[Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies

Without MeEminem

Eminem – Without Me (Official Music Video)

Even if you’re not very interested in hip-hop, you’ve almost certainly come across the name Eminem at least once.

Since releasing his debut album, The Slim Shady LP, in 1999, he has broken records and transcended genres, continuing to reign at the top of the scene well into the 2020s.

Among his works, Without Me—featured on his third album, The Eminem Show, released in 2002—is invariably cited as one of his signature tracks.

It’s packed with the irony and humor characteristic of his younger days, qualities less common in Eminem’s work from the 2010s onward, and its music video is incredibly entertaining.

At the same time, it’s far more than just a joke: take the opportunity to appreciate the genius of his songwriting, which deftly weaves together fiction and truth.

Planet RockAfrika Bambaataa

Planet Rock

This is a track released in 1982 by Afrika Bambaataa, who influenced a wide range of scenes including techno and house.

It’s a quintessential old-school classic, and it’s no exaggeration to say that this song opened up the world of hip-hop in a major way.

It’s a great track that not only hip-hop fans, but all music lovers should hear.

Paid in FullEric B. & Rakim

Paid In Full

This is the eponymous track from Paid in Full, the debut by Eric B.

& Rakim.

They are one of the quintessential East Coast rap groups and have left behind a wealth of true classics.

What’s most striking about this song, though, is the sound quality and the way the beats are put together—it’s hard to believe it was released in 1987.

Even back then, they were already showcasing their prowess as producers.

C.R.E.A.M.Wu Tang Clan

Wu-Tang Clan – C.R.E.A.M. (Official HD Video)

A highly acclaimed track in hip-hop history representing the Wu-Tang Clan.

It’s truly a classic that stands out among early ’90s works.

They rap about everyday fashion—like Polo down coats and grills (mouth jewelry worn over the teeth, often decorated with lots of cubic zirconia)—to express the lives they’ve led and the emotions behind them.

Fight The PowerPublic Enemy

Fight The Power

Hip-hop is Black music, originally born from communities persecuted by anti-Black racism.

For that reason, it’s not uncommon for hip-hop artists to deliver political messages.

A leading example of such socially conscious hip-hop is Public Enemy.

Their song “Fight The Power,” which incites resistance against authority, is acclaimed for both its sound and its lyrics.

Their fearless stance in voicing social messages went on to influence the rock scene as well, including bands like Rage Against the Machine.

Electric RelaxationA Tribe Called Quest

A Tribe Called Quest – Electric Relaxation (Official HD Video)

A Tribe Called Quest, formed in Queens, NY in 1985, is one of the groups known as part of the Native Tongues collective.

Above all, what truly stands out is their smooth, feel-good beats built on jazz samples.

It’s called a classic for a reason—their 1993 release still sounds timeless.

In 2016, they released their final album, “We Got It from Here.

.

.

Thank You 4 Your Service.”

Mass AppealGang Starr

Gang Starr – Mass Appeal

One of the members, DJ Premier, is also known as a hit-making producer who supported ’90s rappers like Nas, Common, Rakim, and The Notorious B.

I.

G.

This is a classic track from their 1993 album Hard to Earn.

It conveys a resolve to “go big with a stripped-down style.”