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.
5353 artists in the catalog.
Guides for hip-hop artists
Top hip-hop albums
See essentials
All hip-hop artists
Estelle
contemporary R&B, hip-hop soul
Kodak Black
SoundCloud rap, Southern hip-hop
Jordin Sparks
contemporary R&B, dance music
Achille Lauro
pop music, trap music
Marteria
Timbuktu
reggae
Aaron Carter
pop music
Chamillionaire
Kid Cudi
alternative hip-hop, alternative rock
Willow Smith
alternative R&B, alternative pop
Tamia
contemporary R&B, rhythm and blues
MC Hammer
dance music, gospel music
Big K.R.I.T.
Southern hip-hop, conscious hip-hop
Ivy Queen
Latin music, reggaeton
Grigory Leps
Russian chanson, Russian post-chanson
Far East Movement
electro hop, hip house
About hip-hop
What is hip-hop?
rhythmic music accompanied by rhyming speech
Where should I start with hip-hop?
Start with "Listen" by David Guetta. It captures what makes hip-hop worth exploring.
What are the best hip-hop albums?
The hip-hop albums worth hearing first: "Listen" by David Guetta, "Pop Life" by David Guetta, "Guetta Blaster" by David Guetta, "One Love" by David Guetta and "Nothing but the Beat" by David Guetta.
How many hip-hop artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 5353 hip-hop artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.