Monday, October 30, 2017

An Analysis Of The Golden Age Of Hip Hop

By Matthew Barnes


When asked what they remember about the late 80s and early 90s, many people may talk about different things. In the music industry, however, many recognize the era as the golden age of hip hop. It was during this time that some rappers rose to fame and became household names.

Some albums that got churned back in the day still get lots of airtime on radio and TV stations to date. Back then, a large percentage of the artists engaged in mainstream music operated from New York City. A new touch was integrated in modern music thanks to the diversity ingrained in the genre.

Many artists made their first leaps during this time. They include LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, the Jungle Brothers and Slick Rick just to name a few. The albums released by these artists topped the charts at the time and defined rap music for future generations. Towards the end of the 90s, artists such as Dr. Dre and Eminem picked up where their mentors left.

Many music enthusiasts know the era for its innovative contribution to the industry. Every single hit being churned back then reinvented the genre. Unlike the long breaks that fans often get treated to these days, pioneering albums would be released month in month out.

The innovations also brought quick changes to the way tunes played out and the messages communicated through music. Beats and rhymes started to get faster. This was largely thanks to advancement in production technology. Many African American rappers also started to use their music to promote black activism.

A unique thing about the period is the heavy sampling that many producers did. Different types of beats, riffs and patterns were created fast. This bred music producers and DJs who could work at home with little equipment. The sampling that was prevalent in hip hop was largely dependent on rock n roll, jazz, soul and funk beats.

Because many types of beats were being tested by producers, rapping techniques advanced rapidly. Rappers like Rakim, Chuck D, KRS One and Big Daddy Kane quickly gained adulation for their unique rapping capabilities. In the years to come, many music pundits regarded them as phenomenal. With creativity at an all time high, fans had very little to complain about.

While some artists loved to glorify themselves in their lyrics, many conveyed messages of social protest. Issues such as politics, drug abuse, religion, culture, domestic violence and crime got much coverage. By covering these messages in their music, artists gained international recognition.

The massive sampling being done by produces eventually resulted in a myriad of lawsuits. Copyright cases were filed by recording labels against each other. With many suits won, producers gradually embraced the reality of creating unique styles.

Majority of music hits released these days can be linked to the pioneering effects of the genre. Despite the over emphasis on self glorification today, recurring social problems ought to be addressed through music. Such messages can create a positive impact in society.




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