West Coast Hip-Hop

A brief history of West Coast Hip-Hop

West Coast Hip-Hop, also known as “G-Funk,” is a sub-genre of hip-hop music that originated in the West Coast of the United States in the mid-1980s. The genre is known for its laid-back, funk-inspired beats and melodic raps, often containing commentary about West Coast street culture and gang violence. The history of West Coast Hip-Hop is rich and diverse, shaped by the political and social climate of the times, as well as the unique styles and contributions of individual artists.

West Coast Hip-Hop emerged as a response to the dominance of East Coast rap in the 1980s. Early West Coast artists like Ice-T and Ice Cube infused their music with gangsta imagery and “street knowledge,” reflecting the reality of growing up in the rough neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles. Ice Cube, notably a member of the seminal hip-hop group N.W.A, helped popularize the “gangsta rap” style with the 1988 album “Straight Outta Compton,” which detailed the harsh realities of police brutality and gang violence in Los Angeles.

As West Coast Hip-Hop gained traction in the late 1980s and early 1990s, a distinct musical style emerged, known as “G-Funk.” G-Funk was characterized by smooth, funk-infused beats, heavy basslines, and often melodic raps. The sound was pioneered by Dr. Dre, a former member of N.W.A, and his production team, including Warren G, Daz Dillinger, and DJ Quik. Dre’s 1992 album “The Chronic” was a watershed moment for the genre, introducing a new level of production quality and polish to West Coast Hip-Hop.

Alongside Dr. Dre, other West Coast artists rose to prominence in the 1990s, including Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, and Eazy-E. Snoop and Tupac in particular helped popularize the G-Funk style with chart-topping albums like “Doggystyle” and “All Eyez on Me.” Tupac, who began his career on the East Coast, became known for his introspective and politically-charged lyrics, as well as his feud with East Coast rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

As the 1990s wore on, West Coast Hip-Hop faced a major setback with the violence and tension surrounding the East Coast/West Coast feud. Tupac was murdered in 1996, followed by The Notorious B.I.G. the following year, leaving a gaping hole in the hip-hop landscape. The deaths brought renewed attention to the violent themes present in much of West Coast Hip-Hop, and some critics argued that the genre contributed to the glorification of gang violence and drug use.

Despite these criticisms, West Coast Hip-Hop continued to evolve throughout the 2000s and 2010s. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Anderson .Paak have brought a new level of sophistication to the genre, incorporating elements of jazz, R&B, and spoken-word poetry into their music. West Coast Hip-Hop has also continued to be a platform for political and social activism, with artists like YG addressing issues like police brutality and racial inequality in their lyrics.

Notable West Coast Hip-Hop artists

Tupac Shakur: Known as one of the most iconic and influential rappers of all time, Tupac Shakur was born in New York but made a name for himself in the West Coast hip-hop scene. He released multiple platinum albums and was known for his socially conscious lyrics.

Snoop Dogg: Originally discovered by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg is one of the most recognizable figures in West Coast hip-hop. He has released numerous hit albums, collaborated with countless artists, and even ventured into other media such as film and TV.

Dr. Dre: One of the most important figures in all of hip-hop, Dr. Dre started out as a member of N.W.A. before going on to produce and release numerous hit albums of his own. He has also discovered and mentored many other successful artists.

Ice Cube: Another former member of N.W.A., Ice Cube went on to have a successful solo career, as well as a career in film and television. He is known for his socially conscious lyrics and unique flow.

Nipsey Hussle: Tragically killed in 2019, Nipsey Hussle was an up-and-coming artist from Los Angeles. He gained recognition for his mixtapes and eventually released a highly acclaimed debut album, “Victory Lap,” shortly before his death.

Kendrick Lamar: Regarded by many as one of the best rappers of his generation, Kendrick Lamar has released several critically acclaimed albums and won numerous awards. He is known for his introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes.

Eazy:E: Another member of N.W.A., Eazy-E was known for his distinctive voice and aggressive delivery. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of gangsta rap and his influence can still be heard in the music of many artists today.

