24 Rap Groups That Defined Hip-Hop

1. Run-DMC

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Run-DMC is a pioneering rap group that emerged in the 1980s. The group consisted of Joseph “Lan” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Jason “Jammaster Jay” Mizell. Run-DMC played a key role in popularizing rap music and bringing it to mainstream audiences.

2. Wu-Tang Clan

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The Wu-Tang Clan is a legendary rap group from Staten Island, New York City. The group formed in his 1992 and is known for its unique sound, lyrical prowess, and distinctive martial arts-inspired aesthetic. The Wu-Tang Clan is considered one of the most influential and innovative rap groups in hip-hop history.

3. NWA

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NWA (Nigg** Wit Attitudes) is a pioneering rap group from Compton, California that emerged in the late 1980s. The group consisted of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren. NWA played a key role in shaping the gangsta rap subgenre and addressing social issues through music.

4. Outkast

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Outkast is a Grammy Award-winning rap duo from Atlanta, Georgia. The group was formed in his 1992 and consists of Andre “Andre3000” Benjamin and Antoine “Big Boy” Patton. Outkast are known for their creative lyricism and innovative approach to hip hop.

5. G unit

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G-Unit is a rap group and record label that rose to prominence in the early 2000s. The group was founded by rapper 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) and hails from South Jamaica, Queens and New York. G Unit consists of 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck. The group’s music often revolved around themes of making money, loyalty and survival, and resonated with a wide audience.

6. Salt and Pepa

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Known for their powerful lyrics and catchy hooks, Salt and Pepa is an iconic American hip-hop group that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The group consists of Cheryl ‘Salt’ James, Sandra ‘Pepa’ Denton and Deidra ‘DJ Spinderella’ Lauper (who joined the group in 1987). Salt-N-Pepa was praised not only for its catchy music, but also for its positive message and female empowerment.

7. A Tribe Called Quest

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A Tribe Called Quest’s music incorporates elements of jazz, funk and soul, creating a unique and sophisticated sound that sets them apart from other artists. Their debut album People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990) showcased their unique approach, featuring jazz-infused samples and playful, intellectual lyricism.

8. Public Enemy

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Formed in Long Island, New York in 1985, Public Enemy consisted of Chuck D (Carlton Ridenhour), Flavor Fluff (William Drayton), Professor Griff (Richard Griffin) and DJ Terminator X (Norman Griffin). Lee Rogers, later replaced by DJ). main). Public Enemy are known for their political lyrics, offensive language, and powerful stage presence. They tackled social and political issues such as systemic racism, inequality, and the abuse of black people.

9. Geto Boys

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The Geto Boys are a rap group from Houston, Texas known for their raw and gritty style, controversial lyrics, and influential contributions to the Southern hip-hop scene. The group was formed in 1986 and has undergone various line-up changes during its history. Some of the Geto Boys’ most notable members include Scarface (Brad Jordan), Willie D (Willie James Dennis) and Bushwick Bill (Richard Shaw).

10. Naughty By Nature

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Hailing from East Orange, NJ, Naughty by Nature, made up of members Treach (Anthony Criss), Vin Rock (Vincent Brown) and DJ Kay-Ze (Keah Gist), has an energetic, bubbly style, catchy hooks, and It was known for its catchy hooks. Their ability to blend rap with elements of R&B and pop. They achieved mainstream recognition with their smash hit single “OPP”.

11. The Rocks

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The Rocks are a rap group from Yonkers, New York. Formed in the mid-1990s, the group consists of Jadakiss (Jason Phillips), Styles P (David Styles) and Sheikh Luch (Sean Jacobs). The Rocks rose from a track appearance by fellow Yonkers rap superstar DMX. Their gritty, street-oriented style combined with a sharp lyricism and distinctive flow quickly made them a household name in the hip-hop community. In 1998, The Rocks released their debut album Money, Power & Respect.

12. Dipset

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Dipsette (short for The Diplomats) is a rap group from Harlem, New York. The group formed in his late 1990s and emerged in the early 2000s. Core members of Dipset include Cam’ron (Cameron Giles), Jim Jones (Joseph Guillermo Jones II), Juelz Santana (Laron James) and Freaky Jeeky (Ezekiel Giles). Dipsett is known for his style, fashion and contributions to the rise of the “Harlem Rap” movement.

