hip-hop
rhythmic music accompanied by rhyming speech
Hip-hop is a vibrant tapestry of rhythm, poetry, and raw energy that pulses with life. Characterized by the sharp crack of snare drums, deep bass lines, and an array of samples that pull from countless musical styles, hip-hop serves as both a sonic playground and a powerful storytelling medium. The flow of the rapper’s voice dances over beats, weaving narratives that range from celebration to reflection, often dripping with personal experiences and social commentary. It's as much about the groove as it is about the message, creating an irresistible urge to move.
Emerging from the streets of the Bronx in the 1970s, hip-hop sprang up as a response to economic hardship and cultural disenfranchisement. Artists like DJ Kool Herc pioneered the art of breakbeat DJing, while Grandmaster Flash revolutionized techniques like back-spinning and punch phrasing. In the late '80s and early '90s, albums like Public Enemy's "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back" and N.W.A's "Straight Outta Compton" brought political urgency to the forefront. As hip-hop evolved through diverse voices and regional sounds, it became a global phenomenon that reshaped music and culture.
To dive into hip-hop, start with Nas's debut album "Illmatic," which is often hailed for its lyrical depth and refined production. Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d city" is a masterclass in narrative storytelling that captures life in Compton with breathtaking honesty. Don't overlook Missy Elliott’s "Supa Dupa Fly," which combines innovation with infectious grooves. For a taste of classic Southern rap, check out OutKast’s "Aquemini," blending funk and soul beautifully. And if you enjoy those, keep your ears open to genres like trap or R&B for even more rich sounds waiting to be discovered.
5338 artists in the catalog.
Guides for hip-hop artists
Top hip-hop albums
See essentials
All hip-hop artists
Lloyd Banks
East Coast hip-hop, gangsta rap
Bobby Brown
contemporary R&B, dance-pop
Bhad Bhabie
trap music
The Streets
grime
Chanmina
J-pop, K-pop
6ix9ine
SoundCloud rap, gangsta rap
MC Lyte
Wale
East Coast hip-hop
Kevin Rudolf
alternative rock, dance-punk
Lil Pump
SoundCloud rap, Southern hip-hop
Markoolio
comedy hip-hop, pop music
Mark Ronson
contemporary R&B, pop music
Pyhimys
Sage Francis
alternative hip-hop
Kevin Gates
Southern hip-hop, dirty south
Slick Rick
East Coast hip-hop, golden age hip-hop
About hip-hop
What is hip-hop?
rhythmic music accompanied by rhyming speech
Where should I start with hip-hop?
Start with "Can't Be Tamed" by Miley Cyrus. It captures what makes hip-hop worth exploring.
What are the best hip-hop albums?
The hip-hop albums worth hearing first: "Can't Be Tamed" by Miley Cyrus, "Beyoncé" by Beyoncé, "Renaissance" by Beyoncé, "B'Day" by Beyoncé and "Swag" by Justin Bieber.
How many hip-hop artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 5338 hip-hop artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.