When it comes to old school rap, there are few names that stand out more than the legendary rappers from the 80s and 90s. These classic hip hop artists paved the way for modern rap music with their unique styles, memorable lyrics, and captivating performances. From Run-DMC to Big Daddy Kane, these iconic figures have continued to influence generations of aspiring MCs who strive to reach their level of success in rap music. In this article we will explore five of the most influential old school rappers and discuss why they are considered some of the best in their genre. We’ll examine each artist’s strengths and weaknesses as well as look at how they have stayed relevant over time and what makes them stand out from other rappers in terms of impact on hip hop culture and music. Finally, we will share stories or anecdotes about memorable moments that demonstrate why each rapper is truly one-of-a-kind when it comes to being an old school legend.
What Is Rap Music?
Before we dive into our top five artists, let’s quickly define rap music. Rap is a genre of popular music that incorporates spoken or chanted rhymes and chanted syllables over background beats. This style has origins in African-American culture and originated in the Bronx borough of New York City during the 1970s. Rap often focuses on topics such as politics, social issues, and life experiences, with lyrics being delivered in an aggressive manner using creative wordplay and storytelling techniques.
The Best Old School Rappers
1. Run-DMC – Run-DMC was one of the most influential groups to come out of hip hop’s golden era in the 1980s. This trio from Queens, New York consisted of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and the late Jam Master Jay. Together they pioneered a new sound with their mix of rap, funk, and rock elements that helped define the genre for years to come. Their classic hits such as “It’s Tricky” and “Walk This Way” are still played today and serve as some of the group’s most memorable tracks. Run-DMC was also one of the first hip hop acts to be nominated for a Grammy Award in 1986 for their single “Rock Box”. Did you know RUN-DMC had a special endorsement relationship with Adidas Superstar, as they always sported these footwear throughout their appearances.
2. Big Daddy Kane – Brooklyn-born Big Daddy Kane is considered by many to be one of the greatest rappers of all time. His signature aggressive flow and remarkable lyrics set him apart from other rappers of his era. His legacy includes classic songs such as “Ain’t No Half Steppin’”, “Warm It Up Kane”, and the hit single “Smooth Operator” that featured hip hop legend Heavy D. Big Daddy Kane was one of the first artists to successfully combine rap with R&B elements which opened doors for future collaborations between the two genres. He also has a memorable moment when he won over a crowd at The Apollo Theater in Harlem during an impromptu freestyle battle against Kool G Rap back in 1989. Big Daddy Kane was signed by various record labels over the years, Warner Records and PolyGram Records being just two of them but the list goes on.
3. LL Cool J – Although well known for being a Hollywood actor today, LL Cool J is one of hip hop’s earliest stars. His debut album Radio was released in 1985 and quickly became a classic with tracks such as “I Can Give You More”, “Rock The Bells”, and the timeless single “I Need Love”. LL Cool J managed to remain relevant throughout the years by releasing quality music that still resonates with fans today such as his hit single from 1995 “Loungin”. He has been nominated for various Grammy Awards over the years including Best Rap Performance for his song “Mama Said Knock You Out” which he won in 1992. Def Jam recordings signed this guy up in 1984 as they saw huge potential, although, LL Cool J, left his rapping career for a lucrative acting one later on.
4. Ice Cube – Ice Cube was one of the founding members of legendary rap group NWA who changed the landscape of hip hop forever with their hard-hitting lyrics and raw approach to rap music. He has since gone on to become a successful solo artist and actor. His 1992 album The Predator is widely considered one of his best works and includes classic tracks such as “It Was A Good Day”, “Check Yo Self”, and “Wicked”. Ice Cube also became a part of history when he performed at Woodstock ’99 alongside fellow NWA members Dr. Dre and MC Ren in 1999, making it the first time the group had performed together in over 10 years. Ice Cube made it real big during his heyday, he was signed by various record labels such as EMI, Virgin Records (which is now also owned by EMI) and Ruthlless Records. He had a lucrative music and also acting career, showing that is can be multi-talented in different industries.
5. Tupac Shakur – Arguably one of the most iconic rappers of all time, Tupac Shakur had a short but highly influential career that is still felt today. His debut album 2Pacalypse Now was released in 1991, with his follow up album Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z achieving widespread success and garnering the rapper numerous awards including the 1995 Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Album of the Year. He has since become one of rap’s most beloved figures with memorable singles such as “Dear Mama”, “California Love”, and “Changes” continuing to inspire generations of aspiring rappers. Tupac was signed by the controversial Death Row Records, who at the time was owned by Marion “Suge” Knight.
And a bonus: The Notorious B.I.G – Another legendary rapper from the ’90s, The Notorious B.I.G or Biggie Smalls as he was known to his fans, made a huge impact on hip hop culture throughout his career. His debut album Ready To Die has gone down in history as one of the greatest rap albums ever released and includes classic tracks such as “Big Poppa”, “Juicy”, and “One More Chance”. He is remembered for his storytelling skills and witty rhymes that have left their mark on the music industry, he made his debut album when he signed to P. Diddy’s record label Bad Boy Records.
So who is considered to be the best old school rapper? While there are many contenders for this title, it’s hard to argue against any of these 6 artists who have all made huge contributions to hip hop and rap music. Each has their own strengths and weaknesses, but the one thing that ties them all together is their influence on culture and staying power throughout the years. Whether through classic hits or defining moments in their careers, these artists have all left a lasting legacy that will continue to be appreciated for generations to come.
No matter who you choose as your favorite, there’s no denying that each of these six old school hip hop legends deserves a place in history for pioneering the genre we know and love today.
So which rapper do you think should get the title of best old school rapper?
Out Of All The Old School Rappers – Who Is The Best?
It’s hard to pick just one artist who stands out above all the other greats, but if we had to choose a single best old school rapper, it would have to be Tupac Shakur. His influence on rap music and culture cannot be understated, having released multiple classic albums throughout his career and writing some of the most memorable hip hop lyrics in history. From his thought-provoking songs about social issues to his creative wordplay and storytelling skills, Tupac Shakur still remains one of the most influential figures in rap today. He is often cited as an inspiration for many modern day rappers and serves as a reminder of why he is considered the best old school rapper. With a style and presence that is still felt today, Tupac’s legacy will continue to live on for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The best old school rapper is a highly debated topic that will likely never be solved. All of the artists listed here are considered legends for their contributions to hip hop, but there’s no denying that Tupac Shakur stands out above all the others as the best old school rapper of all time. His influence and lasting legacy prove why he deserves this title more than any other artist in the genre. We can only hope that future generations of rappers continue to look up to him as an inspiration and strive to reach his level of greatness.