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Five most influential rappers of the eighties and nineties

The 80s and early 90s saw the rise of rap music as a cultural phenomenon.

Published

2 years ago

March 30, 2023

Daily News Staff

man with dreadlocks and sunglasses poses near tupac shakur portrait — Photo by mali maeder on Pexels.com

The 80s and early 90s saw the rise of rap music as a cultural phenomenon. This period witnessed the emergence of groundbreaking rappers who not only changed the face of hip hop but also inspired the modern music industry. Here are the five most influential rappers from the 80s and early 90s who have left an indelible mark on the music scene.

Run-DMC

Run-DMC is often cited as the group that brought rap music into the mainstream. Their unique blend of rock and rap, along with their distinctive fashion style, made them a major force in the music industry. They were the first rap group to have a gold album, platinum album, and multi-platinum album. They also helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry and paved the way for future generations of hip hop artists.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J’s smooth rhyming style and charismatic persona established him as one of the most influential rappers of the 80s and early 90s. He was the first rapper to have a top ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and his iconic track “I Need Love” helped to popularize the concept of the love rap ballad. He also became a successful actor and entrepreneur, further cementing his status as a cultural icon.

Public Enemy

Public Enemy was known for their politically charged lyrics and revolutionary stance on social issues. Their groundbreaking album “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” is considered one of the greatest rap albums of all time. They also popularized the use of sampling and helped to establish the importance of the DJ in hip hop.

N.W.A

N.W.A’s controversial and provocative lyrics made them one of the most controversial and influential rap groups of all time. Their debut album “Straight Outta Compton” was a commercial and critical success, and helped to popularize the gangsta rap subgenre. They also launched the careers of several successful solo artists, including Dr. Dre and Ice Cube.

Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur was one of the most iconic and influential rappers of the 90s. His socially conscious lyrics and charismatic personality made him a cultural icon, and his tragic death only added to his legend. He released five albums during his short career, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed in his footsteps.

In conclusion, these five influential rappers from the 80s and early 90s paved the way for the modern music industry. Their unique styles and groundbreaking innovations helped to shape the sound and culture of hip hop, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.

This is not an official list of “the most influential rappers” from the era, there are definitely more than five. Post a comment and tell us who you would choose for this list… or would you extend it to ten or twenty?

For more reading on influential rappers of the 1980s and 90s, check out the links below:

https://www.britannica.com/art/hip-hop/Hip-hop-in-the-21st-century

https://www.cracked.com/image-pictofact-8029-15-hip-hop-pioneers-who-actually-changed-the-game

https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/music/info-2019/hip-hop-at-middle-age.html

https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

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Daily News Staff

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Related Topics:eighties nineties rappers

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Consumer Corner

Zelle Shuts Down Standalone App: Transitioning Users to Bank Platforms

Zelle’s standalone app ceased money transfers on April 1, 2025, requiring users to access the service via participating banks, enhancing security amid rising digital fraud.

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2025

Rod Washington

On April 1, 2025, Zelle, one of the most widely used digital payment services in the United States, officially shut down the money transferring services available on its standalone mobile app. While the service itself is not disappearing, many users will need to adapt to a new way of accessing this popular tool for peer-to-peer payments.

Why It Matters

Zelle has established itself as a key player in the peer-to-peer payment market. It facilitates instantaneous transfers without fees between bank accounts, making it a foundational tool for consumers and small businesses alike. The change primarily affects those who previously used the Zelle app independently of their bank’s app or website. Users will now need to re-enroll with one of the 2,200 participating banks or credit unions that offer Zelle via their digital banking platforms.

What Is Happening to the App?

Though the standalone Zelle app has closed its money transfer services, users will still be able to access it. The app now provides a directory of the over 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle. A recent press release indicates that the app will shift its focus to consumer education, particularly around scams and fraud prevention. According to an in-app alert accessed on April 4, users can continue to log into the app until August 11, 2025.

Why Is Zelle Shutting Down the App?

Zelle announced the decision to shut down its standalone app back in October 2024, noting that a significant majority of its users already access the service through their bank’s apps or websites. Since the announcement, the company has been phasing out enrollment and transaction capabilities within the standalone app. Late last year, Zelle communicated again via in-app alerts and emails, urging users to migrate to their bank or credit union’s platform to continue using the service.

In a statement regarding the shift, Zelle highlighted its remarkable growth, reporting that consumers and small businesses moved nearly half a trillion dollars on the platform in the first half of 2024, a 28% year-over-year increase. Initially launched in 2017 primarily for users whose financial institutions had not yet joined the network, Zelle has experienced widespread adoption across almost all major banks and credit unions.

Zelle’s decision may also be motivated by security concerns. With an uptick in fraud targeting digital payment apps, directing users through regulated financial institutions may afford them additional protection and oversight.

When Did the App Shut Down?

The standalone Zelle app ceased processing transactions on April 1, 2025. Users can no longer send or receive money via the app, and those who wish to continue using Zelle must re-enroll through a compatible bank or credit union’s mobile app or website.

How Will My Payments Be Affected?

Individuals who previously used the standalone Zelle app need to take action. They can no longer send or receive money via the app and must migrate to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle. Users who do not re-enroll through a partner institution should inform their senders accordingly.

To check if a specific bank supports Zelle, visit enroll.zellepay.com. Once logged into a bank’s mobile app or website, users can usually locate Zelle in the “Payments” or “Transfers” section. The transition may require users to verify their email address or phone number associated with their former Zelle account.

