Blondie makes the top of the Hot 100 with their groundbreaking song “Rapture” in 1981

“Rapture” was notable for being one of the first Pop/Rock blends with Rap and Hip Hop, released in 1981, it was the first song featuring rap to reach No.1

Hip Hop pioneer Flavor Flav celebrates 66

As the hype man of Public Enemy, Flavor Flav brought a dynamic and energetic presence that complemented Chuck D’s politically charged lyrics

Influential Swedish rapper, singer and artist Neneh Cherry turns 61

Neneh Cherry rose to fame during the late 1980’s emerging as one of the most popular female rappers. She had a string of hits during the 1990’s and won several important awards. Today she turns 61

Rapper-producer Dr. Dre turns 60 today

Rapper-producer Dr. Dre first made it big with hip-hop group N.W.A. in the 1980s. He has also enjoyed success as a solo act and worked with Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent.

Controversial and multi-faceted Rapper, Rocker and Actor Ice-T turns 67 today

Ice-T had a troubled early life but emerged as an influential artist during the 1980’s Hip Hop music scene. From Rap to Hip Hop, to Rock and Metal, Hardcore Punk to Pop, Ice-T it’s one of the most eclectic musicians and also an awarded actor. Today he turns 67

Chaka Khan gets back on the charts in 1984 with Prince’s “I Feel for You”

“I Feel for You” by Chaka Khan was first recorded and released by Prince on his 1979 self-titled album “Prince” but it was with Khan’s 1984 version that became a hit

In 1990 Vanilla Ice becomes the first Rap artist to reach No.1 on the Hot 100

On November 3rd, 1990 “Ice Ice Baby” became the first ever Rap song to reach No.1 on the mainstream singles charts and also a worldwide hit

Snoop Dogg turns 53 today

Snoop Dogg came to prominence in 1993 with Hip Hop classic “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?”

Coolio blends Rap and Pop music fans together in 1995 with “Gangsta’s Paradise”

Rap music was never known to provide #1 hits internationally outside Rap charts, but this wasn’t the case for Coolio who in 1995 went No. 1 in several countries worldwide with “Gangsta’s Paradise” featuring L.V

Remembering Coolio on his birthday

Coolio’s most significant success came with his second album, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” released in 1995. The title track, featuring singer L.V., became a global sensation, topping charts worldwide and earning Coolio a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance

The rapper and actor Ice Cube celebrates 55 today

His career began in the hip-hop scene of the late 1980s and has since expanded into a successful career in film and television