Explore classic music videos, legendary artists, and pivotal moments that shaped the underground scene.
Classic music videos that defined an era and influenced generations of artists.
The Twins
A groundbreaking track that influenced the west coast rap scene
Dr Dre
Snoop dogg Dr dre classic
Dr Dre
Dr Dre classic from the Friday soundtrack
Ice Cube
From ice cube's iconic Friday movie
Ice Cube
Artist: Ice Cube Mack 10 Dub c. west coast classic
Warren G
west coast pioneer G-funk Creator
2pac
Track of off 2pac's Legendary All eyez on me Album
Snoop Dogg
Big Snoop Dogg OG Loc classic
Eazy-E
Eazy-E west coast gangster rap pioneer
Journey through the pivotal moments that shaped hip-hop culture and the underground scene.
Rap music originated in the early 1970s in the South Bronx, New York City. It emerged as part of the larger hip-hop culture, which also includes DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. DJ Kool Herc, often credited as one of the genre's pioneers, began isolating and looping the breakbeats of funk and soul records at block parties. These rhythmic beats provided the backdrop for MCs (Masters of Ceremony) to deliver spoken word, often rhythmic and rhymed, over the music. This was the birth of rapping as we know it today. Rap music initially served as an energetic form of storytelling, social commentary, and celebration of the community. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most influential and diverse music genres globally.
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Pioneers and some of the original creators of HipHop Drop the Classic Rappers delight The Sugarhill Gang were a pioneering hip-hop group formed in Englewood, New Jersey in 1979. They’re most famous for their single “Rapper’s Delight,” which is widely credited as the first rap song to gain mainstream popularity and commercial success. Key Moments in Their History Formation (1979): The group was put together by Sylvia Robinson of Sugar Hill Records. The original members were Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright, Henry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson, and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien. “Rapper’s Delight” (1979): Released in September 1979, this 14-minute track sampled Chic’s disco hit “Good Times.” It reached the Top 40 in the U.S. and Top 3 in the U.K., bringing rap music into the mainstream for the first time. Impact on Hip-Hop: Before “Rapper’s Delight,” hip-hop lived mostly in New York block parties and underground clubs. The Sugarhill Gang introduced it to radio, record stores, and an international audience. Controversy: Big Bank Hank’s verses in “Rapper’s Delight” were famously taken from rhymes written by Grandmaster Caz (of the Cold Crush Brothers), sparking long-standing debates about credit and authenticity in early hip-hop. Later Work: They released albums like Sugarhill Gang (1980), 8th Wonder (1982), and Livin’ in the Fast Lane (1984), but none matched the cultural explosion of their debut single. Legacy: Even though they were often seen as a “manufactured” group by purists, their contribution is undeniable. They helped lay the foundation for hip-hop’s crossover into the mainstream, opening doors for the global hip-hop movement. Fun Facts “Rapper’s Delight” was recorded in a single take. The song is so influential that the opening lines “I said a hip, hop, the hippie…” are instantly recognizable worldwide. They continued touring internationally for decades, celebrating the roots of hip-hop. Would you like me to also put together a timeline graphic of the Sugarhill Gang’s biggest milestones for you?
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Rap music originated in the early 1970s in the South Bronx, New York City. It emerged as part of the larger hip-hop culture, which also includes DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. DJ Kool Herc, often credited as one of the genre's pioneers, began isolating and looping the breakbeats of funk and soul records at block parties. These rhythmic beats provided the backdrop for MCs (Masters of Ceremony) to deliver spoken word, often rhythmic and rhymed, over the music. This was the birth of rapping as we know it today. Rap music initially served as an energetic form of storytelling, social commentary, and celebration of the community. Over the decades, it has evolved into one of the most influential and diverse music genres globally.
