Aspiring rappers, know your forefathers so you can learn and build.

So you tell me you’re a rapper, and can come up with at least one name that’s from the golden era. Likely, you’re able to recite some common names from the documentaries you’ve been watching. Maybe you’ll say The Sugar Hill Gang or Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, however, you have no idea who Parrish Smith is. If this is the case, then it’s time to get schooled. Spend a bit of time and research and learn what made these icons immortal in the rap game (and beyond). Each of these artists dominated their own space in the Hip Hop genre, and went on to influence countless others. What space are you filling? Who will you influence? Are you distinct enough to stand the test of time?

Soulsonic Force

Kurtis Blow

Jimmy Spicer

T-La Rock

Schoolly D

Mantronix

RUN DMC

Whodini

Ultramagnetic MCs

EPMD