When asked what they remember about the late 80s and early 90s, many people may talk about different things. In the music industry, however, many recognize the era as the golden age of hip hop. It was during this time that some rappers rose to fame and became household names.

Some albums that got churned back in the day still get lots of airtime on radio and TV stations to date. Back then, a large percentage of the artists engaged in mainstream music operated from New York City. A new touch was integrated in modern music thanks to the diversity ingrained in the genre.

Many artists made their first leaps during this time. They include LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, the Jungle Brothers and Slick Rick just to name a few. The albums released by these artists topped the charts at the time and defined rap music for future generations. Towards the end of the 90s, artists such as Dr. Dre and Eminem picked up where their mentors left.

Most enthusiasts of music credit the era for the innovative contribution it has had in mainstream music. Every hit produced back then was refreshing and offered new perspective. Unlike the lengthy periods of inactivity that many artists take their fans through today, past artists churned hits with every passing month.

The innovative music created also heralded a change in the beat styles and messages conveyed through lyrics. Rhymes and beats began to play out faster. This can be credited to the technological advancement brought in equipment manufacturing. Many rappers of African descent also began writing lyrics that promoted anti racism statements.

One aspect that makes the age stand out is the way sampling was heavily done. New types of beats, patterns and riffs would come up rapidly. This gave rise to a new type of DJs and producers who could crank up tunes without the need for formal training. The style samples that producers infused in hip hop were heavily borrowed from funk, soul, jazz and rock n roll music.

Because many types of beats were being tested by producers, rapping techniques advanced rapidly. Rappers like Rakim, Chuck D, KRS One and Big Daddy Kane quickly gained adulation for their unique rapping capabilities. In the years to come, many music pundits regarded them as phenomenal. With creativity at an all time high, fans had very little to complain about.

While some artists loved to glorify themselves in their lyrics, many conveyed messages of social protest. Issues such as politics, drug abuse, religion, culture, domestic violence and crime got much coverage. By covering these messages in their music, artists gained international recognition.

The massive sampling being done by produces eventually resulted in a myriad of lawsuits. Copyright cases were filed by recording labels against each other. With many suits won, producers gradually embraced the reality of creating unique styles.

Most hits released nowadays can be tied to the effects of the era. Despite the messages of self gratification that artists focus on today, social issues still need to be covered. Uplifting messages can positively impact the society.