Reviving the Groove: 80’s Music Rap Goes Viral Again

80’s music rap emerged in the early 80s as a sub-genre of hip hop music and has since become an iconic part of music history. With the rise of hip hop music in the 1970s, rap music started gaining popularity in the 80s, garnering a considerable fan base in the urban centers of america.

The decade saw the emergence of notable acts, including run-d. m. c, ice-t, and public enemy, who cemented the genre’s position in the music industry. The distinctive sound of 80s music rap, characterized by electronic beats and hard-hitting lyrics, continues to influence modern-day music, with artists like eminem and kendrick lamar citing it as a significant inspiration.

This article delves into the history of 80s music rap, its impact on popular culture, and its enduring legacy.

Credit: www.grammy.com

Introduction: The Current State Of 80’S Music Rap

The 80s was a defining decade that produced a vast array of musical genres, including rock, pop, new wave, and rap. However, 80’s music rap has witnessed a particular resurgence in recent years, with a renewed appreciation and remastering of classic tracks that continue to influence contemporary music.

The Resurgence Of 80’S Music

80’s music rap boasts a certain style that has proved timeless, with its bold beats and eclectic lyrics still resonating with fans of all ages. The genre has enjoyed a renaissance, with modern artists and creators actively sampling from and referencing classic tracks.

Here are some reasons for the resurgence:

• Recent covers by some of today’s popular artists fuel a new wave of interest in the genre.
• Social media platforms such as tiktok and instagram have made it easier to discover and share classic tracks.
• The unique fashion and cultural elements associated with 80’s music rap make it a nostalgic and desirable era to revisit.

How 80’S Music Rap Stands Out

80’s music rap is renowned for its fresh production style, innovative use of sampling, and poetic lyrics that often convey social commentary. This genre stands out for several reasons:

• Unlike modern-day autotune, 80’s music rap relied on organic instrumental sounds and raw vocals for its unique character.
• The sampling of iconic tracks from other genres introduced new audiences to those classics, encouraging cross-genre appreciation.
• The genre’s lyrics often spoke directly to social issues, conveying viewpoints on topics like urban decay, racism, and discrimination in a way that resonated with fans.

How It’S Influencing Contemporary Music

80’s music rap is not only experiencing a resurgence of popularity, but it’s also influencing today’s music in several ways:

• Many current artists sample from or reference classic 80’s music rap tracks in their songs, providing a fresh twist on the old-school style while paying homage to the genre.
• Some modern artists incorporate 80’s fashion elements into their wardrobe choices, endorsing a retro-inspired aesthetic.
• The lyrical themes of 80’s music rap continue to inform current social justice issues, providing a blueprint for communicating and effecting positive change through music.

80’s music rap has proven its staying power as a genre that continues to resonate with fans. It’s evident that the music style and its cultural influence will continue to inspire and inform contemporary music for years to come.

Tracing The Roots Of 80’S Music Rap

The 80s was a defining era in music; from pop to rock, new wave, and rap, it was a decade of innovation and rapid transformation. One of the most prominent genres of that era was rap, which emerged from the streets of new york.

80’s music rap was very different from what we hear today, but it set the foundation for the genre’s evolution.

The Genre’S Early Days In The 80’S:

• Rap originated in the african american and latino communities in the south bronx in the late 70s, as a way of expressing urban life and the struggles of african americans and latinos
• The sugarhill gang’s “rapper’s delight” in 1979 is widely regarded as the first commercially successful rap song
• Run-dmc’s self-titled debut album in 1984 was a turning point for the genre, as they fused rap with rock music and introduced hip hop fashion to the masses

Influential Rap Icons Of The Era:

• Grandmaster flash, afrika bambaataa, and kurtis blow were some of the most significant figures in the early days of rap, paving the way for other artists to enter the genre.
• Ll cool j, eric b. & rakim, n.w.a, and public enemy were some of the most prominent rap icons of the 80s. They addressed serious social and political issues in their lyrics, marking rap’s entrance into mainstream culture.

The Sound And Style Of 80’S Music Rap:

• 80s rap songs were characterized by their heavy use of drum machines, turntables, and synthesizers, and a unique lyrical style that often involved boasting, storytelling, and social and political commentary.
• Fashion was also an essential element of 80s rap, with artists often donning gold chains, tracksuits, sneakers, and other hip hop fashion staples.

