Old School Hip Hop Records

Posted on July 23, 2012 by djsylva

Most music historians and hip hop fans consider hip hop records produced between 1979 and 1985 ‘Old School Hip Hop.’ In its infancy, this fascinating and ever-changing genre relied heavily on the expertise of DJs mixing the right beats to keep the party going all night long.

Hip hop began at block parties and neighborhood events in US cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. But it wasn’t long before the music made its way around the world. Today, there are many forms of hip hop, including alternative hip hop, crunk, grime, and industrial hip hop. But old school hip hop remains in the hearts and souls of many hip hop fans.

Entertaining the Crowds

In the beginning, it was the hip hop DJs that brought hip hop music to life. By combining different beats from multiple records, DJs had to develop an ear for piecing together various beats and rhythms to create unique sounds that people could dance and listen to. This meant hours of beat sampling, determining the precise moment to switch records, and putting together a routine that would last for hours at a time.

Along with the DJs, break dancers and MCs were responsible for providing additional entertainment and words – which later morphed into rap music. MCs added spoken words and phrases to DJ beats, which eventually became lyrics.

With the success of Sugar Hill Gang’s ‘Rappers Delight’ in 1979, hip hop officially began its journey from inner city neighborhoods to the rest of the US and eventually to other countries including the UK.

Famous US/UK Hip Hop Artists

During the age of ‘Old School Hip Hop,’ many artists emerged who contributed to the increased popularity of hip hop music. Artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Malcolm McLaren, DJ Richie Rich, and Kinetic Effect helped turn hip hop from an underground musical form into something far more main stream. Old school hip hop music provided a little something for everyone – interesting beats and musical pairings, provocative lyrics, political commentary, dancing, graffiti art and beat boxing.

Social Commentary

In addition to providing great sounds for parties and other social events, old school hip hop also provided an outlet for people fed up with social problems including poverty, class wars, unfair laws, and mistreatment of people. It was during this time when many countries, including the US and UK, were in the midst of social and economic change. Hip hop music helped give a voice to those that didn’t think they were being heard by the rest of society. Through rebellious beats, lyrics, and social gatherings were people could talk amongst themselves, the music allowed people to express feelings of anger, fear, and disenchantment with political and societal norms.

Collecting Old School Hip Hop Records

With many emerging artists and bands producing music during this time period, you can easily start an eclectic collection of old school hip hop records. You can find these records online, or by visiting local book or used record shops. You can also meet fellow collectors at online or traditional auctions, estate sales, garage sales or other events where people sell records and other memorabilia.

Alternative Hip Hop

Posted on June 30, 2012 by djsylva

Alternative hip hop, also known as underground hip hop, hit the US/UK music scene in the late 80’s. This form of hip hop continued to grow throughout the 90’s and still exists today. US Groups such as Digital Underground, The Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest, Stereo MC’s and UK artists such as The Streets, Skinnyman, Braintax all work within this intriguing genre to create music that’s new, fresh, and original.

Often filled with political undertones, social commentary, and personal affirmations, alternative hip hop artists strive to create music that’s forward thinking.

The Appeal of Alternative Hip Hop

Hip hop fans and music critics alike enjoy listening to alternative hip hop music for many of the same reasons. In addition to being easy to dance to or play at a party, the music is also different from other forms of hip hop because artists frequently take risks; for example, mixing disco with rap and country music. Furthermore, alternative hiphop lyrics can be seen as a form of poetry. Artists like Braintax like to tell stories through their rapping, and his lyrics form imagery, as well as making the listener think about some serious topics. For those looking for more than lyrics about bitches, guns and money, this form of hip hop is very appealing.

And since indie music in general has become more popular over the years, a new generation of music lovers has discovered the exploratory and intriguing beats and deep lyrics of alternative hip hop.

Collecting Hip Hop Records

With the on-going popularity of hip hop records (and record collecting in general), it shouldn’t be too difficult for those looking for alternative hip hop albums to find some in the stacks at local record shops or online. Given the fact that many alternative hip hop acts such as Digital Underground and The Fugees seldom perform, these albums may be worth more than others.

