How 1989 Built on Hip-Hop’s Groundbreaking Year

A thorough look at how 1989 faced the daunting task of following 1988, a landmark year in hip-hop. Did it succeed? Let’s investigate.

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Oct 06, 2023

The year 1989 found itself grappling with the challenge of succeeding 1988, arguably the most transformative period in hip-hop’s timeline. Not unlike a sequel striving for relevance, 1989 reassembled familiar faces, echoed preceding rhythms, welcomed fresh talents, and hitched its wagon to a song of monumental significance. While it couldn’t outshine the original act—akin to how few sequels ever surpass films like The Empire Strikes Back or The Godfather Part II—its competence in a challenging context was impressive.

1. The Return of Familiar Faces

When surveying 1989’s standout LPs, a pattern emerges: four were continuations of an artist’s defining work. Beastie Boys came through with Paul’s Boutique, Big Daddy Kane with It’s a Big Daddy Thing, EPMD offered Unfinished Business, and Jungle Brothers presented Done by the Forces of Nature. Despite the brilliance of these works, their 1988 predecessors held an edge. Yet, deeming the ’89 releases failures would be misguided.

Instead, these sophomore albums might have paled only when juxtaposed with their monumental forerunners. Independently considered, they furnish the year with an admirable roster of timeless albums. This is without mentioning the year’s five seminal releases: 3 Feet High and Rising, No One Can Do It Better, Grip It! On That Other Level, Road to the Riches, and All Hail the Queen.

2. Welcoming New Voices

By the close of the 1980s, hip-hop’s upper echelons had solidified. Craving innovation, the genre saw the arrival of three groundbreaking MCs: Kool G Rap, The D.O.C., and Queen Latifah. In his debut album, Road to the Riches, Kool G Rap laid the foundational narrative for mafioso rap with his riveting storytelling and mob-centric themes. He arguably held the title for top rapper of the year.

Meanwhile, The D.O.C. metamorphosed from a behind-the-curtain lyricist to a spotlighted artist with his 1989 debut, No One Can Do It Better, propelled by Dr. Dre’s beat-making. Tragically, a life-altering car accident soon after led to a damaged larynx, adding a poignant chapter in hip-hop history.

In her inaugural album, All Hail the Queen, Queen Latifah shattered gendered expectations. She harmonized messages of Black women empowerment with unparalleled rap technique, emerging not just as a crossover sensation but as a touchstone for future female artists in rap.

3. Crafting a Song of Epochal Significance

How does one follow up the crafting of an eon-making hip-hop album? By conceiving a song so resonant, it elevates itself into a cultural rallying cry. Public Enemy accomplished this feat in 1989. After shaking the foundations of the genre with their 1988 release, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, they recorded “Fight the Power” for Spike Lee’s inaugural film, Do the Right Thing. Released in June ’89, the track received immediate critical applause, with commentators commending Chuck D’s incisive lyricism and The Bomb Squad’s synergistic production. In the decades since, the song’s legendary status has only expanded, winning recognition not just as a pivotal moment in hip-hop but as a cornerstone in the broad panorama of popular music.

Certified Classics of 1989

3 Feet High and Rising — De La Soul

This album propels into a new universe, built on creative sampling, playful lyricism, and themes that break the mold of traditional hip-hop. De La Soul mastered using their samples, pulling from various sources, such as Johnny Cash and The Turtles , to add a refreshing twist to their sound. The humorous, often insightful lyricism is a break from the bravado and machismo famous at the time, presenting a softer side to hip-hop but in an equally compelling way. Their flow and rhythm are unique, and their messaging is sophisticated, focusing on positivity and promoting a sense of community. The complexity of topics across the spectrum and the breezy production give the album an overarching sense of laid-back intelligence.

Paul’s Boutique — Beastie Boys

Paul's Boutique showcases the Beastie Boys' growth from party boys to astute musicians. This album deviates from their punk-infused debut, offering a refined sound heavily reliant on multi-layered effects and samples. The dense layering of samples, sound effects, and voices paired with undeniable charisma display their progressive music-making approach. The valuable wordplay is evident throughout the album, offering equal doses of sly humor, social commentary, and references to pop culture. The overall musical and lyrical sophistication is proof of the profound progression the Beastie Boys underwent to achieve Paul's Boutique's brilliance.

Grip It! On That Other Level — Geto Boys

This album is the thunderbolt from the Geto Boys, which successfully contextualized their environment’s harsh reality. The lyricism is raw, direct, and unapologetic, often graphic, providing the listener with a gritty look into the realities of street life in Houston. Their brazen storytelling substantiates the harshness of their experiences, while the minimized use of samples provides a solid base for their forceful vocals. The politically charged lyrics starkly contrast the music's harsh edges, reflecting the socio-political climate of the time. The album's aggressive style, often deemed controversial, proved instrumental in paving the way for Southern hip-hop.

