Hip-hop has officially been a part of music for 50 years. This week, leading up to the 50th anniversary of a party featuring DJ Kool Herc held in the Bronx on August 11, 1973, we’ll devote each Coffee Break to a different decade of hip-hop music. Let’s start today with the 1980s.

Hip-hop is ever-changing, and it experienced exponential growth in terms of popularity and innovation throughout the ‘80s. With New York leading the way, the decade saw pockets of regional scenes pop up all over the U.S. as rap music moved from a niche genre to a key influencer of pop music.

For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, which 1980s-era hip-hop songs do you want to hear?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Queen Latifah - Ladies First
Public Enemy - Fight The Power
Eric B. and Rakim - Microphone Fiend
Kurtis Blow - The Breaks (Part 1)
De La Soul - My, Myself, And I
MC Lyte - Cha Cha Cha
LL Cool J - I Can't Live Without My Radio
Run DMC - Tricky (bonus)