Tuesday, November 7, 2017

An Analysis Of The Golden Age Of Hip Hop

By Matthew Barnes


When discussing things that transpired during the late 1980s and at the turn of the 1990s, many topics come to the fore. For those passionate about the history of music, however, the era is synonymous with the golden age of hip hop. It is well known as a time when some of the best rappers the industry has ever seen came to light.

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 innovative music created also heralded a change in the beat styles and messages conveyed through lyrics. Rhymes and beats began to play out faster. This can be credited to the technological advancement brought in equipment manufacturing. Many rappers of African descent also began writing lyrics that promoted anti racism statements.

One unique aspect of the era is the massive sampling that producers did. New kinds of patterns, riffs and beats came up in quick succession. This created a new breed of DJs and music producers who did not require formal training to do their work. The sampling integrated in hip hop was largely influenced by jazz, funk, soul and rock n roll.

The high volume of beats being sampled also created rapid changes in rapping techniques. Artists like Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, KRS One and Chuck D infused new styles that gained the adoration of fans. They were later to be credited as phenomenal by leading music pundits. With enhanced creativity, fans hand virtually nothing 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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