Whatever Session – 29 – Dan – Golden Age Hip Hop Special – 24-03-2013 by Hark1karan on Mixcloud

Originally posted here.

Considering how many diverse styles of music I listen too, Hip Hop for me is my favourite and most of my favourite hip hop tunes are from the golden age of hip hop between circa 1987 to 1995. It sounds crazy that I have so much love for golden age hip hop as I was born in 1988 and have very little recollection of any music in that period for that matter. But hip hop was the first style of music that I really got into from about 11 trough to my early teens. The more you get into music in general you always look back at the history of any genre you like and start to appreciate it even more. That was definitely the case with Hip Hop, after discovering the early pioneers of hip hop in Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa I got to the golden age of Hip Hop and was blown away. Its just got that vibe that can not be recreated and the flow of the lyricists are clear and have meaning as opposed to the “molly popping and thirsty bitches” lyrics of today. Simple beats and scratches accompanied the varied and poignant lyrics and everyone was bringing their own twist to a fast growing genre of music.

The MC’s told stories through their raps and at a time were America was suffering from socio-economic problems through recession and social equality. These artists rapped about everyday subjects and touched on the difficulties of everyday life. With Hip Hop emerging from the ghettos in New York City these tunes gave a lot of people hope and inspiration in times of hardship. Much like London with Grime, New York City and Hip Hop are not only a genre of music it’s a culture. I think the day I visit New York is the day when I can fully get the music.

All the tracks I’ve chosen are personal favourites of mine and I hope it encapsulates the era of Hip Hop that many people appreciate as the best. The lyrical flow of Rakim, the poignancy of Chuck D and KRS- One and the feel good vibes from A Tribe Called Quest all included in the mix. They Reminisce Over You and Electric Relaxation are my all time favourites and it wouldn’t be a Golden Age Hip Hop mix without them. Sit back relax and vibe out for the next hour and a bit. Enjoy.

Tracklist

1. Big Daddy Kane – Wrath Of Kane
2. Eric B & Rakim – Juice (Know The Ledge)
3. Eric B & Rakim – I Aint No Joke
4. Souls Of Mischief – 93 Til Infinity
5. Pete Rock & CL Smooth – They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y)
6. Black Sheep – The Choice Is Yours
7. Big Daddy Kane – Aint No Half Steppin
8. Lords Of The Underground – Chief Rocka
9. Public Enemy – Rebel Without A Pause
10. A Tribe Called Quest – I Left My Wallet In El Segundo
11. A Tribe Called Quest – Electric Relaxation
12. Tha Alkaholiks – Make Room
13. Gang Starr – Mass Appeal
14. The Pharcyde – Runnin
15. Boogie Down Productions – My Philosophy
16. Mobb Deep – Shook Ones Part II
17. De La Soul – Potholes In My Lawn
18. Biz Markie – Vapors
19. Lords Of The Underground – Tic Toc
20. The Roots – Clones
21. The Pharcyde – Passin Me By