We Heart 80's Hip Hop

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since N.W.A. released Straight Outta Compton ushering in a new era of hip hop; an era that would forever change the game. Hip hop gave a voice and a sense of purpose to a generation who felt unheard and neglected. Hip hop was a friend and foe (as Common so poetically put on wax with I Used to Love H.E.R.). Hip hop consoled, gave courage, and confidence. And no matter what the critics try and tell you 80’s hip hop was hip hop’s BEST decade.

Some refer to hip hop's "golden age" as the period in mainstream hip hop around the late 1980s. 80's hip hop was diverse and innovative and the influence of the genre spanned the globe. There were also strong themes of Afrocentricity and political militancy, the music was experimental, and the sampling was eclectic.

It was about empowering youth to strive to be more and do more because for the first time we saw kids like us rising up from neighborhood’s similar to our own and they were doing their thing in a positive way and offering a new and different alternative to the abysmal futures that many thought was their fate. Hip hop in the 80’s was about unity in our community. Hip hop in the 80’s was about educating the masses on the rich history of black folks in this country. Hip hop in the 80’s was about partying and having a good time. Hip hop in the 80’s was a powerful movement that shaped an entire generation.

My only regret for many of the pioneers of the 80’s hip hop movement is that they were not educated enough on the business side of the industry. In hind-sight had they known just how GINORMOUS this thing we call hip hop was going to become they would have hopefully protected themselves better when it came to publishing and investing their money a bit wiser to secure their futures so, that when the inevitable day came to lay down the mic they would be able to live the lives they so richly deserve.

Long live 80’s Hip hop!!! We’re paying homage to the best decade in hip hop this weekend in H-Town and hope you will join us!! It’s going to be the ILLEST, DOPEST, FRESHEST JAM to hit the STATE this year!!! WORD TO THA MUTHA! Be sure to check back a week after the jump off to see exclusive photo's from this event!!!