No One Can Do It Better — The D.O.C.

No One Can Do It Better is marked by its powerful lyrical content magnified by the rapper's dynamic delivery. The album showcases his competitive edge with slick raps filled with clever wordplay. The robust narratives highlight the rapper's versatility, toggling between intricate storytelling and braggadocious bars with impressive ease. Each track flows seamlessly into the next, maintaining a consistent energy throughout.

Unfinished Business — EPMD

Laced with rugged beats and tough lyrics, Unfinished Business became the duo's trademark. The album's production is consistently stripped back, allowing the duo's compelling lyrics to take center stage. Their lyrical strategies prove their influence on the genre, employing conversational exchanges and hard-hitting punchlines. Continual thematic shifts allow for many feels across the album, some tracks demonstrating humor, others providing acute socio-political commentary. EPMD's deft combination of lyrical skill and unique production techniques solidifies Unfinished Business as a unique and influential hip-hop album.

Road to the Riches — Kool G Rap & DJ Polo

Road to the Riches emerges as an exploration of storytelling, combining the elements of mafioso-themed narratives with vivid descriptions of street life. Kool G Rap's distinctive style of multi-syllabic rhyming patterns and complex references has made him a revered figure within the hip-hop community. In contrast, DJ Polo's sampling techniques , incorporating drum breaks and jazz elements, showcase a broader scope of influences. This album undoubtedly helped shape the development of street-oriented rap music.

All Hail the Queen — Queen Latifah

All Hail the Queen remains one of hip-hop’s most impactful releases by a woman artist. Renowned for its fusion of hip-hop and dancehall elements, this album displays the Queen's versatility and lyrical intelligence. Powerful and assertive, Queen Latifah consciously addresses societal issues, advocating for women's rights and denouncing sexism. Her voice throughout the album remains compelling and superior, representing her as an artist influential within and beyond hip-hop. All Hail the Queen proves an essential addition to 1989's musical output and the broader potential of hip-hop music.

Essential Albums of 1989

The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech… Just Watch What You Say! — Ice-T

Ice-T offered an album that became a fulcrum for free expression and censorship debates. The Iceberg presented a gritty, unfiltered portrait of societal ills, capturing the rage and disillusionment bubbling under the surface of late-‘80s America. With razor-sharp lyricism, Ice-T confronted power structures, dissecting the complex relationship between speech and consequence. The production, laden with piercing samples and heavy beats, created a sonic environment that enhanced the album’s thematic gravity. Beyond mere entertainment, this work redefined the role of hip-hop as a platform for social critique and political activism.

It’s a Big Daddy Thing — Big Daddy Kane

Big Daddy Kane’s It’s a Big Daddy Thing solidified his reputation as one of the premier lyricists of his generation. The album navigated through themes of love, bravado, and Black excellence with remarkable skill. Kane’s flow, characterized by its rhythmic complexity and unparalleled speed, was a masterclass in technical skill. Complementing the verbal gymnastics were beats borrowed from funk and soul, adding a layer of musical sophistication. The album’s versatility transformed it into an educational primer for aspiring MCs and a benchmark in lyricism.

Done by the Forces of Nature — Jungle Brothers

Done by the Forces of Nature was an early exemplar of hip-hop’s Afrocentric and experimental tendencies. It expanded the genre’s scope by incorporating jazz, house, and African rhythms. The lyrics emphasized unity, environmentalism, and spirituality, contrasting the prevailing narratives of inner-city struggle. The Jungle Brothers, while not as commercially successful as some contemporaries, broke new ground in exploring the possibilities of sonic diversity within hip-hop. Through this album, they set the stage for the Native Tongues collective, influencing future generations of artists who sought to merge activism with artistry.

Ghetto Music: The Blueprint of Hip-Hop — Boogie Down Productions

This offering from Boogie Down Productions served as a guidebook for the essence and potential of hip-hop as an art form. Ghetto Music was unapologetically raw, stripping the genre to its roots in social commentary, beats, and rhymes. The album displayed KRS-One’s acute observations on poverty, education, and systemic racism, all propelled by minimalistic yet impactful production. His engagement with diverse themes demonstrated the genre’s capacity for depth and nuance. It’s worth noting that this album laid a conceptual foundation for hip-hop, which future artists could both study and build upon.