Too $hort: Born and raised in Oakland, Too $hort is one of the OGs of West Coast hip-hop. He released multiple chart-topping albums in the 80s and 90s, and is still making music to this day.

DJ Quik: A producer, rapper, and musician, DJ Quik has been active in the West Coast hip-hop scene since the early 90s. He is known for his production skills as well as his smooth flow and laid-back delivery.

Mac Dre: Hailing from the Bay Area, Mac Dre is known for his unique style of hyphy music, which features a fast-paced, party-oriented style. He tragically died in 2004, but his influence can still be heard in the music of many artists from the Bay Area.

25 West Coast Hip-Hop records you should hear

1. The Chronic - Dr. Dre
2. Doggystyle - Snoop Doggy Dogg
3. All Eyez on Me - 2Pac
4. Straight Outta Compton - N.W.A
5. Good Kid, M.A.A.D City - Kendrick Lamar
6. 2001 - Dr. Dre
7. The Documentary - The Game
8. The Slim Shady LP - Eminem
9. Eazy-Duz-It - Eazy-E
10. The Chronic 2001 - Dr. Dre
11. To Pimp a Butterfly - Kendrick Lamar
12. AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted - Ice Cube
13. Music to Driveby - Compton’s Most Wanted
14. The Predator - Ice Cube
15. Tha Doggfather - Snoop Doggy Dogg
16. Paid in Full - Eric B. & Rakim
17. The Low End Theory - A Tribe Called Quest
18. Power - Ice-T
19. The Black Album - Jay-Z
20. The College Dropout - Kanye West
21. Midnight Marauders - A Tribe Called Quest
22. The Chronic: 10th Anniversary Edition - Dr. Dre
23. The Blueprint - Jay-Z
24. It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back - Public Enemy
25. Atliens - Outkast

West Coast Hip-Hop and the charts

One of the most successful West Coast hip-hop records of all time was released in the early 1990s. Dr. Dre’s debut album, “The Chronic”, was a game-changer in the rap world. It brought a new level of polish and production to the genre, and its many hits topped the charts for months on end. The album’s first single, “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang”, featuring Snoop Dogg, topped the charts and went on to sell millions of copies. Other hits from the album included “Let Me Ride” and “Dre Day”. Overall, “The Chronic” would go on to sell over 5 million copies in the US alone.

Another big-selling and hugely influential record in West Coast hip-hop history is Tupac Shakur’s “All Eyez on Me”. This double album was released in 1996, just seven months before Tupac’s untimely death. Featuring hits such as “California Love” and “How Do U Want It”, the album quickly shot up the charts and became Tupac’s most successful record. In fact, “All Eyez on Me” went on to sell over 10 million copies in the US alone and won several awards, including Best Rap Album at the Soul Train Music Awards.

Another standout record that helped solidify West Coast hip-hop’s position in the charts was Snoop Dogg’s debut album, “Doggystyle”. Released in 1993, this album helped make Snoop Dogg a household name and cemented his place in the rap world. The album features classics such as ‘Gin and Juice’ and ‘What’s My Name?" and sold over 8 million copies across the world.

Other notable West Coast hip-hop records that performed well on the charts include Ice Cube’s “AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted,” N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton,” and Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly.” While these records didn’t necessarily produce as many hits as some of the other records on this list, they still helped define the sound of West Coast hip-hop and established artists as important figures in the genre.

What people have said about West Coast Hip-Hop

Many books have been written about West Coast hip-hop, exploring the origins, evolution, and impact of the genre. One such book is “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation” by Jeff Chang. The book delves into the cultural and social forces that gave rise to hip-hop music, including the role played by West Coast artists in shaping the genre.

Another influential book on the subject is “West Coast Hip Hop: A History in Pictures” by Dave Tompkins, which documents the visual history of the genre through a collection of photographs and essays. The book showcases the vibrant and diverse culture of West Coast hip-hop, providing a comprehensive visual representation of the movement’s evolution.

