Rap's foundations were laid in the 1970s, its following gained momentum in the 1980s, and it blossomed in the mainstream in the 1990s. Love it or hate it, rap is here to stay. With this list, we pay tribute to the legends that built rap from the ground up and who are still on the scene today... in some shape or form. While we lovingly deem them the "old guys" (and gals) of rap, we would never in real life say that those in their 40s and 50s are old. But, we did want you to know that these people--some of whom we first heard from in their teens!--are in their 40s and 50s. Incidently, happy birthday, Marshall Mathers (aka Eminem) who turns forty October 17, 2012. |
|
The messageGrandmaster Flash. |
|
|
Doggystyle (CD) Snoop Dogg.
"**** out of 5."--Rolling Stone
|
|
|
3 feet high and rising |
|
|
The blueprint Jay-Z, 1970- |
|
|
Mama said knock you out LL Cool J, 1968- |
|
|
Midnight marauders |
|
|
The chronic Dr. Dre, 1965- |
|
|
Enter the Wu-Tang (36 chambers) |
|
|
Thisisme then the best of Common. Common |
|
|
Amerikkka's most wanted Ice Cube |
|
|
Run DMC |
|
|
Licensed to ill |
|
|
Godlovesugly |
|
|
The very best of MC Lyte MC Lyte. |
|
|
The Marshall Mathers lp Eminem |
|
|
The tipping point |
|
|
O.G. original gangster Ice-T |
|
|
Long live the Kane Kane, Big Daddy. |
|
|
Supa dupa fly Elliott, Missy. |
|
|
Ultimate diabolical Biz Markie, 1964- |
|
|
The best of Busta Rhymes Busta Rhymes |
|
|
The great adventures of Slick Rick Slick Rick. |
|
|
Sugar Hill Gang |
|
|
Paid in full Eric B & Rakim. |