When collecting alternative hip hop albums, look for acts like Arrested Development, Jungle Brothers, Outkast or UK artists like Contact Play and Jam Baxter. With so many talented artists producing a wide variety of music, you can build an eclectic collection of old and new artists.

As with all ‘alternative’ music, alternative hiphop’s limited exposure could be just down to a lack of marketing, or a lack of appreciation for creativity and serious lyrics in the mass market. One thing is for sure though – if you can get past your prejudices of rap and hiphop music, and take some time to listen to some alternative hiphop artists, even the most adverse of us may be pleasantly surprised.

The Return of Vinyl

One could say that alternative music and vinyl records go hand in hand, since they are both out of the mainstream.

And although vinyl will never catch up with digital downloads, it is starting to appeal to a wider audience again, which now includes a bigger reach to a younger generation. To reach out to this new, expanding market, hip hop and other musical artists have started releasing singles as well as entire albums on vinyl again. Collectors should also check book shops, consignment shops, and junk shops as many of these outlets sell vinyl.

Dance Records: The Evolution of Dance Music

Posted on June 13, 2012 by djsylva

It all started with disco. Played in night clubs around the world throughout much of the 1970’s, the music was fast, upbeat, and created an air of excitement for club goers. From there, dance music morphed and separated in to sub genres including hip hop, house, new wave, techno, dubstep and many, many more. With so many genres to choose from, record collectors will find no shortage of albums for their growing collections.

Mixing Beats

Disco brought about a change in music history that opened up a whole new experience for club goers, DJs, and musicians. A combination of many musical genres, disco incorporated a variety of instruments, both traditional and electric, vocals, and dance. But by the late 1970s, local DJs, musicians, and dancers started experimenting with new sounds and techniques.

Mixing beats from different songs to form one long segment became very popular. DJs relied on two turntables to carefully combine beats to create repetitive music samples. Dancers then created new moves based on these beats. Break dancing and hip hop both rely on changes in the beat to signal dance move progression. By then, other forms of dance music started to emerge during the late 1970s and into the 1980s. These forms relied even more on electronic instruments, drum machines, and synthesizers. But mixing beats remains a musical technique still popular in various forms of dance music today.

House, New Wave, Techno

To keep things fresh in the clubs, DJs and musicians had to create different varieties of dance music. House music, for example, took cues from disco, but relied more on electronic sounds and limited vocals and rhythm changes. Popular in night clubs in larger US cities like New York City and Chicago, House music made its way to UK night clubs and eventually to clubs and night spots around the world.

New Wave, considered a sub genre of punk rock, featured electronic sounds and synthesizers. This sound was very popular in the mid-80’s in both the US and UK. Known for short beats and quirky lyrics, New Wave added a depth to dance music that other genres didn’t have – mostly due to the lyrics and musician vocals.

Techno, made popular during the mid-80’s, is slightly different from both House and New Wave. Mostly instrumental, this form of dance music combines fast and slow progressions that people can sit back and listen to or dance to.

Garage and Dubstep

From the late 1980’s through the 1990’s into today, other forms of dance music have emerged to create even more sub genres. Garage and Dubstep, both considered experimental because of the types of beats mixed by DJs, are darker than other types of dance music. Relying heavily on drum beats, these forms have become mainstream over the years. Many clubs now play Garage and Dubstep regularly.

For record collectors, the variety of dance records is overwhelming. With so many sub genres and offshoots, collectors can build a collection based solely on one form if they want to. This makes collecting lots of fun – and in addition to being collector’s items, these albums are still great to listen and dance to.

Classic Dance Albums

Posted on June 7, 2012 by djsylva

Dancing just makes people happy. Whether shakin’ what you got at a local night club or bustin’ a move in the privacy of your own home, dance music can turn a regular evening into the event of the week. Add a turntable and a few classic dance albums and you can party all night long.

Dance music is a generic term, but most people associate this term with specific musical styles like disco, R&B, funk, go-go, new wave, techno, house, and others that people can easily dance to. Typically upbeat, this music may have fast and slow components, but the goal is still the same – to get people on the dance floor.

Music and Dancing

As long as there has been music, there have people who love to dance. Even people who don’t like to get up and move in front of others can be seen moving their feet to the rhythm. From ballroom dancing to swing to line dancing – there’s always a form of dance to accompany any musical genre and vice versa.