One notable quote about the genre comes from Ice Cube, a seminal figure in West Coast hip-hop. In his book “Death Certificate: The Decay of American Society,” Ice Cube reflects on the political and social implications of his music. He states, “I make music to reflect who we are as people. We all are connected on this common ground: a desire to be recognized for who we are and what we do, not for what we look like or what class we belong to.”

Another influential artist in the West Coast hip-hop scene is Dr. Dre, who is famous for producing legendary albums by artists such as NWA and Snoop Dogg. In his autobiography, “The Definitive Sound of West Coast Hip Hop,” he speaks about his journey in the music industry and how he helped shape the sound of West Coast hip-hop. He says, “I’m always about trying to better myself and better everybody around me, and that’s what I love to do.”

One of the most iconic and influential albums in West Coast hip-hop history is “The Chronic” by Dr. Dre. The album, released in 1992, is widely regarded as a masterpiece of the genre. In his book “Decoded,” rapper Jay-Z reflects on the album’s impact, stating, “The Chronic was big because it was a bridge from NWA’s rawness to Snoop Dogg’s smoothness. It was a perfect balance of the two.”

In more recent years, West Coast hip-hop has continued to evolve and thrive, with new artists pushing the boundaries of the genre. One such artist is Kendrick Lamar, who hails from Compton, California. His album “To Pimp A Butterfly,” released in 2015, received critical acclaim for its insightful commentary on race and class in America. In an interview with NPR, Lamar spoke about the importance of representing his hometown and the struggles of those who live there. He said, “I want to tell the stories of my community, where I come from. I want to give that perspective to the world.”

West Coast Hip-Hop in context

One of the dominant social factors that led to the emergence of West Coast Hip-Hop was the ongoing racial tension that was frequent in urban areas at the time. There were many instances of police brutality against people of colour and a growing sense of social injustice. The genre allowed voices from the underprivileged communities to be heard, speaking truth the uncensored to the masses.

The emergence of West Coast Hip-Hop was also influenced by popular cultural references, particularly gangster films and music. The genre embraced the gangsta image, growing out of the streets with an edginess that was unlike anything that had come before. The gangsta image was central to the identity of the hip-hop genre and remains one of the hallmarks of the West Coast Hip-Hop.

The technological advancements, such as the emergence of the drum machine and sampling, also allowed for a new sound to come about that was unique to the West Coast hip-hop. The use of technology in recording music allowed hip-hop artists to produce their music independently of the major record labels. This created a sense of freedom in the artistic expression and removed any constraints that previously existed.

The genre also introduced a new sound with the emergence of record labels like Ruthless Records and Death Row Records. These labels were instrumental in the commercial emergence of hip-hop and brought it into the mainstream. Along with artists like Dr Dre, Ice Cube, and NWA, the emergence of these labels also saw the rise of figures like Suge Knight, who played a significant role in shaping the musical landscape of the West Coast Hip-Hop rap scene.

The West Coast Hip-Hop scene also saw the emergence of journalists who covered the genre and brought it to a wider audience. Names such as Nelson George and Kelefa Sanneh were instrumental in popularizing the genre and promoting it as a vital form of cultural expression. Sanneh’s articles in various publications played a significant role in establishing a dialogue that helped to contextualize and shed light on the various issues surrounding the scene’s emergence.

The style of fashion that was associated with West Coast rap was also instrumental in the genre’s evolution. The oversize jerseys, gold chains, and baseball caps became the visual identity of the hip-hop subculture, with artists like Tupac Shakur, NWA wearing them with pride.

If you like West Coast Hip-Hop you may like..

G-Funk: a subgenre of West Coast Hip-Hop that features P-Funk samples and bass-heavy beats.

Hyphy: originated in the Bay Area, characterized by fast-paced beats, heavy bass, and party lyrics.

Gangsta Rap: lyrical themes focus on gang life and violence, often associated with West Coast rappers.

Chicano Rap: influenced by Latino culture, often featuring bilingual lyrics and samples from Mexican music.

Trap Music: originated in the South but has been influential in the West Coast Hip-Hop scene, characterized by heavy bass, slow tempos, and dark lyrics.