How It Contrasts With Rap Of The Current Era:

• Unlike the modern-day rap, 80s rap was not as commercialized and often addressed serious social and political issues.
• The sound of 80s rap was raw and unpolished, as opposed to the highly produced, electronic sound of modern-day rap.
• Hip hop fashion has taken a different direction, with artists now favoring high-end designer brands over the streetwear-inspired fashion of the 80s.

Tracing the roots of 80s music rap reminds us of the genre’s humble beginnings and how far it has come. From its early days in the south bronx to mainstream radio, 80s rap provided an outlet for artists to address social and political issues and express themselves through an entirely new art form.

Factors Contributing To The Resurgence Of 80’S Music Rap

The 80’s music rap genre is making a comeback. There are several factors contributing to its resurgence; from the popularity of throwback culture to the influence of sampling in contemporary music. In this blog post, we will explore these factors in more detail, highlighting why 80’s music rap has returned to the limelight.

The Popularity Of Throwback Culture

Throwback culture is all the rage at the moment, as people look to relive the nostalgia of decades past. The 80’s, in particular, has made a massive resurgence, with people embracing the music and fashion of the time. In the music world, artists are tapping into this trend by producing music that harks back to the 80’s.

For rap music, this means embracing the sounds and styles popular in the 80’s and making it relevant to contemporary audiences.

• Synthesizers and drum machines are back in vogue, re-creating the sound of classic 80’s rap.
• Musicians are recording in studio styles reminiscent of the 80’s, using analog techniques to make the music sound more authentic.
• The fashion of the 80’s is creeping its way back in, with artists wearing vintage clothing in their music videos and on stage.

The Appeal Of A More Simplistic Sound

In the 80’s, rap music was characterized by its simplicity. It was all about the beats and the rhymes, with very little emphasis on production values. Today’s music, in comparison, is often heavily produced, with countless layers of sound. The current trend towards a more simplistic sound is likely due to a desire to return to the roots of the genre.

For 80’s rap, this means:

• A focus on the beat is key, with producers embracing classic drum machine sounds and synth sounds to create an authentic 80’s feel.
• Lyrics are emphasized, with rappers choosing to rhyme in a more straightforward manner.
• Sampling is used to great effect, paying homage to classic 80’s rap records.

The Influence Of Sampling In Contemporary Music

Sampling has been a key element of rap music for decades, and its influence on contemporary music cannot be overstated. In the 80’s, sampling was used to create entirely new soundscapes, with producers taking elements from different tracks and fusing them together.

Today, sampling is used in a more sophisticated manner, with producers using it to pay homage to classic tracks. For 80’s rap, this means:

• Producers are sampling classic tracks from the 80’s, re-interpreting them in a contemporary context.
• Sampling is being used to create an authentic 80’s feel, with producers utilizing samples from classic records to create beats and hooks.
• Hip hop producers are taking inspiration from 80’s rap, incorporating its sound and style into their own music.

As we’ve explored in this blog post, there are many reasons why 80’s rap music is making a comeback. Whether it’s the appeal of a more simplistic sound or the influence of sampling in contemporary music, there’s no denying that 80’s rap is here to stay.

Reimagining 80’S Music Rap For Today’S Audience

The 80s was a decade of musical experimentation, and rap music was no exception. As the 80s witnessed the emergence of hip hop and rap music, it was only a matter of time before artists started experimenting with the genre.

How Artists Are Incorporating Elements Of 80’S Music Rap In Their Work

• Bringing back the classic sounds of the 80s: Artists like bruno mars, dua lipa and the weeknd have turned to the synth-heavy sounds of 80s rap music, incorporating undeniably catchy melodies into their songs.
• Sampling 80s rap music: Sampling has become a widely used technique in music production. Modern artists often sample the music of the 80s to create new songs with a familiar, yet fresh feel.
• Remixing 80s classics: Remixes have been around for a while, but some artists have been taking classic 80s rap hits and giving them a modern twist. This has given rise to some popular songs such as missy elliot’s “work it”, which sampled run-dmc’s “peter piper.”

The Evolution Of The Sound And Style

The sound and style of 80s rap music have come a long way since the genre started. Here are some key points on the evolution of the sound and style:

• The use of sampling became more prominent in music production. This involved taking sounds from existing songs and incorporating them into new tracks.
• The lyrics of rap songs became increasingly politically charged, with artists using their music to address topics such as social inequality and political issues.
• The incorporation of new technologies, such as drum machines and synthesizers, led to a distinct sound that characterized 80s music rap.