Learn More
Pioneers and some of the original creators of HipHop Drop the Classic Rappers delight The Sugarhill Gang were a pioneering hip-hop group formed in Englewood, New Jersey in 1979. They’re most famous for their single “Rapper’s Delight,” which is widely credited as the first rap song to gain mainstream popularity and commercial success. Key Moments in Their History Formation (1979): The group was put together by Sylvia Robinson of Sugar Hill Records. The original members were Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright, Henry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson, and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien. “Rapper’s Delight” (1979): Released in September 1979, this 14-minute track sampled Chic’s disco hit “Good Times.” It reached the Top 40 in the U.S. and Top 3 in the U.K., bringing rap music into the mainstream for the first time. Impact on Hip-Hop: Before “Rapper’s Delight,” hip-hop lived mostly in New York block parties and underground clubs. The Sugarhill Gang introduced it to radio, record stores, and an international audience. Controversy: Big Bank Hank’s verses in “Rapper’s Delight” were famously taken from rhymes written by Grandmaster Caz (of the Cold Crush Brothers), sparking long-standing debates about credit and authenticity in early hip-hop. Later Work: They released albums like Sugarhill Gang (1980), 8th Wonder (1982), and Livin’ in the Fast Lane (1984), but none matched the cultural explosion of their debut single. Legacy: Even though they were often seen as a “manufactured” group by purists, their contribution is undeniable. They helped lay the foundation for hip-hop’s crossover into the mainstream, opening doors for the global hip-hop movement. Fun Facts “Rapper’s Delight” was recorded in a single take. The song is so influential that the opening lines “I said a hip, hop, the hippie…” are instantly recognizable worldwide. They continued touring internationally for decades, celebrating the roots of hip-hop. Would you like me to also put together a timeline graphic of the Sugarhill Gang’s biggest milestones for you?
Learn More
Celebrating the pioneers who shaped the underground hip-hop scene and influenced countless artists. we used the information from around the web to give music fans a quick reference some of the most influential underground rap artist
So many Wayz
## DJ Quik: West Coast Legend, Forever GOAT When you talk about West Coast pioneers, DJ Quik’s n...
So many Wayz
## DJ Quik: West Coast Legend, Forever GOAT When you talk about West Coast pioneers, DJ Quik’s name rings bells—STRAIGHT GOAT status, too many classics to even count. Heavy in the game, Quik’s been blessing the culture since day one. ### Early Career & Peak Vibes (Early to Mid-90s) - **1991:** Quik dropped his debut, *Quik Is the Name*—platinum out the gate. “Tonite” and “Born and Raised in Compton” became instant anthems, showing the world how Compton gets down. - **1992:** Came back with *Way 2 Fonky*, landing in the Billboard Top 10. Quik kept the G-Funk rolling, making noise coast to coast. - **1995:** *Safe + Sound* hit #1 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts, went Gold, and locked Quik in as a true staple of the scene. ### Still Heavy in the Game Even when the major label days faded, Quik never left the grind. He flipped the script—producing heat for legends like Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, and Jay-Z, and launching his own Mad Science Records. In 2016, he linked up with Problem for *Rosecrans*, proving he’s still got that West Coast sauce and relevancy. ### Why Quik’s Underrated (But Never Slept On) - Quik’s prime was the 90s, but his fingerprints are all over the game. - His G-Funk sound and platinum hits made him a household name, but his production work kept him in the mix long after. - Whether he’s on the mic or behind the boards, DJ Quik is a favorite for real heads—one of the best to ever do it, no question. **Bottom line:** If you’re talking West Coast, you gotta mention DJ Quik. Pioneer, hitmaker, and a true architect of the underground. Worm salutes the legend. --- Let me know if you want this tweaked for a specific section or need more visuals/graphics to go with it!
Thizzle Dance
TRUE WEST COAST LEGEND: MAC DRE The Godfather of Hyphy. Bay Area Royalty. Certified GOAT. Nobo...
