Top 7 Hip Hop Bands of All Time

Hip hop music has been around for decades and has evolved and changed significantly over that time. There are many different elements to hip hop music, including rapping, DJing, and breakdancing. While there are many different individual artists who have made a name for themselves in the hip hop world, there are also some truly great bands who have helped to shape the genre and make it what it is today.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the top 7 hip hop bands of all time. These are the groups who have helped to define hip hop music and who have had the biggest impact on the genre.

Public Enemy

Public Enemy is one of the most influential and groundbreaking hip hop bands of all time. Formed in the late 1980s, the group released its debut album, Yo! Bum Rush the Show, in 1987, to critical acclaim. Public Enemy’s unique brand of socially conscious rap quickly gained popularity, and the group went on to release a string of gold and platinum albums throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. 

Public Enemy’s music often tackle difficult subjects such as racism and politics, and the group has been credited with helping to raise awareness of these issues among young people. In addition to their impact on social consciousness, Public Enemy is also widely respected for their musical abilities, and they are considered one of the most innovative hip hop groups of all time. Public Enemy’s influence can still be felt today, and their music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

A Tribe Called Quest

Formed in 1985, the group was composed of rappers Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, along with DJ and producer Jarobi White. They released their debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm”, in 1990 to critical acclaim. The album featured a unique blend of Jazz, Funk, and Hip Hop and helped to pioneer the alternative hip hop movement. 

The group’s subsequent albums, “The Low End Theory” and “Midnight Marauders”, are considered classics of the genre and helped to solidify A Tribe Called Quest as one of the most innovative and important hip hop bands of all time. 

In 2016, the group reunited for a final album, “We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service”, which was once again met with critical acclaim. A Tribe Called Quest’s impact on hip hop is still felt today, and their music continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Wu-Tang Clan

Formed in the early 1990s, the group is composed of nine members, each with their own unique style and personality. The Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album, “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers),” is considered a classic of the genre, and the group has gone on to release a number of other highly acclaimed albums. 

In addition to their musical achievements, the Wu-Tang Clan is also known for their business acumen, and they have parlayed their success in music into a number of other businesses, including fashion and video games. The Wu-Tang Clan is one of the most successful and well-known hip hop groups of all time, and their influence can still be felt today.

Outkast

Comprised of Andre 3000 and Big Boi, the Atlanta-based duo has released six studio albums, selling over 20 million records worldwide. They are renowned for their innovative and experimental style, which blends elements of southern rap, R&B, and funk. 

Outkast has won multiple Grammy Awards, and they are widely credited with helping to popularize Southern hip hop. In addition to their commercial success, Outkast is also praised for their positive and socially conscious lyrics. 

Their song “Ms. Jackson” won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, and their album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was named Album of the Year at the 2004 Grammy Awards. Outkast is without question one of the greatest hip hop bands of all time.

The Roots

This iconic group has been churning out hits since their debut album in 1987, and they show no signs of slowing down any time soon. They have released 17 studio albums, and their last album, “End Game”, was released in 2016. 

What sets The Roots apart from other bands is their commitment to excellence. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music, and their innovative style has influenced a generation of artists. In addition to their musical skills, The Roots are also known for their intricate lyrics and socially conscious message. 

Their songs often tackle the difficult subject matter, and they have never backed down from a challenge. As a result, they have earned the respect of critics and fans alike.

De La Soul

Formed in the late 1980s, the group was part of the Native Tongues collective, which also included A Tribe Called Quest and Jungle Brothers. De La Soul’s first two albums, “3 Feet High and Rising” and “De La Soul Is Dead”, are considered classics of the genre, with their innovative use of sampling and playful lyrics. 

The group continued to experiment with their sound on subsequent albums, but they always remained true to their roots in hip hop. In recent years, they have been celebrated for their timeless catalog of music, which has inspired a new generation of artists. There is no doubt that De La Soul is one of the best hip hop bands of all time.

Beastie Boys

It’s hard to deny the Beastie Boys’ place as one of the greatest hip hop bands of all time. Emerging from the New York underground scene in the early ’80s, this band quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of rap, punk, and pop. Over the course of their career, they released seven groundbreaking albums that changed the face of popular music. 

From their debut LP Licensed to Ill to their final album Hot Sauce Committee Part Two, the Beastie Boys left an indelible mark on the music world. They were innovators, trendsetters, and always ahead of their time. Even after the untimely passing of founding member Adam Yauch in 2012, the Beastie Boys continue to be revered by fans and critics alike. There’s simply no other band like them.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the best hip hop bands of all time. There are countless other groups that have made their mark on the genre, and the music would not be the same without them. These bands have inspired a new generation of artists, and their influence can still be felt today. If you’re a fan of hip hop, be sure to check out their music and see for yourself why they are considered the best of the best.