Hip-hop classics that changed history
Overseas, hip-hop songs that have been loved for many years are called “hip-hop classics.”
This time, we’ve picked out especially iconic tracks among those hip-hop classics—songs that had a major impact on the hip-hop scene.
We cover everything from legendary tracks of the 1990s to works that served as the very roots of hip-hop in the 1970s.
Many of the songs in the latter half are relatively unknown in Japan, so this is a must-read for anyone looking for great tracks!
Please sit back, relax, and enjoy.
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- [Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
- [MC Battle] Commonly Used Classic Beats and Popular Tracks
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- Not Just Hip-Hop! Classic Rap Tracks Recommended for Teens
- Classic rap songs recommended for people in their 20s
- From Pop to Hip-Hop: Nostalgic Rap Recommendations for People in Their 30s
- Guaranteed to make you want to dance! Dance tracks that defined the Heisei era
- Stylish hip-hop! A roundup of classic albums in Western jazzy hip-hop
- Classic hip-hop tracks recommended for women
- A friendship song spun with rap: a roundup of classic hip-hop tracks
- A roundup of Japanese rap to listen to in summer: classic tracks of Japanese hip-hop
- A hip-hop love song. A rapper’s tale of love.
Hip-Hop Classics That Changed History (1–10)
C.R.E.A.M.Wu Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group that gained popularity for its distinctive style.
Their name has a kung fu theme, and that influence is strong in their music as well, making them known for many unique works.
Among their catalog, the one I especially recommend is C.R.E.A.M.
It’s one of their biggest hit tunes, and beyond the distinctive rapping, each verse really stands out.
There are few groups where every member’s individuality shines this much, so if you want to study hip-hop, this is a must-listen.
Still D.R.E. ft. Snoop DoggDr. Dre
After gaining popularity as a member of N.W.A, achieving major success as a solo rapper, and now dominating as a producer as well, the great rapper Dr.
Dre has had an illustrious career.
Speaking of his iconic tracks, “Still D.R.E.
ft.
Snoop Dogg” immediately comes to mind.
Even those not well-versed in hip-hop likely know it.
It’s a monumental song that instantly transformed the then-declining image of the West Coast.
Planet RockAfrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force
Hip-hop, which took shape from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, certainly had figures like Grandmaster Flash who sparked decisive movements, but it was also a genre built collectively by several artists and groups.
Among the groups known for shaping the prototype of hip-hop is Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force, who perform “Planet Rock.” With funk-like tracks and razor-sharp flows that feel incredibly good, this is a must-check release for fans of old-school hip-hop.
Hip-Hop Classics That Changed History (11–20)
The MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, the legendary hip-hop crew that shaped the prototype of modern hip-hop.
They were the most important force of the old school era, and Grandmaster Flash, in particular, is known as a great artist who created the culture of the modern hip-hop track as a producer.
The work I especially recommend from them is The Message.
It’s a track that still sounds fresh today, marked by razor-sharp flow and production.
Lose YourselfEminem
Eminem is a hugely popular rapper in Japan as well.
Even people who know nothing about hip-hop often still know who Eminem is.
When it comes to his signature tracks, “Lose Yourself” immediately comes to mind.
Inspired by the fairy tale The Pied Piper of Hamelin, it’s a perfect song that combines lyrical lyricism, overwhelming rap skills, and fiery vibes, reflecting the values of late-1990s and early-2000s hip-hop, when skill was highly prized.
Rebel Without A PausePublic Enemy
As pioneers of socially conscious rap, Public Enemy is a hip-hop crew that has had a huge influence on today’s rappers and heads.
Among their works, the one I especially recommend is Rebel Without a Pause.
If you’re a fan of Japanese MC battles, you’ve probably heard this track at least once, right? Although it was their first single, it was put together at a tempo exceeding 100 BPM—which was considered fast at the time—and drew attention both for its musicality and for the political messages in its lyrics.
Sucker MC’sRun-D.M.C.
Rap rock is a genre that’s now widely embraced as a matter of course.
Run-DMC are known as pioneers who helped create that rap-rock sound, and they still enjoy enduring popularity among many heads today.
Their track “Sucker MC’s” is one of their hit tunes.
It appeared as the B-side to their debut single “It’s Like That,” and has since become one of the most popular songs in their catalog.
As a track that helped propel hip-hop into the mainstream, it’s a must-listen for anyone looking to study hip-hop history.