Fortunately, those using Zelle through their mobile banking app will not experience any changes and do not need to take further action.

How Many People Use Zelle?

As of June 2024, Zelle boasted 143 million consumer and small business accounts, with users executing money transfers 1.7 billion times in the previous year. The integration of Zelle into nearly all major U.S. banks indicates that it will likely retain its dominance in the digital payment space, despite the changes to its standalone application.

While the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone app marks a significant transition, the underlying service remains robust and widely utilized. By directing users to bank platforms, Zelle aims to enhance security and further solidify its position in the competitive landscape of digital payments. As users adapt to this change, Zelle continues to play a vital role in simplifying and securing money transfers across the country.

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Movie and television Reviews

Adam-12: The Groundbreaking Police Procedural That Set the Standard for Realism and Detail in TV Crime Dramas

Adam-12 is a classic American television police procedural crime drama series created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb.

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2025

Rod Washington

Adam-12 is a classic American television police procedural crime drama series created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb. The show follows two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, as they patrol the streets of Los Angeles in their police cruiser, designated as “1-Adam-12.” The series was produced in cooperation with the real department it was based on, the LAPD, and aimed to be realistic in its depiction of police procedures and jargon.

Martin Milner and Kent McCord starred as Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, respectively, in the iconic police drama Adam-12, which became a cultural touchstone of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The show also featured many recurring co-stars, with the most frequent being William Boyett and Gary Crosby, who added depth and intrigue to various episodes, portraying a wide range of characters that enriched the series’ narratives. Throughout its impressive run of seven seasons, from September 21, 1968, to May 20, 1975, Adam-12 aired a total of 174 episodes, captivating audiences with its realistic portrayal of police work, the challenges faced by officers, and the importance of community relations. The series not only entertained viewers but also aimed to educate the public about law enforcement practices, making it a significant part of television history.

What set Adam-12 apart from other Cop shows?

Adam-12 was a groundbreaking show that aimed to showcase the reality of police work, and it helped to introduce police procedures and jargon to the general public in the United States. The show’s attention to detail and realism made it an instant hit, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Through its authentic depiction of daily police activities and the challenges faced by officers, Adam-12 not only entertained viewers but also educated them about the complexities of law enforcement. The characters, portrayed with depth and nuance, resonated with audiences, making them invest in the lives and struggles of the officers. Additionally, the series tackled various social issues of the time, shedding light on the relationship between the police and the communities they served. Its pioneering approach to storytelling set a standard for future police dramas, solidifying its legacy in television history.

The show’s creators, Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb, also created other popular shows, such as Dragnet and Emergency!. Like Adam-12, these shows were produced in cooperation with the real departments they were based on, and they aimed to be as realistic as possible in their depictions of police and emergency services.

Despite its age, Adam-12 still holds up today as a classic of the police procedural genre. The show’s attention to detail, realism, and strong performances by its cast make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and police procedurals.

Adam-12 is a classic American television series that helped introduce police procedures and jargon to the general public in the United States. The show’s realistic portrayal of police work and attention to detail makes it a fan favorite and a must-watch for fans of the police procedural genre.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam-12

https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

Author

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Urbanism

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project: A Step Towards Safer and Smoother Travel

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2025

Rod Washington

Los Angeles: Exciting developments are underway for Southern California drivers as the Metro initiates the I-105 ExpressLanes Project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing roadway safety. As one of the region’s major arteries, the I-105 has long been burdened by heavy traffic, and Metro’s innovative approach promises to transform the existing landscape for the better.

What’s Happening?

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project is set to convert the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, commonly known as the carpool lane, into not one, but two Metro ExpressLanes in each direction along the I-105. This enhancement is part of Phase 1 of the project, specifically Segment 1, which stretches between Sepulveda Boulevard and Central Avenue. This phase is anticipated to last approximately three years, during which significant improvements will be made.

As part of the construction process, crews will be actively engaged in demolishing and reconstructing several sound walls, as well as performing crucial roadway pavement construction along the corridor in Segment 1. These sound wall adjustments are needed to facilitate the necessary roadway upgrades and ensure a smoother driving experience.

Where Is All This Happening?

The primary work will take place along the existing sound wall area on Westbound I-105, specifically located between Domingues Channel and the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp. This location is critical, as it serves as a vital section of the highway that many rely on daily.

What Can You Expect During Construction?

Navigating through construction zones can sometimes be tricky, but here’s what you can expect during this project:

Access Points: Crews will enter the work area primarily from the freeway, meaning minimal disruptions to side streets.
Daytime Work Hours: Most of the construction activities will occur during daytime hours, making it easier for commuters to plan their travel. However, keep in mind that intermittent nighttime work may be necessary to perform certain activities safely, particularly those related to roadway pavement construction.
Landscape Restoration: Once the construction wraps up and improvements are complete, landscaping and any trees that have been removed will be restored, allowing the area to flourish once again.

Important Note on Scheduling

As with any large construction project, it’s crucial to understand that work activity is subject to change based on various factors, primarily weather conditions. Because construction can be dynamic, schedules may be adjusted according to the team’s assessments on-site.

In Conclusion

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project represents a forward-thinking solution to Southern California’s persistent traffic challenges. By converting the existing HOV lane into ExpressLanes, Metro is aiming not just to alleviate congestion, but to provide a safer and more efficient roadway experience for all. Keep an eye out for updates, stay informed, and plan your travel accordingly—we can look forward to a smoother ride on the I-105 in the years to come!