Kool Herc was an early innovator of hip hop music when he combined beats, breaks and vocal samples into a dance track that revolutionized hip hop music. While some may find his lyrics hard to decipher, its bass line and cymbal hits can get any listener moving – or dancing along!
OutKast’s creativity truly shines when they aim to elicit an emotional response from us; whether that be anger, passion, or simply gyration. In this track featuring David Banner rapping about making a strip club move over an atmospheric Collipark beat.
Trick Daddy & Twista
Trick Daddy made waves with his 1996 single, “Nann,” when he released it, shockwaves reverberated through the music world. The raunchy lyrics featured an uncomfortable conversation between a male character and female counterparts that proved hip-hop could appeal to both genders equally. Furthermore, his candid account of his troubled background – his mother had 20 children by various fathers, while living at Miami Liberty Square housing development known as Pork and Beans Projects- was powerful and lasting success for audiences worldwide.
Before hip hop’s rise, DJs were limited to spinning records at parties and clubs. New York DJ Kool Herc realized dance floors became especially lively during instrumental sections called breaks in popular pop and rhythm & blues songs; so he experimented with ways to extend these musical segments; his experiments proved immensely popular among dancers known as b-boys/b-girls who found them quite addictive!
From there, MCs and rappers became the center of hip hop culture. They created personas — typically super-smooth or tough characters who might even incorporate elements of violence — which allowed them to stand out amongst their peers. Lyrical talents were displayed and beats were created by producers for them to rap over. Meanwhile, DJs were recognized as essential components of the culture.
Hip hop today embraces all these artistic elements and more, from musicals such as Into the Hoods that combine hip hop music and dancing with traditional drama, comedy and even tragedy; to Will Power’s adaptation of Seven Against Thebes with an all-female cast and hip hop lyrics.
Maurice Young, commonly known by his stage name of Trick Daddy, was born and raised in Liberty Square projects of Chicago. Following the murder of his brother in prison, he left to pursue music full-time; soon enough his honest and skill won over hip-hop fans. Never losing hope that one day his work would be recognized sooner or later, one of Trick Daddy’s most successful hits, “Let’s Go,” featured Trina of Miami with Ozzy Osbourne’s classic track Crazy Train as sample material; at no extra cost than anticipated!
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliott has made waves throughout her over thirty year career as an American singer-rapper and rapper. From working with influential artists to mentoring younger talents, Missy Elliott remains one of the most prolific female hip hop figures of her time. Elliott established herself as one of hip hop’s premier female artists by dancing, singing and rapping under her own distinct brand; winning multiple hits as well as receiving critical acclaim along the way. Her Grammy Award won status is testament to that success.
Elliott’s music spoke directly to a generation of women during the 1990s and 2000s, as she addressed topics like sexism, body positivity and empowerment – groundbreaking topics in an industry dominated by men. Elliott’s lyrical dexterity, rhythmic delivery and ability to move listeners set trends that would reverberate for decades to come – with iconic tracks like “Get Ur Freak On,” “Work It” and “Gossip Folks” being recognized worldwide.
Elliot has long been associated with Timbaland as one of his primary collaborators, producing hit singles that will surely become timeless classics. Her debut album Supa Dupa Fly reached No.3 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1997 and produced such classic tracks as “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly), Gossip Folks” and “Work It”. Since then she has released 1999’s Da Real World album as well as 2001s Miss E… So Addictive and 2005s Under Construction/The Cookbook albums respectively.
Elliott has worked with both established and emerging artists throughout her career, such as Ciara on their 2002 r&b hit “1, 2 Step”, which reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy. She has also collaborated with Keyshia Cole, Jazmine Sullivan and Fantasia; providing voiceover work for multiple films soundtracks.
If your party is starting to drag on, play “Lose Control” and watch the floor go crazy! This club-ready track features elements of Cybotron, electro, Fat Man Scoop’s hype man steez and Ciara’s lovely vocals for an ultimate dance song experience.
Eminem & Lil Jon
Hip hop’s roots lie deep within dance music. From early classics such as chunky bass lines or beats resembling military marching rhythms, early hits from this genre blended rap with drum ‘n’ bass to create something completely original and exciting – especially during its rise during the 1990s with dance styles like breakdancing and krumping becoming mainstream forms of expression.
No matter its genre, Kriss Kross of Ruff Ryders duo Kriss Kross’ track “Party Hard” stands out with its classic dance floor energy and upbeat production that sets an unforgettable party mood – setting off party vibes perfectly before MC Kross begins dropping rhymes about partying hard! One of their biggest singles and still an instant classic today.
Trip hop was created out of the early 1990s funk-house sound, blending jazz, soul, and dance music elements with hip hop beats. It became extremely popular around the same time gangsta rap entered mainstream consciousness as an outlet for urban crime and violence narratives; hits like Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock’s “It Takes Two,” Deee-Lite’s “Groove Is in the Heart,” and Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch’s “Good Vibrations” helped spread it’s popularity further.
This fusion song can get the dance floor shaking! And featuring Missy Elliott, Lil Jon, and Fat Man Scoop only adds to its allure!
Missy may not have produced the greatest lyrics, but this track certainly is danceable. With its heavy synth bassline, infectious hook and plenty of drums that encourage dancing, it is an essential track to have in your back pocket when the dance floor starts to feel lifeless.
Now, bringing a bottle of Courvoisier cognac into a club might draw curious stares; but in 2003 nobody could understand what Chingy meant when he told us to pass out bottles of Courvoisier cognac. His video became an instant classic and one of the first music videos with non-traditional dance moves other than breakdances and handclaps.
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., more commonly known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is one of the most influential rappers in hip hop history. Raised in New Orleans’ impoverished 17th Ward, Lil Wayne started his career by connecting with Bryan “Baby D” Williams of Cash Money Records who took him under his wing as his protege. By 1997 he had also co-founded Hot Boys with Juvenile, B.G. and Turk and released two critically acclaimed albums; Get It How U Live! and Guerrilla Warfare gained widespread renown.
Although many rap artists struggled to establish themselves in the music business, Hot Boys enjoyed immense success. They founded their own record label – Young Money Entertainment – and in 2009 headlined America’s Most Wanted Music Festival alongside artists like Nicki Minaj. Lil Wayne also established an empire through music by founding both a charitable foundation that helps urban youth as well as investing in his own telecommunications company.
Lil Wayne managed to remain productive despite several brushes with the law, including his eight-month stay at Rikers Island prison following a drug-related arrest and subsequent trial for cocaine trafficking. He collaborated with artists like Drake and Nicki Minaj on their albums while also appearing in shows like Skip and Shannon: Undisputed on FS1. Furthermore, his production of Gangsta Grillz compilations brought him international renown.
Lil Wayne quickly established himself as a key figure in hip-hop by the end of the decade, working on personal projects while also collaborating with artists and expanding his record label. He even made an appearance at 2013 America’s Most Wanted Music Festival to perform alongside T.I. and 2 Chainz; after which, in 2014, he released We Are Young Money which showcased collaborations from various artists that further established his influence over hip-hop music.
Lil Wayne reigned supreme again with Funeral, his fifth consecutive number one album. Funeral also contained some of his most popular singles such as “Crank Dat,” with its funky samples, uptempo drum programming and energetic delivery that makes for ideal dancing music.