East Coast hip hop

Regional subgenre of American hip hop music

East Coast hip hop

Stylistic origins|

* Hip hop
* funk
* disco
* contemporary R&B
* jazz

Cultural origins| August 11, 1973, The Bronx, New York City, U.S.[1][2]
Derivative forms|

* Boom bap
* Coke Rap
* jazz rap
* mafioso rap
* golden age hip hop
* alternative hip hop
* hardcore hip hop
* rap rock
* rap metal
* southern hip hop (Miami
* Atlanta)

Fusion genres

* New jack swing
* Jersey club
* Baltimore club
* Brooklyn drill

Regional scenes

* New York City
* New Jersey
* Philadelphia
* Pittsburgh

Other topics

* West Coast hip hop
* East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry
* list of hip hop musicians from New York City

East Coast hip hop is a regional subgenre of hip hop music that originated in New York City during the 1970s.[3][4] Hip hop is recognized to have originated and evolved first in The Bronx, New York City.[5]

In contrast to other styles, East Coast hip hop music prioritizes complex lyrics for attentive listening rather than beats for dancing.[5] The term "East Coast hip hop" more specifically denotes hip hop originating from the Northeastern United States. Southeastern states such as Georgia instead fall under the umbrella of Southern hip hop rather than East Coast hip hop, while New York  produces East Coast hip hop.[6][7][8]

## Musical style[edit]

In contrast to the more simplistic rhyme pattern and scheme utilized in older hip hop, hip hop in the late ‘80s developed a stronger emphasis on lyrical dexterity.[3] It also became characterized by multi-syllabic rhymes, complex wordplay, a continuous free-flowing delivery and intricate metaphors.[3] Although East Coast hip hop can vary in sound and style, "aggressive" beats and the combining of samples were common to the subgenre in the mid- to late 1980s.[5] The aggressive and hard-hitting beats of the form were emphasized by such acts as EPMD, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy, while artists such as Eric B. & Rakim, Boogie Down Productions, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G. and Slick Rick were noted for their lyrical skill. Lyrical themes throughout the history of East Coast hip hop have ranged from lyrical consciousness by such artists as Public Enemy and A Tribe Called Quest to Mafioso rap themes by rappers such as Raekwon, MF Grimm and Kool G Rap.[3]

## History[edit]

### 1973–1986: Emergence[edit]

Main articles: Roots of hip hop, Old school hip hop, and New school hip hop

See also: The Bridge Wars

East Coast hip hop is occasionally referred to as New York rap due to its origins and development at block parties thrown in New York City during the 1970s.[3] According to AllMusic, "At the dawn of the hip-hop era, all rap was East Coast rap."[5] Leading up to hip hop, there were spoken-word artists such as the Last Poets who released their debut album in 1970, and Gil Scott-Heron, who gained a wide audience with his 1971 track "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised". These artists combined spoken word and music to create a kind of "proto-rap" vibe.[9] Following this, early artists of hip hop such as DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, the Sugarhill Gang, Kurtis Blow, Jam Master Jay and Run-DMC, pioneered East Coast hip hop during hip hop's earlier years in the 1970s and 1980s.[5]

### 1986–1997: Renaissance[edit]

RZA, producer and member of the Wu-Tang Clan

As the genre developed, lyrical themes evolved through the work of East Coast artists such as the Native Tongues, a collective of hip hop artists associated with generally positive, Afrocentric themes, and assembled by Afrika Bambaataa. New York–based groups such as De La Soul, Public Enemy, A Tribe Called Quest and the Jungle Brothers also earned recognition for their musical eclecticism.[5] This period from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s has been called the "golden age" of hip hop. Although East Coast hip hop was more popular throughout the late 1980s, N.W.A's Straight Outta Compton (released in the summer of 1988) presented the toughened sound of West Coast hip hop, which was accompanied by gritty, street-level subject matter.[5] Later in 1992, Dr. Dre's G-funk record The Chronic would introduce West Coast hip hop to the mainstream. Along with a combined ability to keep its primary function as party music, the West Coast form of hip hop became a dominant force during the early 1990s.[5] Although G-Funk was the most popular variety of hip hop during the early 1990s, the East Coast hip hop scene remained an integral part of the music industry. During this period, several New York City rappers rising from the local underground scene, began releasing noteworthy albums in the early and mid-1990s, such as Nas, The Notorious B.I.G. and others.[10] The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show was the launch pad for many East Coast rappers during this era.

