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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Quiero Verte
Single - Released April 11, 2025

RecentMusic users are tracking 182 Old School Hip Hop artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 2,914 releases .

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