These days anything goes depending on the venue. Some night clubs specialize in dubstep or house music, while others play early or current R&B. Some clubs create theme nights that feature a certain type of dance music – 80’s night, disco fever, or big band.

Classic Dance Albums

Even though dance music is an umbrella term that covers a multitude of musical forms, some records are so closely associated with dancing that they are simply referred to as dance music. According to The Telegraph, the top five dance songs are:

Crazy in Love – Beyonce
Dancing in the Street – Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
Night Fever – The Bee Gees
He’s the Greatest Dancer – Sister Sledge
Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond

As you can see, the broad spectrum of represented on this list just goes to show that dance music incorporates a wide range of musical styles.

Where to Find Dance Albums

You can find dance albums online, used record and book shops, auctions, estate sales, or at local antique shops. Since used albums were probably played often, you need to make sure to carefully inspect the album before buying. Look for any cracks or deep scratches in the vinyl. If buying online, choose a vendor that deals in slightly used or brand new albums.

Dance albums are pretty common so they aren’t as valuable as other genres. But over time, they could be. Instead of looking at your collection as something of monetary value, consider the hours of fun you’ll have dancing and listening to great hooks, bridges, and intros as these songs are filled with often intricate note changes, harmonies, and melodies.

Dance music continues to dominate most music charts. Popular artists like Madonna, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Adele and more release albums that people can easily dance to and get lost in the moment with. Dance music is different from other styles as the music tends to remain upbeat even when the lyrics are not. It would be interesting to know whether people actually listen to the lyrics or if they get so caught up in the beat and sounds, the lyrics become secondary.

Hip Hop Vinyl

Posted on June 7, 2012 by djsylva

Hip hop blends a variety of musical sounds from disco to soul into an unmistakable mix of extended beats, repetitive rhythms, and in many cases, spoken word poetry. During the 1970’s when block parties become popular, especially in city neighborhoods like the Bronx, DJs would combine various sounds and beats from records through scratching and crossfading. The results were isolated sounds (extended drum beats and musical hooks) played in sequence to form a new sound.

Used as a backdrop for break dancers, hip hop has evolved over the years to become a well-known and respected genre. Hip hop is much more than one sample played over and over. Most hip hop DJs create unique sounds that may never be heard again – it’s a magical music form that allows people be creative and impulsive at the same time.

Where to Find Hip Hop Records

Many hip hop artists still release singles on vinyl. Many used record and book stores have a section dedicated to hip hop albums. You can also find these kinds of records online or through estate sales and auctions or by contacting record dealers to see what they have on hand.

Because of the popularity of hip hop, there are many records available which means they aren’t as valuable as other musical genres. Some of the earliest recordings (late 70’s and early 80’s) may be collector’s items, however. Look for albums featuring Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, DJ Hollywood, and Grandmaster Flash if collecting early recordings.

1980’s Hip Hop

Famous acts like Run DMC, the Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J helped turn hip hop mainstream. Politically motivated, these artists turned hip hop from street music into a platform in which to bring awareness to many social ills like poverty and racial inequality.

It was also during this time that rap music became popular. Taking a cue from hip hop, rap was also used by many artists including Ice-T and N.W.A as a platform to discuss the injustices of society.

1990’s Hip Hop

Many artists performing in the 1980’s helped move hip hop into the 90’s. Other artists like MC Hammer helped make the genre even more mainstream. It was during this time that hip hop divided into ‘West Coast’ and ‘East Coast.’ Artists on both coasts took the genre and made it their own. Even though the spilt caused some animosity amongst artists, hip hop continued to gain in popularity world-wide.

Hip Hop Today

Hip hop has undergone many changes since it began in the late 1970’s. Many successful artists now incorporate elements of hip hop into their music. With roots in disco, funk, and soul music, hip hop is a versatile genre that can easily adapt to new types of music.

Other musical forms like dubstep take from hip hop to create new and unique sounds. Much darker than traditional hip hop, dubstep relies on repetitive rhythms, drum beats, and record turntables to create a smooth transition between beats.

