1. Planet Rock - Afrika Bambaata & the Soul Sonic Force (released in '81/'82, this song remains one of, if not THE most popular hip-hop songs of all time.)
2. Rock Box - Run-DMC (Early release by ground-breaking rap trio; one of the first rap videos I remember seeing as a youth. First rap song I remember to utilize rock & roll guitar riffs.)
3. Roxanne, Roxanne - UTFO (Classic '84 release which spawned numerous answer records from the likes of Roxanne Shante and the Real Roxanne.)
4. Friends - Whodini (Another classic from around '84/'85.)
5. Paid in Full - Eric B. & Rakim (Probably my favorite song from what is considered a CLASSIC album. Released circa 1986.)
6. Jam On It - Newcleus (Ahhh, the wikki-wikki-wikki-wikki song. This song will never grow old.)
7. I Need Love - LL Cool J (The first, and still most popular, rap ballad by the young, brash, Kangol-wearing James Todd Smith. ca 1984.)
8. Don't Believe the Hype - Public Enemy (A response to negative press. Chuck D and a pre-Bridgette Nielsen Flava Flav in their respective primes. Released around '87/'88)
9. The Message - Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five (First socially conscious rap song to have mass appeal - released sometime around '82)
10. Fat Boys - The Fat Boys (Imagine that!)
11. The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff - Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince (The last song I remember that gave the DJ his due, instead of focusing on the MC. And yes, it's THAT Fresh Prince. 1986)
12. Just a Friend - Biz Markie (Crossover hit for a talented artist who never took himself too seriously. 1989/90)
Believe it or not, dear reader, rap has not always been the total crapfest that it is now. Next up - Mike P. tackles classic country and hair bands!
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3 comments:
How about the Beastie Boys? Pretty old school, but I don't know about their significance. Good music in the same.
Crapfest! In general, I agree, but there are a few that cut a good beat occasionally. The Gorillaz for example. Try their "Feel Good, Inc." and "Clint Eastwood." A fun one, that even Rebecca likes, is "Mr. Lonely" by AKON.
Now how could you leave out "Parents Just Don't Understand" by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince? I'm interested in seeing your "Classic Country" list, it should be fun. Later!
P.S. Are you sure that YOU should be commenting on HAIR bands? (just kidding!)
Heather, the Beasties were almost included here - I was thinking about either Hold it Now, The New Style, or Paul Revere. Their debut album License to Ill was the 1st rap album to reach #1 on the Billboard charts.
Tman, Parents Just Don't Understand? That was pretty much the end of Mr. Smith's "street cred" - although, he appears to have done pretty well without it. And for the record, hair is overrated!
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