Old-School Rap is the style of the very first rap artists who emerged from New York City in the late '70s and early '80s. Old school is easily identified by its relatively simple raps -- most lines take up approximately equal amounts of time, and the rhythms of the language rarely twisted around the beats of the song. The cadences usually fell squarely on the beat, and when they didn't, they wouldn't stray for long, returning to the original pattern for quick resolution. The emphasis was not on lyrical technique, but simply on good times -- aside from the socially conscious material of Grandmaster Flash, which greatly expanded rap's horizons, most old-school rap had the fun, playful flavor of the block parties and dances at which it was born. In keeping with the laid-back, communal good vibes, old-school rap seemed to have more room and appreciation for female MCs, although none achieved the higher profile of Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five or the Sugarhill Gang. Some old-school songs were performed over disco or funk-style tracks, while others featured synthesized backing (this latter type of music, either with or without raps, was known as electro). Old-school rap's recorded history begins with two 1979 singles, Fatback's 'King Tim III' and the Sugarhill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight,' although the movement had been taking shape for almost a decade prior. Sugarhill Records quickly became the center for old-school rap, dominating the market until Run-D.M.C. upped the ante for technique and hardcore urban toughness in 1983-84. Their sound and style soon took over the rap world, making old-school's party orientation and '70s funk influences seem outdated. When compared with the more complex rhythms and rhyme schemes of modern-day rap -- or even the hip-hop that was being produced less than ten years after 'Rapper's Delight' -- old-school rap can sound dated and a little unadventurous. However, the best old-school tracks retain their liveliness as great party music no matter what the era, holding up surprisingly well considering all that's happened since.
Read MoreOld-School Rap Album Highlights
Other Styles in Hip-Hop/Urban
Play the latest new releases, popular artists and songs in Old School Rap/Hip-Hop, or pick your own favorites from a library of millions of songs. Old School Mixtapes. Free mixtapes featuring old school rap, hip-hop and r&b mixes. Summertime Vol. DJ Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie. Djdownloadz has been a stable in the mixtape community as one of the best mixtape websites providing a platform for djs and artists to promote their music through free mixtape downloads. With a large member.
Promoted by SmirnoffFrom Tamia to R Kelly, TLC to Aaliyah, we rounded up some of Capital XTRA's Reloaded favourites..
If you can't get enough of Reloaded on Capital XTRA, this is the playlist you need in your life.
We've rounded up 23 old-school R&B tracks that defined their era but sound as fresh today as they did back then, when TLC were topping the charts and R Kelly and Mary J Blige were the newbies on the block.
Usher - 'Burn'
Usher is the king of throwback 00's R&B! What an anthem..
The Fugees - 'Ready Or Not'
When Lauryn Hill, Wylcef and Pras linked up, fans knew to expect classics!
Destiny's Child - 'Say My Name'
Before Beyonce began slaying as a solo act, she was creating magic with her fellow members of Destiny's Child.
Tamia and Fabolous - 'Into You'
We're taking you back to 1998 when Tamia and Fabolous teamed up for this soulful single off Tamia's self titled album.
SWV - 'Someone'
Sisters with Voices, better known as SWV, hooked up with the biggest producer/ artist of the year, then known as Puff Daddy, for 'Someone.'
R Kelly- 'Your Body's Calling'
Old Rap Music
Written and produced by R Kelly, it's hard to believe this song is now over 20 years old. It reaches number two on the rnb chart, only to be held back by his protege Aaliyah's 'Back And Forth.'
Aaliyah - 'At Your Best'
18 years after it was first released by The Isley Brothers in 1976, Aaliyah released the beautiful 'At Your Best (You Are Love)' as the second single from her debut album 'Age Ain't Nothing But A Number.' To this day the song is an Aaliyah favourite, with Drake sampling it on his 'Unforgettable' track and more recently, Frank Ocean recording a beautiful cover of it as a tribute to Aaliyah on her birthday this year.
Faith Evans - 'You Gets No Love'
Taking it back to 2001.
Ruff Ends - 'No More'
This song might have spent only one week on the top of the US R&B chart but 15 years after its release, no one can get enough of it.
Joe - 'Lets Stay Home Tonight'
Because what old-school r&b playlist would be complete without Joe?
Dru Hill - 'Tell Me'
How's this for a throwback? Dru Hill performed 'Tell Me,' their debut song, while guest-starring in the third season premiere of 'Moesha,' back in 1997.
Jon B - 'Don't Talk'
Old School Rap Music Downloads
Donell Jones - 'You Know What's Up'
Donnell Jones hit song 'You Know What's Up,' featuring TLC's Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopez was one of the defining songs of the late 90s, reaching number two on the UK singles chart.
Mary J Blige - 'You Remind Me'
It's hard to believe that Mary J Blige released this as her first single all the way back in 1992. All these years later and the r&b queen's vocals sound just as perfect on her new material.
Maxwell - 'Ascension'
Relive what the chart sounded like in 1996.
D'Angelo - 'Brown Sugar'
We know that no one can get enough of D'Angelo's new album, but let's take a second to appreciate this.
Foxy Brown Feat. Blackstreet - 'Get Me Home'
Foxy Brown hooked up with Blackstreet for the first single from her debut album.
Zhane - 'Mr DJ'
Is there anyone that doesn't love this gold-certified 1993 single?
LL Cool J - 'Lounging'
If you don't know this song from being a huge LL Cool J fan, you might know it from featuring in the 1997 Kenan and Kel film 'Good Burger.'
Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey - 'I Know What You Want'
One of Mariah's biggest hits for years, 'I Know What U Want' stayed in the US top 40 for 21 weeks and entered charts worldwide.
Blackstreet - 'U Blow My Mind'
Blackstreet's back!
TLC - 'Creep'
The lead single from TLC's 'CrazySexyCool' album won the trio a Grammy Award for 'Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.
Notorious B.I.G. - 'Big Poppa'
To round-up, we'll leave you with one of the 90s most iconic hip-hop songs.