[Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
Hip-hop hadn’t been very popular in Japan for a long time, but it’s recently started getting attention, thanks in part to the spread of MC battles.
That said, even if people know recent tracks, many might not be familiar with the older ones.
So this time, we’ve picked out some classic hip-hop tracks recommended for those listeners.
We’ve mainly chosen songs from the 1980s to the 2000s, so you can also get a sense of hip-hop’s history.
Please take your time and enjoy.
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- [Western music] Classic upbeat hip-hop tracks
[Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / All-Time Great Tracks (91–100)
Rubber Band ManT.I.
This is the third single from his second album, Trap Muzik.
Back in 2003, when he wasn’t yet widely known, T.I.
gradually made waves with his second album, Trap Muzik, and started to establish his presence in the scene.
He gained significant attention for appearing on a Kanye West project.
However, what was actually more popular locally were stoic tracks like this one.
According to T.I.
himself, the song’s title refers to his habit of wearing a rubber band around his wrist, a memory from his days as a dealer.
YonkersTyler, The Creator
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, better known as OFWGKTA, is a West Coast hip-hop collective with a cult following.
Its de facto leader is Tyler, the Creator.
Their endlessly dope beats and Tyler’s deep-voiced rapping can be divisive, but once you’re hooked, their unique appeal is hard to escape.
Tyler is also known for eccentric behavior that sometimes draws criticism, and the music video for Yonkers stirred controversy as well.
Empire State of MindJay Z
The king of the hip-hop world—calling him that wouldn’t be an exaggeration—is Jay-Z.
Since stepping into the spotlight in the ’90s, he has reigned at the top of the music industry.
His achievements are widely recognized; at the UK’s storied rock festival Glastonbury, he became the first hip-hop artist ever to headline.
By the way, his wife is none other than Beyoncé.
Runaway ft. Pusha TKanye West
Controversial or not, Kanye West is undeniably a genius whose name will remain in music history.
He first made his mark as a producer, but since his solo debut he has been a constant presence in the spotlight.
While his words and actions sometimes draw heavy criticism, his musical sensibility is unquestionably genuine.
Rock, techno, electronica, gospel, soul—his ability to absorb it all and forge a radical sonic world is unmatched.
Runaway was so grand in scale that it was even turned into a film.
TalkKhalid
Since his debut in 2016, he has continued to rack up hits, and he was nominated in five categories at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
This song is the lead single from R&B artist Khalid’s album released in April 2019.
Produced by the British dance music duo Disclosure, it’s a laid-back, electro-funk-like slow jam.