13. Migos

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Migos is a rap group born in Lawrenceville, Georgia and formed in 2010. It gained popularity in the mid-1980s for its unique sound. Trap style and catchy improvisation. Migos rose to widespread prominence with his 2013 Blake single “Versace,” which was remixed by Drake and gained attention.

14. From the Soul

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De La Soul is a highly influential hip-hop group from Long Island, New York. Formed in 1987, the group consists of members Posdunuos (Kelvin Mercer), Turgoi the Dove (David Jude Jollicourt) and Maceo (Vincent Mason).

15. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

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Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five were a hip-hop group that emerged in the late 1970s and were instrumental in shaping the early sound and culture of hip-hop. The group was born in South Bronx, New York, with DJ Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Sadler) and five MCs: Mele Mel (Melvin Glover), Kid Creole (Nathaniel Glover), Cowboy (Keith Wiggins) and Mr. Ness. formed. / Scorpio (Eddie Morris), Rahiem (Guy Williams). They are credited with popularizing the art of DJing and introducing innovative techniques that became the foundation of hip-hop.

16. Sugar Hill Gang

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The Sugar Hill Gang are a hip-hop group that rose to fame in the late 1970s. The group hails from Inglewood, New Jersey and consists of three members: Wonder Mike (Michael Wright), Master Gee (Guy O’Brien) and Big Bank Hank (Henry Jackson). They are best known for their breakthrough single ‘Rapper’s Delight’ released in 1979. “Rapper’s Delight” is widely considered to be the first commercially successful rap song.

17. Three 6 Mafia

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Three 6 Mafia is a legendary hip-hop group from Memphis, Tennessee. Formed in 1991, the group initially consisted of members DJ Paul (Paul Beauregard), Juicy J (Jordan Huston) and Lord Infamous (Ricky Dunnigan), with a number of others throughout its history. members have joined or left the group. Three 6 Mafia are known for their unique blend of dark and eerie productions and aggressive and explicit lyrics.

18. Fugees

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The Fugees are a very influential hip-hop group that emerged in the 1990s. The group consisted of three members: Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill and Plas Michelle. Each member brought their own talents and styles, creating a unique sound that blended elements of hip-hop, reggae, R&B and soul. The Fugees rose to prominence with their second studio album, The Score (1996), which was a huge commercial success and critically acclaimed.

19. Goody Mob

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Goodie Mob is a hip-hop group from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 1991, the group consists of members CeeLo Green (Thomas Calloway), Big Gipp (Cameron Gipp), Khujo (Willie Knighton Jr.) and T-Mo (Robert Burnett). Goodie Mob are known for their distinctive Southern sound, conscious lyricism, and contributions to the development of Atlanta’s hip-hop scene.

20. Mob Deep

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Hailing from Queensbridge, New York, Mobb Deep was formed in 1991 by Havok (Kejuan Muchita) and Prodigy (Albert Johnson) and has become synonymous with gritty, dark East Coast rap.

Mobb Deep’s music captures the harsh realities of city life, especially on the streets of Queensbridge.

21. Gang Star

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Gang Starr is a group consisting of rapper Guru (Keith Elam) and DJ/producer DJ Premier (Christopher Martin). Active from 1986 until his 2003, Gangster emerged from the vibrant hip-hop scene in Boston, Massachusetts, before rising to fame in New York City.

22. Ray Shumard

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Rae Sremmurd is a rap duo consisting of brothers Swae Lee (Caliph Brown) and Slim Jumi (Arkil Brown). The duo gained huge popularity in her mid-2010s with her infectious energy, catchy hooks, and party-oriented anthems.

23. Bone Thugs And Harmony

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Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is a rap group from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1991, the group initially consisted of Crazy Bone (Anthony Henderson), Lazy Bone (Stephen Howes), Busy Bone (Brian McCain), Wish Bone (Charles Scruggs) and Fresh Bone. It consisted of five members of And Bone (Stanley Howes). . They are known for their unique harmonious rap style and haste.

24. A$AP Mob

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A$AP Mob is a hip-hop collective and record label founded in Harlem, New York in 2006. The group was founded by A$AP Yams (Steven Rodriguez) and initially he included A$AP Rocky (Rakim Mayers), A$AP Bari (Jabari Shelton) and A$AP Illz (Illijah Ulanga). was Over time, it expanded to include more members, including A$AP Ferg (Darold Durard Brown Ferguson Jr.), A$AP Nast (Tariq Devega) and A$AP Twelby (Jamal Phillips). bottom. A$AP Mob became famous in the early 2010s for his unique blend of fashion, music and lifestyle.