This will be a controversial choice, given that many Cats are not into “rap”. For me, Hip Hop is something entirely different and very wonderful at that.

It emerged in the early 1970s in the Bronx, courtesy of various black peoples. It was truly revolutionary in its use of musical techniques defined by four key stylistic elements: MCing/rapping, DJing/scratching with turntables, breakdancing, and graffiti art.

Hip hop has some clearly defined stages, including Old-school hip hop, marked by its disco influence and party-oriented lyrics, New-school hip hop, marked by its electro sound, and Golden Age hip hop, from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s that was an album focused era.

But enough of the historiography, courtesy of Wikipedia, Cats.

Time for some definitive tunes – I was never a fan of the Beastie Boys until the release of the now legendary “Paul’s Boutique”, one of the defining albums of hip hop. Best listened to in one sitting from beginning to end.

And this epic, featured as it was on the soundtrack from Colors, the 1988 film directed by Dennis Hopper.

Enjoy and let’s have some of your favourites, cats!