Hip-Hop

A Collector’s Guide by Dudley Jaynes. Part 5: The Golden Age Of The 1980s

In the mid-to-late 80s, as hip hop began its bid for global dominance, an ever increasing cohort of artists began to push barriers into uncharted territory. Many writers have referred to this period as the Golden Age of hip hop, however there is always debate as to which years actually qualify for this endorsement.

For the purposes of this issue’s vinyl voyage, we focus on the years 1986 to 1989 since it was this time that hosted a proliferation of creative advances like no other. During this period, the blueprint for modern hip hop and much of dance music to follow was laid. In addition, the large commercial record labels, such as Warner Brothers, lined up in a rush to purchase the independents in ever increasing numbers.

This month we examine a series of pieces that would change hip hop forever and set our sights on a selection of hard-to-find records.

Note: All prices are approximate and based on original records in mint condition.

While all of the above are collectable classics, there are of course many more essential records from artists such as Eric B & Rakim and Public Enemy that warrant our attention and will be examined in future issues. For more information on the 80s Golden Age, look out for Freddy Fresh’s second volume of The Rap Records - see review page …

by Dudley Jaynes
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