The History of Rap Music
Feb 13, 2008 Author: admin | Filed under: ArticlesLet’s take the time to learn a little more how the hip hop culture evolved. Before there was the fashion style, there was music.
Hip hop rose to popularity in New York in the late 70s during the height of popularity of the so-called block parties. DJs usually played funk and soul music and later on tried to play only the break beats of the songs. It became a hit among block partygoers and the rest is history, so they say.
One of the famous DJs at the time was DJ Kool Herc, who is widely regarded as the godfather of hiphop. Aside from DJ-ing, he also began collaborating with emcees to supply the words to the music. A lot more DJs followed suit including hip hop legend Grandmaster Flash and helped develop the genre into what it is today.
But what’s hip hop without the emcees? Now popularly known as rappers, they supply the words to the music not by singing them but by rhythmically speaking them along the beat. The themes in the lyrics are varied ranging from partying, sex, drugs and even political ones.
As the music evolved, so did the art of rapping. Freestyle rapping is one popular form wherein rappers spit out lyrics spontaneously. This is also popular with rapping duels wherein two rappers go head-to-head and try to top each other in coming up with the best rhyme.
What could be considered as hip hop music’s golden age was in the 1980s when the genre was just starting to become recognized. Groups such as Run DMC and Beastie Boys, as well as solo acts like LL Cool J helped boost the popularity of the music was then limited to block parties.
Famous 80s Rappers
Jan 1, 2008 Author: admin | Filed under: ArticlesThe 1980s saw the rise of a new musical genre, hip hop music. Along with it came famous rappers who brought a once-obscure genre to the mainstream. These guys have influenced our style so let’s take the time to remember these influential innovators. Below is a list of some the most famous rappers of the 1980s.
Run DMC – this hip hop group is usually credited for taking the genre into the mainstream. The trio was formed in the early 80s in New York City. Since then, they have made a name for themselves by collaborating with other artists outside the hip hop genre. Probably the best example would be their collaboration with Aerosmith in the song ‘Walk This Way’.
Beastie Boys – originally formed as a punk group, the Beastie Boys have crossed over into the hip hop genre to become the first all-white rap group in the music’s history. Since its inception in 1979, the group continues to enjoy fame and success. A proof of it is its nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. Did you know back in the early 80s one of the members of the Beastie Boys had his own shop at our very same spot? From what our neighbors told us, 2422 Telegraph Ave has its hip hop history!
LL Cool J – is the first artist signed by Def Jam, which is a famous hip hop label. He was signed in 1984 at the young age of 16 and since then, he has risen to become a respected rap artist who enjoys a career of over 20 years.
The three listed above are just some of the artists who have made a name for themselves in the early years of rap and who still enjoy the respect of the hip hop community through music and fashion.
Achieve the Classic Run DMC Look
Nov 16, 2007 Author: admin | Filed under: ArticlesRun DMC is regarded as one of the pioneers of the hip hop movement. Founded by Joseph ‘Rev Run’ Simmons, Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels and Jason ‘Jam-Master Jay’ Mizell in New York City in the 80s, the group has contributed a lot in taking the genre into the mainstream and helped it reach wider audiences by crossing over genres (they collaborated with Aerosmith in their version of ‘Walk This Way’) and performing in high-profile events such Live Aid in 1985.
But aside from their music, another thing that cemented the group’s reputation is its classic look. If there were such a thing as a definitive old school hip hop get-up, then theirs would be on top of the list.
So how does the group’s classic get up look like? Tight leather jeans and jackets, a fedora hat, a pair of white Adidas sneakers without laces, Cazal glasses and the oversize gold dookie rope chain necklaces are the things that would define the classic Run DMC look.
And man, did they preach about it. The group has recorded a song called ‘My Adidas’ in praise of their favorite brand of sneakers. Also their song ‘Raising Hell’ puts into words their fashion sense. “C’mon basic black, shell toe Adidas, black hat, black shirt and jeans, fat gold rope chain and black leather jacket.” Nobody can say it – and wear it – better than them.
Their preaching paid off and has influenced a host of fans that is becoming a very popular trend. Achieve retro fashion with today’s trend at Filthy Dripped! If you see a rapper with blings so large you could buy an entire country with it, then they owe it to the rap group that started that trend – Run DMC.
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