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

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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360
AKIL THE MC
Advance Patrol
Afrika Bambaataa
Andy Cooper
Awon
BB MC
BC One
Beedie
Ben Cold
Big Daddy Kane
Biz Markie
Black MC
Boski Heniek
Cracker Jon
D.Stroy
DJ Fede
DJ Flash
DJ Kool
DJ Quik
DOC
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
Delicasteez
Demograffics
Dj MS
Dj Styles
Doog Reppar
Doug E. Fresh
Dusty D
EKR
Eye N'I
Fabe
Farazi
Friends That Rap
G-Clef Da Mad Komposa
Gnewzy
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Greg Nice
Heno.
I.N.I.
ICE-T
IRMÃOS DO RAP
Ice Cube
Jehst
Just-Ice
KRM
KRS-One
Kamuza
Kheops
King Tee
Kool G Rap
Kurtis Blow
Kyle Quest
LARACK
LL COOL J
Larry Smith
Lasko Blark
Live Crew
Lord Skeelz
Lugi
MARLY MAR
MC Doom
MC Lyte
MOP!
MVW
Mantronix
Masta Killa
Mastafive
Małach/Rufuz
Mighty Theodore
Mokless
Money B
Olskool Ice-Gre
Ortega Cartel
Prime Manifez
Pudgee Tha Phat Bastard
Rakim
Ramson Badbonez
Rockness Monsta
Run–D.M.C.
Salt-N-Pepa
Schoolly D
Scoob Rock
Sean Jay Dee
SoSoon
Stimulus
Super Natural
TKYD
Taylor Wells
The Godfather
The Horsemen
The Sindecut
Wizzow
Wojtas
Y.N.X. 716
YZ
Zoxea
podziemie fan
Криминальный бит
Лигалайз
Ice Cube
Beastie Boys
LL COOL J
Sir Mix-A-Lot
Gang Starr
N.W.A.
Salt-N-Pepa
Run–D.M.C.
Rakim
Public Enemy
Farazi
Hittman
Slick Rick
KRS-One
Suprême NTM
Masta Killa
DJ Quik
Eric B. & Rakim
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Kool Moe Dee
The Sugarhill Gang
Kool G Rap
Grandmaster Caz
EPMD
Big Daddy Kane
Biz Markie
ICE-T
2 LIVE CREW
Криминальный бит
360
Heavy D & The Boyz
King I Divine
Greg Nice
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
MC Lyte
Shock G
Boski Heniek
Afrika Bambaataa
Jungle Brothers
Grandmaster Flash
DJ Flash
Marley Marl
Małach/Rufuz
DJ Kool
Fabe
Boogie Down Productions
Zoxea
Money B
King Tee
Los Pakualamos
The Soulsonic Force
Mokless
Chubb Rock
Whodini
Newcleus
Kurtis Blow
The D.O.C.
Le 3ème Oeil
Kheops
J.J. Fad
Doug E. Fresh
I.N.I.
Ahmad Lewis
Yo Yo
AKIL THE MC
Special Ed
Super Natural
Ben Cold
Jehst
Andy Cooper
Mantronix
DJ Fede
Stetsasonic
TKYD
Ramson Badbonez
Ultramagnetic MC's
Fat Boys
Awon
Rockness Monsta
P' Da Boomhead
Wilku WDZ
Crazy Frazer
D.Stroy
Generation Rap
podziemie fan
QNC
Heno.
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
Mc Shan
X-Men
Eye N'I
Dj MS
Whistle
Advance Patrol
Audio Two
Schoolly D
EKR
Лигалайз
Young Shiners
Taylor Wells