466 Hip-hop and rap The Eighties in America
Selected 1980’s Rap SongsYear Song Performer
1982 “Planet Rock” Afrika Bambaataa
“The Message” Grandmaster Flash
1983 “Looking for the Perfect Beat” Afrika Bambaataa
1984 “Rock Box,” “It’s Like That” Run-D.M.C.
1985 “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” L L Cool J
“King of Rock,” “Rock the House” Run-D.M.C.
“The Show” Doug E. Fresh
1986 “Fight for Your Right,” “Hold It Now,” “Hit It” Beastie Boys
“The Source” Grandmaster Flash
“Walk This Way” Run-D.M.C., with Steven Tyler
and Joe Perry
1987 “I Need Love” L L Cool J
“Yo! Bum Rush the Show,” “Public Enemy #1” Public Enemy
“It’s Tricky” Run-D.M.C
“Boyz-n-the Hood” N.W.A.
“Tramp” Salt-n-Pepa
1988 “Stop the Violence” Boogie Down Productions
“Follow the Leader,” “Move the Crowd” Eric B. and Rakim
“Going Back to Cali” L L Cool J
“Bring the Noise,” “Prophets of Rage,” “Don’t Believe
the Hype” Public Enemy
“Gangsta, Gangsta” N.W.A.
“We Want Eazy” Eazy-E
“I’m Your Pusher” Ice-T
“Shake Your Thang” Salt-n-Pepa
“Lyte as a Rock” MC Lyte
“Parents Just Don’t Understand,” “Nightmare on
My Street” Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
1989 “Jack of Spades,” “Why Is That?” Boogie Down Productions
“Me Myself and I,” “Say No Go” De La Soul
“I’m That Type of Guy” L L Cool J
“Fight the Power” Public Enemy
“High Roller” Ice-T
“Expression” Salt-n-Pepa
“Come into My House,” “Ladies First” Queen Latifah
“Cha Cha Cha” MC Lyte
“I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson” Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince
“Bust a Move” Young MC
“Rap Summary (Lean on Me),” “Smooth Operator” Big Daddy Kane
“I’ll House You” Jungle Brothers