old school rap
what it is
The term "old school hip-hop" or "old school rap" refers to the style of hip-hop prevalent from 1978-1986. It featured a traditional rap style with disco beats and later evolved and fused with the techno equipment developed later in the 1980s, creating the electro-hop sound. Two examples of old school rap acts are Kool Herc from the Bronx, and Disco Daddy from Los Angeles.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make old school rap a playlist
turn these 24 artists into something you can press play on.
✦ nearby genres
questions
What is old school rap?
The term "old school hip-hop" or "old school rap" refers to the style of hip-hop prevalent from 1978-1986. It featured a traditional rap style with disco beats and later evolved and fused with the techno equipment developed later in the 1980s, creating the electro-hop sound. Two examples of old school rap acts are Kool Herc from the Bronx, and Disco Daddy from Los Angeles.
What are good old school rap albums to start with?
Try The One by Chubb Rock, Reel To Reel by Grand Puba, Return of the Funky Man by Lord Finesse, and Sleep Cycles EP by goodnyght.
Who are some women making old school rap?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/old-school-rap/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making old school rap, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-20