Old School Hip Hop

Old school hip hop, emerging in the late 1970s and flourishing in the 1980s, is characterized by its raw, energetic sound, often featuring breakbeats, funky basslines, and sampled instrumentation. Lyrically, the genre is marked by playful, boastful, and storytelling-driven vocals, with artists frequently incorporating DJ scratches and turntable techniques. Born in African American and Latino communities in New York City, old school hip hop evolved from block parties and park jams, with pioneers like DJs Kool Herc and Grandmaster Flash developing the genre's foundation. As a cultural force, old school hip hop played a significant role in social commentary, addressing issues like racism and police brutality, while also celebrating urban life and youth culture. Influenced by funk, soul, and jazz, the genre laid the groundwork for subsequent hip hop styles, including gangsta rap and alternative hip hop. Notable for its DIY ethos and party-oriented vibe, old school hip hop's infectious energy and social relevance continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans.

Latest Old School Hip Hop Release
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Nostalgia
Single - Released May 14, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Ice Cube
Beastie Boys
LL COOL J
Sir Mix-A-Lot
N.W.A.
Gang Starr
Top Playlists
Hip Hop Diaspora: East Coast 25 Old School Hip Hop artists
The Sound of Old School Rap Français 11 Old School Hip Hop artists
Rolling Stone Magazine - 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2024) 5 Old School Hip Hop artists
Echoes of the Ages: A Melodic Voyage Through Time 5 Old School Hip Hop artists
The Sound of Indonesian Underground Hip Hop 4 Old School Hip Hop artists
The Needle / Poland 4 Old School Hip Hop artists

RecentMusic users are tracking 205 Old School Hip Hop artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 3,249 releases .

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  1. May 14, 2025
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  1. April 4, 2025
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  5. February 14
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    CLOSURE
    5 tracks
  6. February 14
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  9. January 5
  10. December 25, 2024
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  1. May 14, 2025
  2. May 5
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  5. April 26
  6. April 25
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    crazy4u
    1 tracks
  7. April 21
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  16. March 30
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  17. March 21
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  20. March 15