Hey guys! Let's dive into the golden age of hip hop. We're talking about the best old school hip hop tracks that laid the foundation for everything we hear today. Get ready for a trip down memory lane as we explore some timeless classics.

What is Old School Hip Hop?

Before we get into the selections, let's define what "old school hip hop" really means. Generally, it refers to the hip hop music created from the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. This era is characterized by its raw energy, innovative DJing techniques, and socially conscious lyrics. Think of it as the genre finding its feet, experimenting with sounds and messages that would resonate for decades.

The Pioneers of the Movement

This era saw the rise of iconic figures like DJ Kool Herc, often credited as the founding father of hip hop. His block parties in the Bronx created the environment where hip hop could flourish. Then you've got Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, who brought a new level of performance and social commentary to the scene. And of course, there's Afrika Bambaataa, who combined music, culture, and activism to create a movement known as the Zulu Nation.

Key Characteristics of Old School Hip Hop

• Simple Beats: Early hip hop beats were often built around drum machines like the Roland TR-808 or samples from funk and disco records. The focus was on creating a rhythmic foundation for MCs to rhyme over.
• Party Vibes: A lot of old school hip hop was made for parties. The lyrics were often about having a good time, dancing, and celebrating life. It was all about bringing people together and creating a positive atmosphere.
• Social Commentary: While many tracks were about partying, old school hip hop also addressed important social issues. Artists like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five tackled poverty, crime, and inequality in their music, giving a voice to the marginalized.
• DJing as an Art Form: In the early days, DJs were the stars of the show. Techniques like scratching, mixing, and beat juggling were developed and refined, turning DJing into an art form.
• Storytelling: Many old school hip hop tracks told stories. Whether it was a narrative about life in the streets or a humorous tale, storytelling was a key element of the genre.

Classic Old School Hip Hop Tracks

Alright, let's get to the good stuff. Here’s a selection of classic old school hip hop tracks that you absolutely need to know.

1. "The Message" - Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

This 1982 track is arguably one of the most important songs in hip hop history. "The Message" broke new ground by focusing on the harsh realities of life in the inner city. With lyrics that painted a vivid picture of poverty, crime, and despair, the song resonated with audiences who were facing these issues every day. It was a departure from the party-oriented themes of earlier hip hop and paved the way for socially conscious rap.

The impact of "The Message" cannot be overstated. It showed that hip hop could be a powerful tool for social commentary and helped to legitimize the genre as a form of artistic expression. The song's bleak portrayal of urban life sparked conversations about the challenges facing marginalized communities and inspired other artists to address social issues in their music.

Musically, "The Message" was innovative for its use of synthesizers and its somber tone. The track's haunting melody and stark lyrics created a sense of unease that perfectly matched the song's message. It remains a powerful and relevant song today, reminding us of the importance of using our voices to speak out against injustice.

2. "Rapper's Delight" - The Sugarhill Gang

No discussion of old school hip hop would be complete without mentioning "Rapper's Delight." Released in 1979, this track was one of the first hip hop songs to gain mainstream success. It introduced hip hop to a wider audience and helped to popularize the genre around the world.

"Rapper's Delight" is known for its catchy beat, memorable rhymes, and infectious energy. The song's simple lyrics and sing-along chorus made it an instant hit at parties and on the radio. It was a feel-good anthem that celebrated the joy of rapping and dancing.

Despite its commercial success, "Rapper's Delight" was not without its critics. Some purists argued that the song was too commercial and that it watered down the essence of hip hop. However, there's no denying the song's impact on the genre. It opened doors for other hip hop artists and helped to pave the way for the global phenomenon that hip hop would become.

3. "Planet Rock" - Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force

"Planet Rock," released in 1982, was a groundbreaking track that fused hip hop with electronic music. Afrika Bambaataa, a visionary DJ and producer, drew inspiration from Kraftwerk and other electronic artists to create a sound that was both futuristic and funky.

The song's innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines set it apart from other hip hop tracks of the time. The electronic beats and robotic vocals created a unique atmosphere that was both danceable and experimental. "Planet Rock" became a huge hit in the clubs and on the streets, and it helped to establish electro-funk as a subgenre of hip hop.

"Planet Rock" had a profound influence on the development of hip hop and electronic music. It inspired countless artists to experiment with new sounds and technologies, and it helped to break down the barriers between different genres. The song's legacy can still be heard in contemporary music, from hip hop to techno to pop.

4. "Walk This Way" - Run-DMC ft. Aerosmith

This 1986 collaboration between Run-DMC and Aerosmith was a game-changer for both hip hop and rock music. The song, a remake of Aerosmith's 1975 hit, combined the hard-hitting beats and rhymes of Run-DMC with the rock guitar riffs of Aerosmith's Joe Perry.

"Walk This Way" was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. It helped to introduce hip hop to a rock audience and vice versa. The song's success proved that hip hop and rock could coexist and even complement each other.

The collaboration between Run-DMC and Aerosmith was not just a musical experiment; it was also a cultural statement. It showed that artists from different backgrounds could come together and create something new and exciting. "Walk This Way" helped to break down racial barriers in music and paved the way for future collaborations between hip hop and rock artists.

5. "Push It" - Salt-N-Pepa

Salt-N-Pepa were one of the first all-female hip hop groups to achieve mainstream success, and "Push It" was their breakthrough hit. Released in 1987, the song featured a catchy beat, playful lyrics, and a memorable chorus.

"Push It" was a celebration of female empowerment and sexuality. The song's lyrics encouraged women to take control of their bodies and express their desires. Salt-N-Pepa's confident and assertive image challenged traditional gender roles in hip hop and inspired other female artists to follow in their footsteps.

"Push It" was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. It helped to establish Salt-N-Pepa as major stars and paved the way for other female hip hop artists to achieve mainstream recognition.

The Legacy of Old School Hip Hop

Old school hip hop isn't just a genre; it's a cultural movement that continues to influence music and society today. The artists and tracks from this era laid the foundation for everything that followed, and their impact can still be felt in contemporary hip hop. From the innovative DJing techniques to the socially conscious lyrics, old school hip hop set the standard for what hip hop could be.

Influence on Modern Hip Hop

Many of the techniques and styles developed in the old school era are still used by modern hip hop artists. Sampling, for example, is a direct descendant of the early DJs who would cut and paste different records together to create new beats. The emphasis on storytelling and social commentary also continues to be a key element of hip hop today.

Cultural Impact

Old school hip hop had a profound impact on culture, influencing everything from fashion to language to art. The fashion trends of the era, such as tracksuits, sneakers, and gold chains, are still popular today. The slang and catchphrases that originated in old school hip hop have become part of the everyday language of many people around the world.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Even though the old school era is long gone, its spirit lives on through tribute concerts, documentaries, and reissues of classic albums. Many of the original artists are still performing and recording, keeping the flame alive for a new generation of fans. There are also countless DJs and producers who are dedicated to preserving and promoting the music of the old school era.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a look at some of the best old school hip hop tracks that helped define a genre and a generation. These songs are more than just music; they're cultural artifacts that tell a story about the rise of hip hop and its impact on the world. So next time you're looking for some classic tunes, give these a listen and appreciate the roots of hip hop.

Keep it real, guys! And always remember where it all started.