Rick just to name a few. The albums released by these artists topped the charts at the time and defined rap music for future generations. Towards the end of the 90s, artists such as Dr. Dre and Eminem picked up where their mentors left.

Many ardent music fans recognize the era for the innovation it brought into the industry. The genre was reinvented at the turn of every new hit single. Unlike what happens these days, groundbreaking albums would be produced month after month back then.

The innovation brought about by the music genre also brought change to the beats and messages delivered in lyrics. Artists started to infuse faster rhymes and beats in their works. This was made possible with advancement in production technology. Many black rappers also infused anti racism messages in their hits.

One unique aspect of the era is the massive sampling that producers did. New kinds of patterns, riffs and beats came up in quick succession. This created a new breed of DJs and music producers who did not require formal training to do their work. The sampling integrated in hip hop was largely influenced by jazz, funk, soul and rock n roll.

Because many types of beats were being tested by producers, rapping techniques advanced rapidly. Rappers like Rakim, Chuck D, KRS One and Big Daddy Kane quickly gained adulation for their unique rapping capabilities. In the years to come, many music pundits regarded them as phenomenal. With creativity at an all time high, fans had very little to complain about.

While some artists loved to glorify themselves in their lyrics, many conveyed messages of social protest. Issues such as politics, drug abuse, religion, culture, domestic violence and crime got much coverage. By covering these messages in their music, artists gained international recognition.

The massive sampling being done by produces eventually resulted in a myriad of lawsuits. Copyright cases were filed by recording labels against each other. With many suits won, producers gradually embraced the reality of creating unique styles.

Most of the hits produced today have a lot to credit to the pioneers of the genre. While many musicians today focus their subjects on self glorification, there is a growing need to address recurring social issues. With music, important messages can be put across to the masses.




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