Hip Hop DJs

Posted on June 7, 2012 by djsylva

Hip Hop, a term coined in the late 1970’s, continues to be a driving force in the music industry. A mix of scat, rap, spoken word poetry, and music samples relying mostly on electric instruments and drum machines, Hip Hop got its start in poor neighborhoods in the Bronx, New York City. Many famous DJs including Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Kool Herc, and Grandmaster Flash introduced the music to audiences by mixing a variety of sounds and producing songs and albums that featured music and vocals many people had never heard in combination before.

Afrika Bambaataa

Born in the South Bronx, Bambaataa witnessed the power of community activism at an early age after watching his mother and uncle try to create change in their impoverished neighborhood through debate and the free exchange of ideas. After a trip to Africa, Bambaataa returned to his neighborhood with high aspirations of making things better for his community.

As leader of a local gang, The Black Spades, Bambaataa used his leadership and speaking skills to turn the group from one that relied on violence to get what it wanted to one that helped stop violence from occurring. He renamed the gang The Bronx River Organization and started hosting and DJing block parties to showcase local talent.

Credited with starting the Hip Hop movement, in 1982, Bambaataa organized the first world tour for Hip Hop taking with him many local dancers, singers, rappers, DJ’s and other artists. Bambaataa went on to form Hip Hop groups and record labels that continue to produce Hip Hop music today. Borrowing from other genres including disco, jazz, rock n’ roll, blues, and soul music, Hip Hop has become a full-fledged genre that stands on it own.

DJ Kool Herc

Born in Jamaica, DJ Kool Herc is credited with creating the Hip Hop sound. While living and DJing in the Bronx, local break dancers often asked if Herc could provide a certain type of sound – one that broke the instrumental part of songs into specific beat patterns. Using two turntables, Herc was able to create this unique sound that allowed break dancers to stay with the rhythm and create moves that matched beat patterns.

While DJing at dance parties, Herc would often shout out upcoming beats and other instructions to the dancers – this became a precursor to rap. Even though Herc didn’t take his brand of Hip Hop/break dancing/rap on the road initially, he has been featured in several movies including Beat Street and has been active over the years in preserving the local landmarks in the Bronx where he used to host Hip Hop parties.

Grandmaster Flash

In addition to contributing original beats to the Hip Hop movement, Grandmaster Flash is also credited with creating the first crossfade – a mechanism that allows DJs to switch from one record to another using a switch instead of having to completely remove a record and quickly replacing it. This mechanism allowed DJs to match beats in new ways that were cleaner and smoother.

Other innovations Grandmaster Flash is noted for adding to the movement include enhanced scratching techniques, backspin, and punch phrasing. Each allows DJs to mix sounds in various ways to create additional beats, combine beats, and to keep the music moving smoothly.

In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were the first Hip Hop group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

House Records

Posted on May 27, 2012 by djsylva

house records House music, developed in the early 1980’s in US cities including Chicago and New York City, followed disco and 1970’s rock music and continues to remain very popular today. House music was supposedly named after The Warehouse, one of the first nightclubs in Chicago to play this new musical form. However, some people believe the term came about because some of the first house music was mixed in people’s homes.

By the mid-1980’s, house music grew in popularity in the UK and slowly made its way through dance clubs all over Europe. This musical form, with its intense back beats and electronic undertones, has branched into several popular subgenres including Euro house, deep house, acid house, electro house, and tech house.

House Goes Mainstream

Thanks to musicians including Madonna, Janet Jackson, and hundreds of DJ’s wanting to play this type of music in clubs and at private parties, house music continues to enjoy mainstream appeal. Many nightclubs even designate certain nights ‘house music’ nights as this music is very easy and fun to dance to.

Combining other genres such as rock n’ roll, classical, and jazz beats, this musical form has undergone several changes over the years. The result is a genre with many interesting subgenres. But each subgenre has that familiar repetitive beat and reliance on electronic keyboards and drum machines that most people instantly recognize. Add vocals and the music becomes much more than just a series of beats and steady rhythms. Words mixed with these beats can create a more soulful, humanistic sound that can make people feel happy, sad, angry, or euphoric.

House Records

Collectors of house records have many new and old recordings to choose from. Because this musical form began in the early 1980’s, vintage house records can be found online, in independent music stores or by contacting other record collectors and dealers.

