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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Losing My Ways
Single - Released June 27, 2025

RecentMusic users are tracking 226 Old School Hip Hop artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 3,753 releases .

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