Hip-Hop Comes of Age (1980-85)

The Curmudgeon Rock Report

In which the Curmudgeons marvel at how quickly, and how well, hip-hop evolved after the Sugar Hill Gang's massive 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight" changed the game completely for everyone. We tell the story of how entrepreneurs, hustlers and visionaries seized the moment to bridge gaps between the streets, the art galleries and the record-label boardrooms. We celebrate a string of amazing singles that grew in sophistication and in pure fun with each volley. And we mark the beginning of the album as a hip-hop artform by discussing two classics, Run-D.M.C.'s self-titled debut and LL Cool J's Radio.

Listen to all of this great music by accessing our Spotify playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0H0DTcK3EqlQvVXIF4UK7U?si=900ad05efec74d30

Check out these books, which we discuss during the episode:

Jeff Chang's "Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation":

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/cant-stop-wont-stop-a-history-of-the-hip-hop-generation_jeff-chang_dj-kool-herc/257047/?resultid=64846f2c-3a5f-46cd-80fc-c72a7f0af996#edition=4070729&idiq=4560452

Jonathan Abrams' "The Come Up: An Oral History of the Rise of Hip-Hop":

https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-come-up-an-oral-history-of-the-rise-of-hip-hop_jonathan-abrams/35084204/?resultid=76479560-1d4a-4cb7-9ce1-4ba7ff020fe0#edition=64092613&idiq=55408108

Here is handy navigation companion to this episode.

(0:52 - 03:50) - Arturo Andrade sets the parameters for our discussion

(03:55 - 18:36) - The Parallel Universe, featuring reviews of albums by Otoboke Beaver and Slift

(19:21 - 44:10) - WE discuss the success of "Rapper's Delight" and its explosive aftermath. We feature Kurits Blow, Fab 5 Freddy, the movie "Wild Style" and other accomplishers and accomplishments.

(45:03 - 01:37:00) - We cover a litany of fantastic singles, plus the albums Run-D.M.C. and Radio.

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Co-written and co-produced by Arturo Andrade & Christopher O'Connor - The Curmudgeons