When looking for house records, collectors should narrow down which subgenres they want to collect to make their search a little easier. Since many well known bands and artists still incorporate house music into their musical styles today, collectors have many recordings to choose from. House music typically relies on 4/4 beats and synthesizers that mimic other musical instruments, particularly the drums. The forms also have a distinctive electronic sound produced by drum machines and sound mixing equipment.

Making Beautiful Dance Music

Repetitive drum beats mixed with sounds created by sound machines are distinguishing characteristics of house music that separate it from other genres including techno and disco. While disco relied on a variety of sounds and beats to get people moving on the dance floor, house is more subtle, depending on the subgenre. Techno typically relies on faster beats with limited vocals. Over the years, many famous DJ’s such as Frankie Knuckles, Juan Atkins, and David Guetta have mixed house music in clubs all over the world.

The future of house is unknown, but still of interest to music lovers as club DJ’s and musicians continue to add to the genre by incorporating different beats and taking from other musical forms to create a unique sound that people enjoy moving to.

Dubstep Records

Posted on May 27, 2012 by djsylva

dubstep record With roots in South London, England, Dubstep has become a popular form of dance music all over the world. Short beats with sometimes dark, complicated rhythms and bass lines, Dubstep stands out from other types of commercially successful music as many of these songs are composed in the minor key (most popular music features sounds in the major key). This creates an eerie, earthreal sound that’s often accompanied by repetitive rhythms of commercially popular songs heard on the radio.

Since 2001, Dubstep has steadily grown in popularity. With increased airplay, more and more people now enjoy the sounds and odd harmonies this music provides. Similar to 2-step garage sound, Dubstep is often featured on the ‘B’ side of garage sound records. Dubstep and 2-step have many characteristics in common such as steady bass rhythms and varying harmonies.

Where to Find Dubstep Records

Dubstep records are easy to find. Many independent music and book shops and online outlets carry these recordings. You can also find this music featured on garage sound and other types of experimental records. As this form of music continues to grow in popularity, more and more recordings become available each year.

Dubstep recordings are available on record, CD, or you can download samples on music websites or video content sites like YouTube. If listing to Dubstep for the first time, you may need to listen to a few songs before you fully understand why this form of music is so popular. For those used to listening to happy, snappy, pop music, this form may not impress at first. But after listening to a few tracks, you will become more comfortable and accepting of this genre.

Popular Artists

According to Spin Magazine, the top 10 Dubstep and ‘Post-Dubstep’ artists are:

Skream and Benga
Kode9
Girl Unit
Chase & Status
Mount Kimbie
Nero
Ramadanman
Joy Orbison
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Becoming Real

If new to Dubstep, look for recordings by these artists to really get a feel for the music and how these artists take popular songs and remix them to create a whole new sound.

What the Future Holds

All musical forms continue to evolve, especially if the music has a strong, steady fan following. As people continue to experiment with different sound combinations, the music produced changes and expands to include subgenres, such as ‘post-dubstep.’ For fans and artists, this is very exciting because no one really know for sure where the form will go from here.

But that’s what makes this musical genre so exciting. Through Dubstep, musicians from all different backgrounds have the ability to add their own personal touches. One artist may prefer mixing classical music samples to slow, haunting back beats, while another artist may come from a jazz or big band background. Others have rock n’ roll backgrounds. Each genre may be infused with Dubstep beats to create a unique sound. And since people can easily share their musical creations online, it’s very easy to become influenced by other Dubstep artists.

Indie Rock Records

Posted on May 14, 2012 by djsylva

Indie rock, also known as independent rock, started in the 1970s and continues today. This form of rock n’ roll combines other forms of rock including hard rock and punk as well as other genres such as country, big band, and folk music. Any genre of music may be incorporated into Indie rock to create a unique sound. Experimental, edgy, rebellious, and oftentimes unpolished, this form of rock allows musicians and fans to experience a variety of unusual melodies, odd lyrics, and a wide range of emotions.

The Underground Music Scene

Even though Indie rock was born in small clubs that catered to various societal subcultures, some of the music has become more main stream over the years. Band like The Sex Pistols, The Talking Heads, The Cure, The Clash and later ‘college bands’ like The Dave Mathews Band and REM all started out playing in small clubs, and concert venues in the US and the UK. Over the years, these bands went on to become very famous – in some cases for band members’ personal drama as much as for the music.