The Cactus Album — 3rd Bass

3rd Bass’s debut, The Cactus Album, made significant waves, particularly as a counter-narrative from white artists in a predominantly Black genre. The duo tackled cultural appropriation and authenticity issues with surprising self-awareness and wit. Musically, they adhered to East Coast hip-hop traditions, strongly focusing on lyrical craftsmanship and innovative sampling. Their approach to race and culture lent the album a unique flavor, as it balanced the line between homage and critique. The duo’s willingness to address these often-taboo subjects head-on lent them credibility and established them as severe contributors to hip-hop culture.

Youngest in Charge — Special Ed

Special Ed’s Youngest In Charge brought youthful exuberance to the forefront without sacrificing lyrical substance. At just 16, Special Ed displayed a maturity well beyond his years, backed by playful and menacing beats. His storytelling painted vivid pictures of life in Brooklyn, making him relatable to many listeners. The album thrived on its ability to encapsulate the joys and challenges of adolescence within the broader socio-economic context. With its intelligent lyricism and authentic charm, Youngest In Charge remains a standout example of the untapped potential of young artists in hip-hop.

Stone Cold Rhymin’ — Young MC

The commercial success of Young M.C.’s Stone Cold Rhymin’ acted as a precursor to the genre’s future mainstream acceptability. Known for his light-hearted, accessible style, Young M.C.’s lyrics often ventured into comedic territory, offering a reprieve from the heavier subject matter dominating hip-hop at the time. The album’s production felt polished and radio-friendly, appealing to a broader demographic that may not have engaged with hip-hop otherwise. Although sometimes criticized for lacking the grit of his contemporaries, Young M.C. provided an entry point for new fans. In doing so, he expanded the genre’s reach, inviting a more extensive range of listeners to appreciate its depth and diversity.

Pinnacle Rappers in 1989

Chuck D

Chuck D commanded attention with the 1989 release of the unforgettable “Fight the Power.” Far from a mere entertainer, he used the platform to dissect societal ailments, choosing each word as a surgeon would a scalpel. His vocal inflections—sometimes caustic, sometimes solemn—added a sense of urgency to his political rallying cries. In this regard, he elevated rap’s potential for impact and demanded that people confront uncomfortable truths.

Slick Rick

Slick Rick opted for a different form of revolution, one of narrative sophistication. His lyrical escapades, enriched by his unique transatlantic accent, painted audio frescoes replete with dramatic characters and moral ambiguity. The humor and unpredictability sewn into his tales gave the beats and rhymes that flirted with the lineaments of literature. Slick Rick’s ingenuity proved that hip-hop could be a playground for the intellectually curious.

Big Daddy Kane

Big Daddy Kane combined verbal athleticism with a debonair flair that enamored audiences. His rhymes, characterized by their breakneck pace and complex structure, didn’t just set the standard—they shattered preconceptions of what was possible in rap lyricism. This virtuosity on the microphone was accentuated by his unflinching self-assurance, which pervaded both his music and his distinctive fashion choices. Kane’s work laid the foundation for future artists to break away from the genre’s constraints while celebrating its foundational elements.

Breakout Stars of 1989

The D.O.C.

The D.O.C. made an indomitable entry into the hip-hop scene, distinguishing himself with a lyrical deftness that few could rival. Hailing from Dallas but closely aligned with the West Coast rap culture, he brought a unique blend of storytelling and technical skills. His lyrical contributions to N.W.A. reflected a commitment to social critique and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of urban America. While a tragic car accident would later impair his vocal cords and irrevocably alter his career, his initial impact was felt on the genre, showcasing the art of rap as a vehicle for personal expression and pointed commentary.

Kool G Rap

Kool G Rap emerged as a figure who would redefine the parameters of East Coast hip-hop. Not only did he introduce intricate rhyming schemes and rapid-fire delivery, but he also tackled gritty and often controversial themes. This approach signaled a departure from the prevailing narratives of the time, veering into a raw, unfiltered depiction of life’s harsher realities. His influence can be traced in the works of numerous artists who followed, setting the stage for the evolution of mafioso rap and proving that the genre could encompass a wide range of experiences and perspectives.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah burst onto the scene, instantly setting herself apart as a multifaceted talent in a predominantly male-dominated industry. With a commanding presence and a flair for blending rap with soulful melodies, she shattered preconceived notions about what female artists in the genre could achieve. Her approach was not merely confined to music; she advocated for gender equality and social justice, using her platform to amplify voices that had long been marginalized. Consequently, Queen Latifah’s influence transcended the auditory and ventured into the sociopolitical, offering a nuanced look at the intersections of identity, art, and activism.