Nas's 1994 debut album Illmatic was critically acclaimed.

Nas's 1994 debut album Illmatic has also been noted as one of the creative high points of the East Coast hip hop scene, and featured production from such renowned New York–based producers as Large Professor, Pete Rock and DJ Premier.[10] Meanwhile, The Wu-Tang Clan, Onyx, Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun, Big L, Lost Boyz and Mobb Deep became pillars in New York's hardcore hip hop scene, achieving widespread critical acclaim for their landmark albums, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993), Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous (1995), Enta da Stage (1993), Bacdafucup (1993), Dah Shinin' (1995), Legal Drug Money (1996) and The Infamous (1995).

The Notorious B.I.G. became the central figure in East Coast hip hop during most of the 1990s. Bad Boy Records comprised a team of producers known as the Hitmen Stevie J, Derrick "D Dot" Angelletie and Amen Ra directed by Sean Combs to move the focus on hip hop to New York with the Notorious B.I.G.'s Billboard topping hits.[11] His success on the music charts and rise to the mainstream drew more attention to New York at the time of West Coast hip hop's dominance.[11] According to AllMusic editor Steve Huey, the success of his 1994 debut album Ready to Die "reinvented East Coast rap for the gangsta age" and "turned the Notorious B.I.G. into a hip-hop sensation — the first major star the East Coast had produced since the rise of Dr. Dre's West Coast G-funk".[11] Many saw his dominating presence as a catalyzing factor in the East Coast/West Coast hip hop rivalry that polarized much of the hip hop community, stirring the issue enough to result in the Brooklyn rapper's 1997 death, as well as his West Coast counterpart, Tupac Shakur, months prior.[12] By the late 90s, East coast rap had returned to mainstream dominance.[13]

### 1997–2007: Bling era, mainstream success[edit]

Biggie's commercial success helped pave the way for the success of other up-and-coming East Coast rappers such as Jay-Z, DMX, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Ja Rule, the Lox, Fat Joe and Big Pun.[11][14]

### 2007–2013: Blog era and revitalization[edit]

Wiz Khalifa performing in Toronto in 2012.

A mainstream revitalization of East Coast rap occurred in the late 2000s and early 2010s, albeit without the same level of ubiquity as in the 1990s. Younger artists at this time used Internet resources such as social media, blogging, and music streaming to build a following among fans,[15][16] blurring the lines between the underground and the mainstream. Rappers who emerged during this "blog era" include J. Cole (himself a transplant from North Carolina), Joey Bada$$, Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill, Vast Aire, Wale, Logic and Azealia Banks.

### 2013–present: Rise of New York City drill and trap[edit]

Various factors have led to a decline in unique regional scenes across many musical genres, including East Coast rap. In addition, rivalries between different cities and regions have declined significantly and artists across different regions and genres are much more willing to collaborate than in the past. Despite this, the distinctive East Coast sound is still notable in today's music, often mixed with modern trap sounds. Lil Uzi Vert from Philadelphia began their career representing the East Coast style, but moved to Atlanta to join others such as Lil Yachty and Playboi Carti, all of whom gained popularity by using online social media.[17]

In addition, New York City's drill movement, heavily influenced by UK drill (and often using the same London producers), has injected new energy into the New York hip hop scene, attracting critical acclaim, media controversy and a significant following, despite departing from standard hip hop song structures.[18] The movement started in Brooklyn, led by artists such as the late Pop Smoke, Fivio Foreign, Sheff G, and 22Gz.[18]

in addition TikTok's influence on East Coast rap is profound, shaping both the music and its reception. The platform's viral challenges and trends propel songs to mainstream attention, enabling emerging artists to gain exposure rapidly. East Coast rappers like Coi Leray, Sleepy Hallow, and Xaviersobased utilize TikTok to share snippets, teasers, and dance challenges, engaging directly with fans and cultivating a dedicated following.

## Legacy[edit]

Lil Kim's fourth studio album The Naked Truth is the only album by a female rapper to have received five mics from The Source for its outstanding lyrical performance. Lil Kim performs at a pride parade in Los Angeles in 2022 above.

