The Golden Age of Hip Hop refers to roughly the mid eighties up to the late nineties when Hip Hop, in this sense the rapping and beatmaking aspect of it, was known and appreciated for its Lyrical content (MCing or Emceeing) its musical depth and its stark differentiation from other musical genres of the day. Influenced by earlier forms of music such as R and B, Jazz and The Blues; Hip Hop during this time matured and touched upon many political and social issues affecting urban America which overwhelmingly focused on the African American experience of ghettos, gang life, drugs, black identity, poverty and racism. This era is known for the flourishing of different regional styles and a freeing up of the manner in which rap music was written, composed and performed these regional styles contributed to much tension and rivalry as well. This friction was exploited by record companies to boost interest and sales. It is this rivalry along with other factors that led to a decline and eventual end of the Golden Age.
Some of the Most popular artists who helped define the era include: Run DMC, LL Cool J, Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, A Tribe Called Quest, Eric B & Rakim, Public Enemy, MC Lyte, KRS-ONE, NWA, Cypress Hill, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G, Geto Boys, Big Punisher.
Hip Hop to many fans is still very much about the quality of its content which developed during the Golden Age. As shown through the use of such vocal and lyrical devices such as using: metaphors, similes, storytelling, clever cadences, changes in tempo and word play. Modern artists talented in the application of the aforementioned vocal and lyrical devices are still very popular but have moved away from what is considered the mainstream which receives the most tv and radio airtime.
The trend in contemporary Hip Hop has become one in which the importance of image and "club friendliness" has become the defining factors and lyricism has ceased to be as important. Hip Hop has a much more Pop vibe and emphasis on material objects and hedonistic pursuits have become the main subject matter. Interestingly, Hip Hop during the early to mid eighties was also known for its rappers rhyming about self promotion and oppulent lifestyles, the Golden Age marked a shift away from that aspect of Hip Hop music.
Some of the Most popular artists who helped define the era include: Run DMC, LL Cool J, Kool Moe Dee, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, A Tribe Called Quest, Eric B & Rakim, Public Enemy, MC Lyte, KRS-ONE, NWA, Cypress Hill, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G, Geto Boys, Big Punisher.
Hip Hop to many fans is still very much about the quality of its content which developed during the Golden Age. As shown through the use of such vocal and lyrical devices such as using: metaphors, similes, storytelling, clever cadences, changes in tempo and word play. Modern artists talented in the application of the aforementioned vocal and lyrical devices are still very popular but have moved away from what is considered the mainstream which receives the most tv and radio airtime.
The trend in contemporary Hip Hop has become one in which the importance of image and "club friendliness" has become the defining factors and lyricism has ceased to be as important. Hip Hop has a much more Pop vibe and emphasis on material objects and hedonistic pursuits have become the main subject matter. Interestingly, Hip Hop during the early to mid eighties was also known for its rappers rhyming about self promotion and oppulent lifestyles, the Golden Age marked a shift away from that aspect of Hip Hop music.
"we're taking it back to the Golden Age (Golden Age of Hip Hop) when wack motherfuckers used to get thrown off stage"
-Immortal Technique from the song Obnoxious
-Immortal Technique from the song Obnoxious
by DANNY The BOSS December 3, 2007
Get the Golden Age of Hip Hop mug.A large land-dwelling mammal that has remained within the boundaries of underground hip hop, and master of the 4 elements of Hip Hop, BBoy, MC, DJ, and Tagger.
This is a true beast that spits true history and knowledge of hip hop, which is now decaying due to the media.
Spits better than Lil Wayne and 50 Pesos.
He does not conform to mainstream. True people of hip hop got mad respect for this dope cat.
This is a true beast that spits true history and knowledge of hip hop, which is now decaying due to the media.
Spits better than Lil Wayne and 50 Pesos.
He does not conform to mainstream. True people of hip hop got mad respect for this dope cat.
Damn! It's Hiphopopotamus!
by BBoy Preacher December 16, 2008
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by wwwwoooooooo! August 27, 2006
Get the hip hop mug.a music style created in the late seventies.what was once a cool underground movement has now mutated into corporate sexist garbage. the hip hop "artists" are more concerned about making money through image, trendy clothing styles and heavy commercialization. Not all but MOST do not care so much about making good music only to be rich and and fanous. They achieve multi platinum albums through their image and being heaviy promoted and not from musical content. hip hop is nearly dead. It has lost almost all of its aesthetics because people are doing it to be trendy. one day there will be an artist (from rock rap or even reggaeton) that will deystroy this garbage on Mtv.
by someone that likes good music December 2, 2005
Get the hip hop mug.Hip.Hop is Self-expression.
An outlet of emotion through four Major elements, MCing, DJing, Breaking, and Graffiti writing.
Hip.Hop is Art.
Hip.Hop is a Lifestyle.
Hip.Hop is a Culture, not under the authority of any one man or group of men, to be rendered or declared as such.
Hip.Hop cannot die, it lives in the heart and soul of every true MC, DJ, B-boy, and Graffiti Writer.
Hip.Hop is a Motivation.
Hip.Hop is not partial to any race, ethnicity, age, or gender
Hip.Hop is a Savior.
An outlet of emotion through four Major elements, MCing, DJing, Breaking, and Graffiti writing.
Hip.Hop is Art.
Hip.Hop is a Lifestyle.
Hip.Hop is a Culture, not under the authority of any one man or group of men, to be rendered or declared as such.
Hip.Hop cannot die, it lives in the heart and soul of every true MC, DJ, B-boy, and Graffiti Writer.
Hip.Hop is a Motivation.
Hip.Hop is not partial to any race, ethnicity, age, or gender
Hip.Hop is a Savior.
by C.O.Sound January 16, 2010
Get the Hip.Hop mug.by deejay b. b. screwanova September 19, 2009
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