The Impact On Contemporary Music Production

80s music rap has had a significant impact on contemporary music. Here are some key points:

• The genre has helped to push the boundaries of music production, with artists exploring new sounds and techniques to create fresh and exciting tracks.
• The use of sampling has become a standard technique in music production.
• The adoption of politically charged lyrics has helped to give rap music more depth and substance.
• The incorporation of elements of 80s music rap has helped to bring back nostalgia for that time period while introducing it to a new audience.

The Future Of 80’S Music Rap

80’s music rap was a trailblazing genre that had a significant impact on the music culture of that era. It brought hip hop and rap music to the mainstream and played a key role in shaping the sound of contemporary music.

The genre has undergone a resurgence in recent years, and in this blog post, we will explore the future of 80’s music rap.

Is The Resurgence Of 80’S Music Rap Here To Stay?

• The resurrection of 80’s music rap is not a new phenomenon, with many artists sampling songs from that era.
• The success of 80’s music rap artists in the early 2000s such as outkast and eminem showed the genre’s potential for resurrection.
• The popularity of retro and nostalgia in music has also contributed to the recent resurgence of 80’s music rap.
• The continued success of new artists who have embraced the 80’s sound, such as bruno mars, childish gambino, and the weeknd, suggests that the genre is here to stay.

What The Future Holds For The Genre

• The resurgence of 80’s music rap has inspired a new generation of artists to explore hip hop, rap, and r&b music, ensuring that the genre will continue to grow.
• The 80’s music rap sound has become mainstream, with elements of the genre used in contemporary pop music and other genres.
• The revival of the classic 80’s sound offers a refreshing alternative to the current trends in music, which could lead to a new wave of 80’s music rap music.
• The rise of social media and streaming platforms has also made it more accessible for artists to create and share 80’s music rap music, leading to further innovation.

How It Could Continue To Influence Contemporary Music Culture

• 80’s music rap introduced a new sound to the music industry and paved the way for the development of hip hop, rap, and r&b music genres.
• Its influence can be heard in contemporary music, where it has become a staple sound of pop music, with elements of the music blended with other genres.
• The resurgence of 80’s music rap has led to the development of new musical sub-genres such as lo-fi hip hop, which uses the sound as a base and adds elements of jazz and blues to create a new style.
• The sound of 80’s music rap has also inspired fashion trends, with artists and fans alike embracing the retro look of the era.

The resurgence of 80’s music rap has brought about new opportunities for artists to explore the genre further and has cemented the sound as a defining characteristic of contemporary music. Its influence on modern culture is visible in several artistic fields and is likely to continue to shape contemporary music for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions On 80’S Music Rap

What Is 80’S Music Rap?

80’s music rap is a genre of hip hop music that originated in the 1980s. It’s characterized by its use of electronic beats, sample loops, and rhyming lyrics delivered in a rhythmic style. It often includes social and political commentary, party themes, and stories about street life.

Who Are Some Famous 80’S Music Rap Artists?

Some famous 80’s music rap artists include run-dmc, ll cool j, salt-n-pepa, beastie boys, grandmaster flash and the furious five, and sugarhill gang. These artists helped establish and popularize the genre.

What Are Some Popular 80’S Music Rap Songs?

Some classic 80’s music rap songs include “rapper’s delight” by sugarhill gang, “fight for your right” by beastie boys, “push it” by salt-n-pepa, “walk this way” by run-dmc and aerosmith, “the message” by grandmaster flash and the furious five, and “i need love” by ll cool j.

These songs helped define the sound of 80’s music rap.

How Did 80’S Music Rap Influence Modern Music?

80’s music rap had a significant influence on modern music. Its inventive use of sampling and beats laid the groundwork for modern hip hop production. Its fusion of different genres, such as rock, funk, and soul, also inspired a diverse range of music styles.

Additionally, 80’s music rap’s lyrics tackled social and political issues, paving the way for socially conscious rap in the 90s and beyond.

Conclusion

The 80’s music era came with a unique culture and gave birth to different styles of music. One of these styles is the rap, which brought the whole new level of entertainment and storytelling to the music industry. The message and the beats of a rap song are what people still enjoy today.

They make the listeners dance, sing along, and reflect on the lyrics. Whether it’s an old-school rap or a modern one, the 80’s music rap still holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers worldwide. It is incredible how music has connected people across borders.

The same goes for rap music, which has helped people understand each other’s stories and experiences in an entertaining way. The 80’s rap music has paved the way for what we now call one of the most popular genres in the music industry, and it is remarkable how it all began in just a decade.