East Coast hip hop was the dominant form of rap music during the Golden Era of hip hop.[3] Many knowledgeable hip hop fans and critics are particularly favorable towards East Coast hip hop of the early-mid 1990s, viewing it as a time of creative growth and influential recordings, and describing it as "The East Coast Renaissance". Music writer May Blaize of MVRemix Urban comments on the nostalgia felt among hip hop fans for records released during this time:

> It was claimed as the East Coast Renaissance. Wu-Tang brought the ruckus with 36 Chambers. The world was ours when Nas released Illmatic. Big L, (The MVP) came out with Lifestylez ov da Poor and Dangerous. Temperatures rose in clubs when Mobb Deep came out with The Infamous and Brooklyn's finest Jay-Z released Reasonable Doubt. . . And who can forget the powerful uplifting anthem that would brand New York's concrete "Bucktown" (Smif-n-Wessun's hit single)? . . .Ahh, it was a beautiful time in hip-hop history that many of us wish we could return to.[19]

David Drake of Stylus Magazine writes of hip hop during 1994 and its contributions, stating: "The beats were hot, the rhymes were hot – it really was an amazing time for hip-hop and music in general. This was the critical point for the East Coast, a time when rappers from the New York area were releasing bucketloads of thrilling work – Digable Planets, Gang Starr, Pete Rock, Jeru, O.C., Organized Konfusion – I mean, this was a year of serious music."[10]

## See also[edit]

* Music of New York City
* Culture of New York City
* Music of New Jersey
* Music of Philadelphia
* East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry
* List of East Coast hip hop record labels
* Stretch and Bobbito: Radio That Changed Lives

## References[edit]

1. ^ David Browne (August 11, 2023). "Kool Herc and the History (and Mystery) of Hip-Hop's First Day". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
2. ^ Juana Summers (August 5, 2023). "50 years of hip-hop: A genre born from a backyard party". NPR. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
3. ^ a b c d e f Adaso, Henry. What Is East Coast Hip-Hop Archived December 24, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. About.com. Retrieved on March 1, 2009.
4. ^ Birke, Sarah. "Rack Attack: Observations on Hip-Hop". New Statesman America. Progressive Digital Media. Archived from the original on December 1, 2008. Retrieved January 8, 2019.
5. ^ a b c d e f g h Genre: East Coast Rap. AllMusic. Retrieved on March 1, 2009.
6. ^ "Hampton Roads Hip Hop History". May 28, 2021.
7. ^ "In Search of Chad Hugo". May 12, 2022.
8. ^ "Today In Hip-Hop History: The Clipse Release Their Debut LP 'Lord Willin' 19 Years Ago". August 20, 2021.
9. ^ "Jalal Mansur Nuriddin: farewell to the 'grandfather of rap'", The Guardian, 6 June 2018. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
10. ^ a b c Gloden, Gabe. I Love 1994 Archived June 21, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Stylus Magazine. July 21, 2004. Retrieved on June 21, 2015.
11. ^ a b c d Huey, Steve (September 26, 2003). Biography: The Notorious B.I.G.. Allmusic. Retrieved on February 10, 2011.
12. ^ Smith, RJ (March 18, 1997). "Murder Was the Case: Notorious B.I.G. Shot Down at 24—To Live and Die in L.A.". The Village Voice.
13. ^ "West Coast Rap". AllMusic.
14. ^ Huey, Steve (September 26, 2003). Review: Ready to Die. Allmusic. Retrieved on February 10, 2011.
15. ^ "Why Hip-Hop Fans Miss the Blog Era - Trapital by Dan Runcie". September 19, 2020. Archived from the original on September 19, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
16. ^ "Where Are They Now? 20 Icons Of The "Hip Hop Blog" Era". HNHH. April 29, 2020. Archived from the original on April 29, 2020. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
17. ^ Bradley, Megan (April 18, 2016). "Go south young man: How Philly rapper Lil Uzi Vert won over Atlanta". Spin. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016.
18. ^ a b "Pop Smoke, 'Welcome To The Party' Rapper, Dead At 20". NPR. February 19, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
19. ^ Blaize, May. THE PAST, THE PRESENT, THE ALBUM. MVRemix Urban. Retrieved on 2013-04-10.

