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
NLE Choppa
Memphis rap, Southern hip-hop
De La Soul
East Coast hip-hop, alternative hip-hop
Shiva
Italian hip-hop, trap music
m-flo
J-pop, hip house
Mike Shinoda
alternative metal, alternative rock
Trey Songz
contemporary R&B, hip-hop soul
Don Omar
reggaeton
R. Kelly
contemporary R&B, soul
Emis Killa
Guè
gangsta rap
YoungBoy Never Broke Again
Southern hip-hop, gangsta rap
Bone Thugs-n-Harmony
G-funk, Midwest hip-hop
Lil Baby
Southern hip-hop, trap music
Doja Cat
contemporary R&B, pop music
Brandy Norwood
contemporary R&B, gospel music
TLC
contemporary R&B, new jack swing
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.