The 1970s marked the beginning of hip hop as a genre and cultural movement. The South Bronx in New York City gave birth to a style that blended funk, soul, and spoken word. DJs and MCs laid the groundwork for what would become a global phenomenon. This article explores 15 influential hip hop songs from the 1970s, presenting their history, sound, and legacy. The article also includes select references to Hip Hop Songs and Hip Hop singers for readers interested in deeper exploration.
15 Essential Hip Hop Songs from the 1970s Everyone Talks About
1. “Rapper’s Delight” – The Sugarhill Gang (1979)
Often regarded as the first commercially successful hip hop single, “Rapper’s Delight” brought rap to mainstream audiences. Released by Sugar Hill Records, this track features a disco beat borrowed from Chic’s “Good Times.” The playful lyrics, party atmosphere, and smooth delivery made it a radio hit and introduced millions to the idea of MCing.
2. “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” – The Fatback Band (1979)
Although often overshadowed by “Rapper’s Delight,” this track by The Fatback Band actually came out earlier in 1979. It features King Tim III rapping over a funk groove. The song blended live instruments with rap vocals and proved that hip hop could work with a full band. It’s often cited in Hip Hop Songs history lists as an early pioneer.
3. “Superrappin'” – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five (1979)
This track showcases the lyrical skill of one of the most important groups in early hip hop. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five built their reputation with innovative live performances. “Superrappin’” is long, energetic, and full of storytelling. It helped shape the multi-MC format used by many groups in the 1980s.
4. “To the Beat Y’all” – Lady B (1979)
Lady B was one of the first female MCs to release a record. Her song “To the Beat Y’all” was groundbreaking. It combined funk rhythms with clever rhymes and helped show that women had a place in hip hop. Lady B later became a respected radio DJ and remains a vital figure among early Hip Hop singers.
5. “The Breaks” – Kurtis Blow (Recorded in 1979, Released in 1980)
Though released officially in 1980, this song was written and produced in 1979. “The Breaks” was one of the first hip hop tracks to be certified gold. It was produced by Russell Simmons and featured heavy use of breakbeats. Kurtis Blow became one of the first rap artists signed to a major label, paving the way for others.
6. “Christmas Rappin’” – Kurtis Blow (1979)
This festive single was another early milestone for rap music. Blending holiday themes with hip hop rhythms, Kurtis Blow showed that rap could be playful and marketable. It was one of the first rap records released by a major label, Mercury Records. The success of this single led to Blow’s full album deal.
7. “The Adventures of Super Rhyme” – Jimmy Spicer (1979)
This 15-minute epic blended comic book themes with funky beats. Jimmy Spicer’s clever lyrics and storytelling ability made this song a cult classic. It inspired future long-form rap songs and storytelling rhymes. Spicer’s style influenced artists like Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh.
8. “Funky 4 + 1” – Funky Four Plus One (1979)
Funky Four Plus One were known for their coordinated routines and lyrical interplay. Their debut single helped popularize group MCing. The “+1” referred to Sha-Rock, the first prominent female MC in a hip hop group. They were also the first hip hop act to perform on national TV, on “Saturday Night Live.”
9. “Spoonin’ Rap” – Spoonie Gee (1979)
Spoonie Gee was known for his smooth, romantic style. “Spoonin’ Rap” mixed braggadocio with charm. His delivery was relaxed yet rhythmic, setting a blueprint for future solo MCs. Spoonie Gee was a member of the influential Treacherous Three, who would dominate early 80s hip hop.
10. “Rhythm Talk” – Jocko Henderson (1979)
Jocko was originally a radio DJ who adopted a rapping style in his broadcasts. “Rhythm Talk” featured his signature rhyming voice over a funky instrumental. Though Jocko wasn’t a traditional MC, his influence on the style of early rap cannot be overlooked. He proved that radio and rap could be a powerful combo.
11. “Zulu Nation Throwdown” – Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force (Late 1970s)
This track introduced listeners to the Zulu Nation, a hip hop collective led by Afrika Bambaataa. Their mission was peace, unity, love, and having fun. The song mixes elements of funk and soul with spoken word. Afrika Bambaataa later became a central figure in the development of electro-rap in the early 1980s.
12. “We Rap More Mellow” – Younger Generation (1979)
Also known as Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five before they adopted that name, this group recorded “We Rap More Mellow” as an independent release. The song is a back-and-forth style rhyme set over a funky groove. Though not as well-known as later tracks, it reflects the grassroots nature of early hip hop culture.
13. “Family Rap” – Family (1979)
This lesser-known single features both male and female MCs trading verses. The theme of unity and togetherness gave the track a feel-good vibe. It highlighted the family-friendly side of early rap. Family Rap’s simplicity and rhythm made it accessible to new listeners in the hip hop world.
14. “Move With the Groove” – Disco Daddy and Captain Rapp (1979)
Captain Rapp later became known for socially conscious rap. But his early work with Disco Daddy was dance-oriented. “Move With the Groove” was one of the first rap songs from the West Coast. It introduced Los Angeles to the genre and offered a different regional flavor from the Bronx-based artists.
15. “Catch the Beat” – T-Ski Valley (Recorded in 1979)
Though more known for its 1981 release, “Catch the Beat” was recorded and performed live in the late 70s. T-Ski Valley’s playful rhymes and call-and-response delivery made this a crowd favorite. The track’s beat and style influenced many old school hip hop fans and aspiring MCs.
Conclusion
The 15 hip hop songs from the 1970s covered in this article capture the spirit of innovation and community. They highlight the raw energy that defined the early days of hip hop. These songs were not only entertainment but also expressions of identity and culture. Today, their influence continues to echo through modern Hip Hop singers and producers.
If you’re a fan of Hip Hop Songs or a student of music history, revisiting these tracks offers a deeper understanding of how it all began. The legacy of 1970s hip hop is alive, thriving, and continuing to shape global music and culture.
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