Today I have a special guest post for you!
Back in early February, I was on Twitter and Rachel from Where The Wild Things Grow, had posted a tweet about how old school doesn’t even compare to the newer stuff that the younger generations are listening to nowadays. We literally had a whole conversation about it, because I completely agree! The message was different, you could understand them, and they used some gnarly beats behind their lyrics! The day after our little chat, I asked her if she’d like to do a guest post about some of her favorite rap songs that came out of the late 80’s and the early 90’s.
When discussing the topic of music with others, I always say that my favorite genre is rap and typically, I’ll receive a response such as, “You don’t seem like the kind of person who would like rap music.” I’m still not entirely sure what that means, but I always assure them that listening to rap music has brought a lot of joy into my life in more recent years. It’s been the one genre of music that never fails to put me in a better mood and provide your girl with a little confidence booster. But allow me to make what may be quite a shocking confession, today’s rap music just doesn’t do it for me. I mean, I’ve been wracking my brain, trying to come up with more than three artists that are still currently making music that I actually listen to, and unfortunately, I can’t.
Thanks to the internet, I’ve been lucky enough to come across some of the most amazing, old school rap and hip hop artists to ever exist, some that make me envious of those who happened to be young adults in the mid-80’s or early 90’s! It’s safe to say, I’m forever hooked on the men and women who paved the way for the young rappers we know today. And with that being said, I have a list of my top five, absolute favorite rap songs ranging from those time periods! Friendly reminder, these are just my personal favorites and are not necessarily the most popular songs ever made in the genre. If I’ve left out one of your favorites, please leave a comment and let me know!
Disclaimer: The songs featured on this list may not be suitable for all ages due to some language and themes, please be aware and if you’re under the age of 18, have permission if needed before listening or watching the included videos. Thank you!
5. Let Me Clear My Throat – DJ Kool (1996)
This song was literally released the year I came into this world, but somehow it still manages to hold up today! I discovered this song a few years back when Apple was still offering their iTunes radio for free, which was ultimately how I discovered most of the artists on this list. My reason for enjoying this song as much as I do, is that it’s completely carefree and most importantly, fun! It’s the kind of song you could play toward the end of your wedding reception, when you’ve got all of the formalities out of the way and everyone is anxious to bust a move!
4. None Of Your Business – Salt N’ Pepa (1993)
I’ve been listening to Salt N’ Pepa for a little over a year now, but it wasn’t until just a few months back, that I was able to dig deep and find this little gem, that would quickly become my favorite from the all female hip hop trio! The song dives in heavily covering the of judgement. Discussing what it’s like when those surrounding you, attempt to pressure you into living life the way they believe you should be, when you’d just like to be left alone to do your own thing. Which I definitely think is something we all have experienced to some degree.
3. Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice (1990)
Confession time again, I absolutely love Vanilla Ice! His music was what had originally pulled me into exploring more of the older generations that rap music has to offer and I’m almost positive I’m not alone in saying that “Ice Ice Baby” was one of the very first songs I’d ever heard in the genre. I mean, love him or hate him, this song is a total classic, and the odds are, you probably know all of the words and wouldn’t be able to resist rapping along. It can’t just be me, right?
2. It’s Tricky – RUN DMC (1986)
RUN DMC is the kind of group that you can be familiar with even if you’re not that huge fan of rap or hip hop, arguably their biggest hit, “It’s Tricky” can still be found featured in several trailers, promos, and commercials throughout television! Released in 1986, RUN DMC practically ruled the world of rap music at the time and helped elevate the genre to new heights. Plus it wins the award for being one of the songs I blast the most in the my car! I’m sure they’re quite proud of such an accomplishment.
1. Hold It Now, Hit It – Beastie Boys (1986)
I couldn’t complete this list without a song from my all time favorite rap/hip hop group, Beastie Boys. Fresh off of their first album “Licensed To Ill”, I picked “Hold It Now, Hit It” not only for the song itself but for the video that goes with it. Filmed with their fisheye lens effect that went on to be featured in several other classics such as “Intergalactic” and “Triple Trouble” the video perfectly captures the Beasties for what at they actually were, three talented but rowdy teenagers from New York who happened to become accidentally famous.
In conclusion, I’ve always been the kind of person who views music as ageless. Of course, every genre of music has most definitely changed and evolved throughout the years in some way, shape or form. But at the end of the day, when the music was made isn’t nearly as important when you find yourself thoroughly enjoying what you’ve been listening to. In fact, the year something was released, could be the last thing we find out about that new favorite song we’ve been blasting on repeat! Moral of the story, don’t be afraid to educate yourself on different genres of music, both old and new. Because if you limit yourself to the music within your time now, you could be missing out on something great!
Rachel McRad is a lifestyle and self-improvement blogger who covers topics such as mental health and adulthood. She decided to create her blog “When The Wild Things Grow” in order to help provide advice and encouragement to young adults during more difficult times in life. When away from her computer and blog, some of her favorite hobbies include practicing photography, creative journaling and living the life of a proud dog mom.
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