BLACK MUSIC MONTH: I NEED A BEAT

This playlist, the first of three created to accompany our Black Music Month special tracing hip-hop's evolution, soundtracks the fertile early days of recorded rap—from 1978-89. It features such familiar names as Grandmaster Flash, Kurtis Blow, Afrika Bambaataa, Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, Public Enemy and N.W.A, as well as a few that aren't quite so well known.

We wish we could play it for you on vinyl, but them's the breaks.

Having issues playing this embedded playlist? Go here.

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH: ON THE COVER

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		AN OCEANIC HITS LIST Changes coming in waves (9/20a) Check It Out Now KYNCL ANNOUNCES ATLANTIC REORG Ertegun and Wexler's baby gets an extreme makeover. (9/20a) Check It Out Now SNL ROLLS OUT 50TH SEASON OPENING LINEUP They're all ready for prime time. (9/19a) Check It Out Now MARVIN SCHLACHTER, 1934-2024 Indie-label great walks on by. (9/20a) Check It Out Now HITS' FIRST LIVE ISSUE TAKES THE STAGE THIS FALL We're manning the merch table. (9/13a) Check It Out Now
		THE GRAMMY SHORT LIST Who's already a lock? COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for. AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH The kids can tell the difference... for now. ALL THE WAY LIVE The players, the tours, the enormous beers.

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH: I NEED A BEAT

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