Radio Airplay

Radio stations, especially smaller stations on college and university campuses, started to play more Indie rock which led to widespread exposure to students and those looking for an alternative to hard rock, disco, soft rock and other music. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Indie rock morphed into several subgenres including new wave, alternative, and college rock.

Influence on Rock n’ Roll

Indie rock takes from other rock styles, but the lack of main stream appeal is what makes it special. Even though some bands have broken through to become main stream, there are many Indie bands that refuse to sign major record contracts, play large concerts or outdoor events, and remain true to their music by not compromising when it comes to lyrics and musical composition. Other bands like The Foo Fighters have managed to go from Indie rock band to main stream rock band without losing their Indie fan base.

Maintaining independence is still a driving force of this rock genre. Indie rock bands don’t want to be told how to create music just to enhance sales or increase popularity. Musicians like these will continue to experiment and make music that’s offbeat, weird, sentimental, quirky, and wonderful for fans that want something different from what’s currently on the radio.

Indie Rock and the Internet

Thanks to the Internet, people can now listen to music and download their favorite songs at any time. And while this has increased the popularity of Indie rock, there’s still an air of rebellion and mystery as these bands continue to play music their way. Using social media websites like Facebook and YouTube, Indie bands can promote albums and live events without having to rely solely on record companies and event promoters. This has given the bands much more creative freedom.

The Internet also provides collectors of Indie rock records greater opportunities to find vintage or rare recordings. Use online databases to look up available records or contact other collectors and record companies to inquire about favorite albums, rare live recordings, or studio recordings.

1970s Rock n’ Roll Records

Posted on May 12, 2012 by djsylva

Many of the same attitudes towards war, politics, world peace, and equal rights for all people that came about during the 1960s continued into the 1970s. The music definitely reflected these changes. Rock n’ roll during the 70s morphed into many subgenres such as heavy metal, hard rock, soft rock, country rock, and later punk rock. As people began exploring new ways of thinking, dressing, and behaving, the music also became more experimental.

Band Breakups

As the world began to become more accepting of different cultural views, and changing roles of men and women in society, rock n’ roll suffered some losses that forever changed the landscape. The breakup of The Beatles in 1970 was the first major indicator that change was on the horizon. All four band members – Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison launched solo careers during the 1970’s. McCartney also started a new band called Wings in 1971.

Other rock bands that were popular during the late 60s and 70s, but broke up by the 1980s include:

The Doors (broke up in 1973)
Led Zeppelin (broke up in 1980)
The Who (broke up early 80s)
The Eagles (broke up in 1980)
Fleetwood Mac (on again, off again)

Some of these bands stopped performing together because band members died (The Doors tried to stay together after lead singer Jim Morrison died, but broke up two years later) while other bands periodically get together to play or tour (Fleetwood Mac, The Who). Creative differences, which led to strained relationships, also prompted some of these bands to stop working together.

Death of The King

The death of Elvis Presley in 1977 was another indicator of the changing times in music history. Many fans mourned the passing of ‘The King.’ For years afterwards, fans would claim to have seen the ghost of Elvis at Graceland, his home located in Memphis, Tennessee or at convenience stores and gas stations all over the world. Elvis songs continued to receive airplay, but ‘The King’ was gone and there hasn’t been anyone like him since.

Collecting 1970s Rock n’ Roll Records

To start a collection of rock recordings from the 1970s, it’s best to choose a genre or subgenre and build from there. Because the music became an eclectic mix of sounds and melodies, be prepared to sift through quite a few disco and folk albums stored in old, dusty boxes at your local bookstore or antiques shop until you find any rock albums. Searching online for artists or titles for your collection may save some time. You can also contact record dealers or collectors to see which albums they have to offer.

Fascinating Period in Time

The 1970s continues to fascinate people – even those who grew up during this decade. There are many reasons for this continued fascination – the fashion, free thought, departure of long held conservative views, and of course, the music. With so many genres – rock, folk rock, country, disco, soul, and many subgenres, it’s easy to get lost in this decade – this is why collecting records from the 70s is so much fun.