The Pioneers
This Bronx DJ is credited with hosting the first hip hop block party in 1973.
Who is DJ Kool Herc?
This Brooklyn MC was half of Black Star and released Black on Both Sides.
Who is Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)?
“Don’t push me, ’cause I’m close to the edge…”
What is “…I’m trying not to lose my head”? (Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five)
This Queens MC debuted with Illmatic in 1994.
Who is Nas?
This Long Island group shouted “Fight the Power” in 1989.
Who are Public Enemy?
This woman co-founded Sugar Hill Records and helped release Rapper’s Delight in 1979.
Who is Sylvia Robinson?
This Chicago rapper, turned actor made waves with I Used to Love H.E.R.
Who is Common?
"Engine, engine number 9 on the New York transit line..."
What is "... if my train goes off the tracks. Pick it up, pick it up, pick it up!" (Black Sheep, The Choice Is Yours)
This Wu-Tang member’s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is nicknamed The Purple Tape.
Who is Raekwon?
This Bronx-born rapper became the first solo woman to win a Grammy for Best Rap Album with Invasion of Privacy.
Who is Cardi B?
This trailblazing woman dropped Cha Cha Cha in 1989.
Who is MC Lyte?
This underground legend wore a metal mask and released Madvillainy with producer Madlib.
Who is MF DOOM?
“Beep beep, who got the keys to the Jeep? Vrrrmmm…”
What is “…I’m driving to the beach”? (Missy Elliott, The Rain/Supa Dupa Fly)
This Atlanta duo’s Aquemini fused Southern funk and futuristic hip hop.
Who are OutKast?
This Newark-born rapper demanded respect with her anthem U.N.I.T.Y.
Who is Queen Latifah?
Known as the first woman of rap to go platinum, she gave us Funkdafied.
Who is Da Brat?
This Atlanta MC and activist is one-half of Run the Jewels.
Who is Killer Mike?
“Big pimpin’, spendin’ G’s…”
What is "... we be big pimpin’ on B.L.A.D.’s.”
(Jay-Z, Big Pimpin')
This Newark rapper’s debut won five Grammys, including Album of the Year.
Who is Lauryn Hill?
This Compton crew shook America in 1988 with Straight Outta Compton.
Who are N.W.A.?
In 1989, this duo won the very first Grammy awarded for rap with their hit Parents Just Don’t Understand.
Who are DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (Will Smith)?
Known for her razor-sharp pen, this North Carolina MC has albums like Eve and Laila’s Wisdom.
Who is Rapsody?
“We gon’ be alright…”
What is “…Do you hear me, do you feel me, we gon’ be alright”? (Kendrick Lamar, Alright)
This Detroit MC’s debut Infinite is a rare underground album before his mainstream breakthrough.
Who is Eminem?
This Houston legend, part of the Geto Boys, is often called the “Godfather of Southern Rap.”
Who is Scarface?