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.

HIP-HOP AT 50: THE GET-DOWN PART (PRE-WAX)

BLACK MUSIC MONTH: "THRILLER" AND "PUNISHING QUESTIONS" FOR MTV

BLACK MUSIC MONTH: ON THE COVER

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		HITS LIST: TIME OF THE SEASON The temperature's rising, it isn't surprising. (6/24a) Check It Out Now LEÓN SINGS NEW TUNE WITH VIRGIN/ISLAND PARTNERSHIP Done deal (6/24a) Check It Out Now ABRAMS JOINS SWIFT AT WEMBLEY Travis Kelce was onstage too. (6/23a) Check It Out Now CAA MAKING MOVES WITH PAGLIERANI She's got an impressive stable of acts. (6/23a) Check It Out Now YOUR SIZZLING SUMMERTIME PHOTO GALLERY Connecting the faces with the boldfaces. (6/22a) 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. INDIE DISTRIBUTION'S RISE TO GLORY The discovery engine is revving higher.

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BLACK MUSIC MONTH: I NEED A BEAT

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