[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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- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
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- Popular overseas rappers. Recommended Western/English-language rappers.
[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard HIPHOP / Timeless Masterpieces (71–80)
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.
Doo-Wop (That Thing)Lauryn Hill
A living legend among female rappers who continues to thrive and is edging into veteran territory—that’s Lauryn Hill.
She debuted with the hip-hop group The Fugees, and after going solo she continued to release a string of hits.
Strongly influenced by classic soul music, her sound was said to be popular not only with young hip-hop fans but also with older listeners, which is rare in the genre.
Go FlexPost Malone
It starts with Post Malone’s acoustic guitar.
His sweet voice, unexpected from his appearance, will captivate you after just one listen.
It might be a bit early to call it a classic, but it’s bound to blow up, so keep an eye on it.
[Hip-Hop Classics] Standard Hip-Hop / Timeless Hits (’81–’90)
It Was A Good DayIce Cube
A classic track that became a hot topic for its intense lyrics singing about a brief respite in gangster life—“I’m just glad nobody died today.” Often regarded as his best work, it contrasts mellow production that heavily samples the Isley Brothers’ “Footsteps in the Dark” with stark subject matter.
Released as a single from the 1992 third album, The Predator.
Big Pimpin’ (feat. UGK)Jay Z
This work became a mega-hit in 2000.
Handling the sound production was TIMBALAND, the hip-hop and R&B producer and rapper from Norfolk, Virginia.
Featuring UGK from the then-overlooked South and Southwest, specifically Texas, it’s a classic that offered a glimpse of Jay-Z’s foresight.
I’m Not RacistJoyner Lucas
This MV, uploaded at the end of November 2017, sparked major debate.
The perspective is completely split between the first and second halves: in the first half, a white man starts with a disclaimer like, “I’m not racist, but…” and goes on to complain.
In the second half, the Black perspective responds to each of those points one by one.
The track has no flashy elements at all—only the raw, impassioned shouts resonate deeply.
Rock The BellsLL Cool J
Released in 1985 on the prestigious DEF JAM label, this is a hip-hop classic from an artist who was just 15 at the time.
The sound was produced by RICK RUBIN.
Listening now, you get the thumping kick drum, the striking snare, and percussion that rings like metal.
Captivated by the looped breakbeats and their sense of groove, countless artists continue to sample this masterpiece to this day.