East Coast Hip Hop Defined

Back in the 1970s, block parties in New York City featured a new genre of music known as hip hop. East Coast hip hop is often called New York Rap because of its beginnings. East Coast hip hop reigned supreme during the latter part of the 80s and into the 90s and is still considered significant in today's hip hop world.

East Coast hip hop changed from the lyrical raps of Nas and Rakim to the Beastie Boys and Public Enemy that were more into a consciousness approach. Later on the gangsta rap of AZ, Raekwon and Kool G Rap were the blueprint that was followed. Today, East Coast hip hop has returned to its lyrical roots.

East Coast hip hop is known for its lyrical adroitness, unlike old school rap which had basic rhymes. East Coast hip hop can be characterized by its complex wordplay, elaborate metaphors and a delivery that is free flowing and continuous.

Notable East Coast hip hop artists are The Wu-Tang Clan, Kool G Rap, KRS-One, Ghostface Killah, The Lox and Big Daddy Kane to name just a few of the performers that gave East Coast hip hop its signature sound.

One of today's East Coast hip hop kings is 50 Cent who grew up on the mean streets of Jamaica, Queens better known to his family as Curtis James Jackson III. He was born on July the 6th, 1975 and during his teenage years he was something of a boxer and friends called him Boo-Boo. Fitty lost his mother when he was only 8 years old when she was killed during a supposed drug incident.

Nasir Bin Olu Dara better known in the world of hip hop as Nas was born in Brooklyn on September 14th. 1973. When Nas first began his career he was known as Kid Wave. Later on he chose Nasty Nas as his moniker. As a child he played his father's trumpet and loved comics. When his parent's partnership waned, young Nasir began to craft poetry and short stories.

Shawn Corey Carter, better known as Jay-Z may be the biggest of the East Coast hip hop artists. Born in Brooklyn on December 4th, 1969 Jay-Z was the last of four children. He was raised by his mom Gloria after his father walked away from the family when Jay was just 12 years old. He was a product of his surroundings dabbling in the drug culture as a dealer and was known as a hustler. Later he was known as Jazzy, a street rapper which he later changed to just Jay-Z. He is not only an East Coast hip hop artist, but a man who is known for his business acumen as well as his beautiful fellow singer, fiancé Beyonce Knowles.