Thizzle Dance
TRUE WEST COAST LEGEND: MAC DRE The Godfather of Hyphy. Bay Area Royalty. Certified GOAT. Nobody reps the Bay quite like Mac Dre—an originator, a pioneer, and the heartbeat of the hyphy movement. His story is pure West Coast folklore, a wild ride from underground hero to mainstream icon, stamped forever in the culture. Early Days: Foundation of a Legend In the early ‘90s, while most rappers were chasing the spotlight, Mac Dre was building the Bay’s underground sound from the inside out—literally. Even locked up, he dropped his debut, Young Black Brotha (1993), and the streets ate it up. Dre’s raw, unfiltered bars made him a local king before he ever touched a stage. Evolution & Hyphy Movement: The Turn Up Begins Fast forward to ‘96—Dre’s out, and the energy shifts. His flow gets wilder, the beats get bouncier, and the Bay starts moving different. Mac Dre wasn’t just making music; he was setting off a cultural earthquake. By the mid-2000s, after his tragic passing in 2004, Dre’s legacy only grew. His tracks—“Feelin’ Myself,” “Thizzle Dance”—were everywhere. The Bay and Sacramento went full hyphy, and Mac Dre became more than an artist; he became a folk hero, the face on every mural and the soundtrack to every function. Thizz Entertainment: The Empire Dre didn’t just ride the wave—he built it. Thizz Entertainment, his independent label, became the engine behind the movement. Thizz wasn’t just a name; it was a lifestyle, a rally cry, and the definition of Bay Area joy and chaos. Legacy: Eternal Vibes From 2005 to 2008, Mac Dre’s influence was unmatched. His music, attitude, and independent hustle crowned him the Godfather of Hyphy—a legend whose impact still shakes the West Coast and inspires new generations. Mac Dre: Forever the Bay’s Greatest. Long live the Thizz Nation.
What a job
Devin the Dude: The OG’s OG You know you’re legendary when Dr. Dre handpicks you for The Chronic...
What a job
Devin the Dude: The OG’s OG You know you’re legendary when Dr. Dre handpicks you for The Chronic 2001—that’s Devin the Dude, the smoothest cat to ever bless a hook. The Dude’s been the secret weapon behind the boards, the “rapper’s favorite rapper,” and a certified cult hero with a style all his own. From H-Town to the World, Devin been keepin’ it real since the late ‘90s. After dropping his solo debut The Dude in ‘98, heads in the game started paying attention—he wasn’t just rapping, he was vibing, storytelling, and making you laugh and think all at once. By 2002, Just Tryin’ ta Live hit the streets and landed on the Billboard 200, showing the world that the underground runs deep. But the real wave hit in the mid-2000s. 2007’s *Waitin’ to Inhale* was a whole mood—charting at #30 and putting the mainstream on notice: Devin’s blend of laid-back grooves, sticky icky anthems, and real-life rhymes was unmatchable. He wasn’t chasing trends—he was setting the tone for chill, honest hip-hop. He kept the momentum rolling through the 2010s—Suite 420, Gotta Be Me, One for the Road—each one a masterclass in grown-man rap with a twist. Devin’s not just a legend, he’s a lifestyle: forever underground, always respected, and never out of style. To this day, The Dude stays dropping gems, keeping his cult following fed and hip-hop purists nodding in approval. No gimmicks, just good weed, good vibes, and that signature Devin delivery. If you know, you know.
NANA NAH
: E-40 When it comes to underground legends who flipped the script and influenced the entire gam...
NANA NAH
: E-40 When it comes to underground legends who flipped the script and influenced the entire game, E-40 stands in a league of his own. From Vallejo to the world, his futuristic flow and wild, inventive vocabulary set him apart from day one. The first time you hear E-40, you know you’re witnessing something different—his delivery is pure Bay Area innovation. Breaking Out of the Underground (Mid-90s): E-40’s roots are deep in the underground, but the mid-‘90s saw him break through to a wider audience. With the platinum-certified In a Major Way (1995), he brought the Bay’s unique sound to the masses. The follow-up, Tha Hall of Game (1996), dropped straight into the Billboard Top 5, with “Rapper’s Ball” cementing his status as a true west coast force. The Comeback King (2000s): Never one to follow trends, E-40 sparked a whole new movement in the mid-2000s. My Ghetto Report Card (2006) was a cultural reset, with hits like “Tell Me When to Go” and “U and Dat” making E-40 a household name all over again. His features on tracks like Lil Jon’s “Snap Yo Fingers” proved his sound was timeless and always ahead of its era. Legacy Moves: E-40’s influence runs deep—he’s stayed relevant by constantly evolving, collaborating with new artists, and never losing that raw, underground edge. Decades in, he’s still a blueprint for what it means to be an innovator in hip-hop.
Dive into different styles and eras of hip-hop culture through our curated video collections.
