Five most influential rappers of the eighties and nineties

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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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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