The late 80s and early 90s witnessed dramatic transformation in rap music. Socially conscious records, battle raps and political protest songs proliferated at an incredible pace during this epoch.
Gangsta rap was also becoming more and more popular, with its harsh lyrics that focused on drugs, sex and violence that resonated deeply with lower class people – both black and white alike. This music style had tremendous appeal amongst lower classes of all kinds.
Back On The Block
3 Feet High and Rising was an unexpected game-changer when released in 1989, featuring guest appearances by Q-Tip, Queen Latifah and the Jungle Brothers; not to mention its groundbreaking status in terms of supergroup formation: Native Tongues. Not one to be outdone, Too Hard To Swallow continued this juggernaut by introducing newcomers into rap fold – its combination of seductive beats, golden age gangster rap references and an upbeat vibe were enough to make this record the go-to record in any barrio for years afterward.
De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising
De La Soul is a group of New York rappers formed in the late ’80s who are widely recognized for fusing jazz and funk influences into hip-hop beats to form their distinctive sound. Composed initially of Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo (original members), De La Soul eventually signed with Long Island producer Prince Paul before releasing their landmark debut album on March 3rd 1989.
3 Feet High and Rising established an entire genre of music during an important juncture for hip-hop. The album’s wide-ranging, eclectic, and experimental approach inspired generations of musicians from De La Soul’s alternative roster (A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah and Public Enemy) to N.W.A’s use of interlude skits within their repertoires.
This album set a new standard in terms of production and conceptual design for hip-hop albums, pioneering what came to be known as the “skit era”, in which short skits often featuring humorous or provocative dialogue served as transitional tracks between songs on an album.
Lyrically, De La Soul pioneered an original and unconventional rhyme style on this album that stood out from their peers’ more conventional rhyme patterns. “Ego Trippin’ (Part Two),” where Pos aired his frustrations over an uptempo cover of Al Hirt’s “Harlem Hendoo”, is one such song where they explored abstract wordplay and unconventional rhyme patterns for the first time.
De La exhibited their distinct blend of jazz and funk on Buhloone Mindstate. The music on this album is both rich and varied, featuring sample flips alongside live instrumentation from James Brown’s legendary band and horn section.
Although De La Soul’s album wasn’t commercially successful, it helped launch a new genre of hip-hop which reclaimed funky, caustic and socially conscious sounds once considered unattainable for most rappers. Not only was their unique musical approach influential in helping to redefine hip-hop but their humorous yet cutting lyrics also played a pivotal role in sparking change within hip-hop at that time.
UGK’s Too Hard To Swallow
Too Hard To Swallow was released by Texas rap duo UGK in 1992 and, while not their best work at that time, set the groundwork for what became known as their five studio albums over time.
In the early ’90s, UGK were one of only a few Texas-based rap groups to become national acts. There had previously been little hip-hop from this region of Texas; their success helped shift this perception.
Chad “Pimp C” Butler and Bernard “Bun B” Freeman make up this duo from Port Arthur, Texas; both were raised there where there is an African American population that stands out among Houston.
At its inception, UGK consisted of young men in their teens and early 20s with plenty of talent who did not have much musical experience. Their sound combined deep bluesy textures with triumphant church organs, thick funk, and meaty soul to form their distinctive sound.
As they got older, Pimp and Bun became more knowledgeable in music. They eventually attended Rice University where they studied musical notation as well as began learning instruments by ear.
They were also able to attend concerts at local theaters. Finally, they decided to pursue careers as rappers, recording their own songs at age 19.
By the time they released their debut LP Too Hard To Swallow in 1992, UGK had already become one of Texas’ premier rap groups and were quickly signed to Jive Records. Their sophomore release Super Tight came out later that same year and reached #95 on Billboard Hot 200 chart.
Meanwhile, UGK made high-profile appearances on Jay-Z’s hit single “Big Pimpin” and Three 6 Mafia’s song “Sippin’ on Some Syrup” later that same year, increasing both their recognition and building up anticipation for future projects.
Pimp and Bun returned to the studio for another round, revising existing songs while adding fresh material – this produced an album more diverse and cohesive than their debut effort, which ultimately outperformed it.
Black Entertainment Television’s Rap City
Rap music 1989 marked an inflection point in its history. As its cultural axis shifted away from Los Angeles and New York City, Atlanta, Houston, Memphis and Miami emerged as hotbeds for hit production styles like chopped and screwed mixes and Triggerman loops – becoming hit factories that produced stars that revolutionized hip-hop’s cultural impact.
BET’s Rap City provides an entertaining look into hip hop culture from its beginnings through today and tomorrow, hosted by Big Tigger and executive produced. Recalling past eras while looking ahead with optimism to the genre today and tomorrow. Featuring exclusive interviews with artists like Jermaine Dupri, Tobe Nwigwe, Fat Joe and DJ Drama among many others.
This series takes viewers on an in-depth journey through some of rap’s most crucial moments, from its rise to its evolution as artists, songwriters, and activists. This includes interviews with iconic MCs like Chuck D from Public Enemy as well as members from A Tribe Called Quest Ice T Kanye West The Diplomats as well as politicians opinion formers and graffiti artists.
One of the greatest achievements of the show lies in how it unifies all these elements together. The series begins with an original song performed by Shawna and Mia as they strive to become a rap duo while living in Miami; it pays homage to Miami-based City Girls, co-executive producers of this production.
This song cleverly covers all the major aspects of Miami: it pays homage to Miami’s vibrant nightclubs, celebrates its unique architecture, and pokes fun at some of its problems. Additionally, it showcases both newer and established versions of its hip-hop scene with an appropriately timed performance by local icon Supernatural.
This show is an absolute treat and provides all the details about rap culture that any fan or non-fan needs – from how to find a reliable cannabis dealer, all the way through what it takes to become a star MC. A must watch show for any serious fan or non-fan alike!