## External links[edit]

* Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation — by Jeff Chang
* It's Bigger Than Hip Hop — by M. K. Asante, Jr.
* Rap Music and Street Consciousness — by Cheryl L. Keyes

* v
* t
* e

Hip hop

* Breaking
* DJing
* Graffiti
* Emceeing
* Beatboxing

Culture|

* Battle rap
* Dance
* Fashion
* Activism
* Feminism
* Feminist activism
* LGBT
* Festivals
* Music
* Production
* Theater
* Genres

History|

* Five-Percent Nation
* Universal Zulu Nation
* Old-school
* New school
* Golden age
* Bristol underground scene

Subgenres|

| General|

* Alternative
* Hipster hop
* Boom bap
* Bounce
* British
* Road rap
* Chipmunk soul
* Chopped and screwed
* Chopper
* Cloud rap
* Comedy
* Crunk
* Crunkcore
* East Coast
* Freestyle rap
* Hyphy
* Jerkin'
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* Lofi
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* Nerdcore
* Chap hop
* Political
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* Turntablism
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|

Hardcore|

* Dirty rap
* Gangsta rap
* Mafioso rap
* G-funk
* Horrorcore
* Memphis rap

Trap music|

* Afro trap
* Drill
* Brooklyn drill
* Jersey drill
* Sample drill
* UK drill
* Latin trap
* Phonk
* Plugg
* Rage
* Tread
* UK trap

Fusion genres|

| General|

* Country rap
* Electro
* Emo rap
* Hip hop soul
* Hip house
* Industrial
* Jazz rap
* New jack swing
* Pop rap
* Psychedelic rap
* Punk rap
* Ragga
* Rap opera
* Rap rock
* Trip hop

|

Rap metal|

* Trap metal
* Nu metal

Regional|

* Afroswing
* Bongo flava
* Boomba music
* Cumbia rap
* Genge
* Hip hop galsen
* Hipco
* Hiplife
* Igbo rap
* Kwaito
* Low bap
* Motswako
* Na mele paleoleo
* Nuyorican rap
* Romany hip hop
* Songo-salsa
* Stronda
* Urban Pasifika
* Vigilante rap
* Zenji flava

Derivatives|

| Electronic|

* Breakbeat
* Baltimore club
* Florida breaks
* Ghetto house
* Ghettotech
* Glitch hop
* Grime
* Illbient
* Freestyle
* Wonky

|

Other|

* Funk carioca
* Reggaeton
* Alternative reggaeton

Regional scenes|

| African|

* Algerian
* Angolan
* Beninese
* Botswana
* Gambian
* Ghanaian
* Ivorian
* Kenyan
* Malawian
* Mauritian
* Moroccan
* Namibian
* Nigerian
* Port Harcourt
* Nigerien
* Senegalese
* South African
* Tanzanian
* Togolese
* Zambian
* Zimbabwean

|

Asian|

* Armenian
* Azerbaijani
* Bangladeshi
* Burmese
* Chinese
* Indian
* Desi
* Indonesian
* Japanese
* Korean
* Malaysian
* Mongolian
* Nepalese
* Pakistani
* Philippine
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* Taiwanese
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European|

* Albanian
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Middle Eastern|

* Arabic
* Egyptian
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* Palestinian
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* Tunisian
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North American|

United States:

* East Coast
* Baltimore
* New Jersey
* New York City
* Philadelphia
* Washington, D.C.
* Midwest
* Chicago
* Detroit
* Minneapolis/St. Paul
* Omaha
* Southern
* Atlanta
* Memphis
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* West Coast
* Northwest
* Alaska
* Asian American
* Latin
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Outside the US:

* Canadian
* Cuban
* Dominican
* Haitian
* Mexican
* Salvadoran

Oceanian|

* Australian
* New Zealand

South American|

* Brazilian
* Brasília
* Chilean
* Colombian

Other topics|

* Auto-Tune
* Contemporary R&B
* Disc jockey
* DJ mixer
* Record player
* Turntablism
* Drum machine
* Hip hop skit
* Music sequencer
* Sampler
* Synthesizer
* Video vixen
* Partner violence in hip hop
* LGBT representations in hip hop music
* Feminist activism in hip hop

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Hip hop in the United States

Regions|

* East Coast
* Hawaii
* Northwest
* Southern
* West Coast

Cities|

* Anchorage
* Atlanta
* Baltimore
* Chicago
* Denver
* Detroit
* Houston
* Long Beach
* Los Angeles
* Memphis
* Miami
* Minneapolis/St. Paul
* New Orleans
* New York
* Oakland
* Omaha
* Philadelphia
* Washington, D.C.

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