Old school hip hop is more than just a music genre; it’s a cultural movement that changed the world. Emerging in the late 1970s and 1980s, it gave a voice to many artists who told stories about their lives, struggles, and experiences. With its catchy beats and clever wordplay, old school hip hop has influenced countless musicians and shaped popular culture. From iconic groups like Run-DMC and Grandmaster Flash to legendary solo acts like LL Cool J and Rakim, this era of hip hop is unforgettable.
Today, we will test your knowledge with some fun trivia about old school hip hop. Whether you think you know everything about the classic hits or you’re just starting to learn about this amazing genre, there will be something for everyone. We’ll cover famous artists, memorable songs, and key events that helped shape the hip hop scene. Get ready to challenge your friends and see who knows the most about the golden age of hip hop!
Old School Hip Hop Trivia
Legends of Old School Hip Hop
1. Who is known as the “Godfather of Hip Hop”? (Answer: DJ Kool Herc)
2. Which rap group is famous for their song “Rapper’s Delight”? (Answer: The Sugarhill Gang)
3. Which artist is known for the hit “I Need Love”? (Answer: LL Cool J)
4. What city is Grandmaster Flash from? (Answer: The Bronx)
5. Who was the first rapper to win a Grammy Award? (Answer: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince)
6. Which group released the influential album “Raising Hell”? (Answer: Run-DMC)
7. Who is recognized for the “Message” song that addressed social issues? (Answer: Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five)
8. Which female rap pioneer is known for her song “Roxanne’s Revenge”? (Answer: Roxanne Shante)
9. What longtime rival of the East Coast is often considered a key player in West Coast hip hop? (Answer: Tupac Shakur)
10. Who are the two members of Outkast? (Answer: André 3000 and Big Boi)
Classic Hits of Old School Hip Hop
1. What song features the famous line “Don’t push me ‘cause I’m close to the edge”? (Answer: The Message)
2. Which song made the word “hip hop” a household name? (Answer: Rapper’s Delight)
3. What hit song did Salt-N-Pepa release in 1986? (Answer: Push It)
4. Name the 1982 hit by Afrika Bambaataa that became a dance classic. (Answer: Planet Rock)
5. Which Eric B. & Rakim song includes the lyrics “I ain’t no joke”? (Answer: I Ain’t No Joke)
6. What was the first hip hop song played on MTV? (Answer: Rapture by Blondie)
7. Which group’s hit “Walk This Way” featured a collaboration with Aerosmith? (Answer: Run-DMC)
8. Which famous hip hop anthem begins with “You got me”? (Answer: Me, Myself and I by De La Soul)
9. Who wrote the classic song “The Breaks”? (Answer: Kurtis Blow)
10. Which hip hop track features the lyric “I love it when you call me Big Poppa”? (Answer: Big Poppa by The Notorious B.I.G.)
Influential Moments in Old School Hip Hop
1. What year was the first hip hop festival, “The New Music Seminar,” held? (Answer: 1980)
2. In what year did hip hop gain its first Grammy recognition? (Answer: 1989)
3. Which famous venue in New York City became known as the birthplace of hip hop? (Answer: The Bronx)
4. What battle in 1987 helped solidify the importance of live rap performances? (Answer: The New Music Seminar DJ Battle)
5. When did the first hip hop album to go platinum get released? (Answer: 1984)
6. What event in 1985 was known for its “battle” between LL Cool J and Kool Moe Dee? (Answer: The Great American Rap Contest)
7. Which significant hip hop documentary was released in 2004 highlighting the genre’s history? (Answer: Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes)
8. What year did hip hop become officially recognized as a genre by the Record Industry Association of America? (Answer: 2005)
9. What groundbreaking concert did Run-DMC perform with Aerosmith in 1986 that broke genre barriers? (Answer: Live Aid)
10. Which hip hop movement in the 1980s led to graffiti art being widely accepted? (Answer: The Birth of Hip Hop Culture)
Rhythmic Elements of Old School Hip Hop
1. What element of hip hop includes styles like breakdancing and locking? (Answer: B-boying)
2. Which instrument is commonly used for sampling in hip hop music? (Answer: Drum machine)
3. What is the term for the vocal delivery commonly used in hip hop? (Answer: Rapping)
4. What type of music lays the foundation for many hip hop beats, including funk and soul? (Answer: Sampling)
5. Which part of a song is typically highlighted with a repeated hook in hip hop tracks? (Answer: Chorus)
6. What type of rhyme scheme is often found in hip hop lyrics? (Answer: Internal rhyme)
7. What is the main role of a DJ in hip hop music? (Answer: To create beats and perform live)
8. Which production technique manipulates sounds from existing records in hip hop? (Answer: Sampling)
9. How do many MCs gain their unique style of rap? (Answer: By creating their own flow)
10. What is the term for the practice of speaking rhythmically and in rhyme? (Answer: Rhyme
)
Fashion and Style in Old School Hip Hop
1. What type of footwear is often associated with hip hop culture? (Answer: Sneakers)
2. Which famous artist helped popularize the bandana look in hip hop? (Answer: Tupac Shakur)
3. What fashion item is often worn oversized in hip hop styles? (Answer: Clothing)
4. Which accessory became a symbol of hip hop bling culture? (Answer: Gold chains)
5. What sunglasses style is often seen in old school hip hop? (Answer: Aviators)
6. What type of hat is often associated with hip hop artists? (Answer: Snapback caps)
7. What kind of pants are commonly worn by hip hop dancers? (Answer: Baggy pants)
8. What hairstyle became popular among hip hop artists in the 1980s? (Answer: High-top fade)
9. Who is known for his bold fashion choices in the 1980s and ’90s and for setting trends? (Answer: MC Hammer)
10. What fabric pattern is often associated with hip hop culture? (Answer: Plaid)
The Social Impact of Old School Hip Hop
1. How did old school hip hop contribute to social change in marginalized communities? (Answer: By giving voice to their struggles)
2. What role did hip hop play in raising awareness about racism and injustice? (Answer: It highlighted social issues in lyrics)
3. Which hip hop song addresses the struggles of life in the inner city? (Answer: The Message)
4. How did hip hop culture influence youth empowerment? (Answer: By promoting self-expression)
5. What genre inspired activism among musicians and fans alike? (Answer: Hip hop)
6. How did hip hop raise funds for charitable causes? (Answer: Through benefit concerts)
7. Which famous hip hop artist founded the “We Are The World” initiative to help end hunger? (Answer: Michael Jackson with contributions from many artists)
8. What role did hip hop play in shaping modern street art? (Answer: It inspired graffiti culture
).
9. How did hip hop help in bridging cultural divides? (Answer: By promoting unity through music)
10. What was the primary message conveyed in many old school hip hop songs? (Answer: Social justice and equality)
Final Thoughts
Old school hip hop has played a significant role in music history and cultural change. It not only shaped the music industry but also influenced fashion, social issues, and art. As we look back at the contributions of artists, songs, and key moments, we celebrate the creativity and impact of this enduring genre. Whether it’s the legendary battles or unforgettable hits, old school hip hop continues to inspire new generations. If you enjoyed this trivia, make sure to explore more topics like our hip hop trivia and rap trivia for even more fun!