Rap and hip-hop music may be more popular than ever, but it’s unfortunate that hip-hop groups are no longer as famous as they used to be years ago.
Today, it’s all about solo performers, and even though they collaborate a lot and make tracks together, there aren’t many, if not any, new rap groups on the worldwide music scene.
However, the good news is that some legendary hip-hop groups still perform and make new songs even after being active for many years. Unfortunately, some of them aren’t active anymore, but you do have the privilege of listening to their music and attending tribute concerts or reunions.
Be as it may, the rap scene is still fresh, so let’s see the five best hip-hop groups of all time.
Bone Thugs N Harmony
Bone Thugs is one the cult hip-hop groups of the rap music scene since they have been active since 1991.
However, what makes them unique isn’t just the longevity but also their desire to stay true to their musical roots and not compromise their sound to become more successful commercially.
These Cleveland-born rappers made an inimitable sound and a refreshment to the rap scene. Bone Thugs is a group that blends harmonized vocals with octane-fueled lyrics, which isn’t the case with any new rapper.
The group’s current members are Bizzy Bone, Flesh-n-Bone, Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone, and Layzie Bone. Unfortunately, they had legal troubles over the years, but every Bone Thugs fan hopes that’s in the past since it would be a pity for such talented rappers to throw it all away. A Bone Tugs H Harmony concert is the perfect place to go if you want to see why this group is so legendary since their stage presence is electrifying.
What makes them even more unique is that these guys used to collaborate with other groups. Some of their legendary shows include their TLC Bone Thugs concert in Houston in 2021, when they shared the stage with TLC, a hip-hop girl group, which unfortunately doesn’t exist anymore. However, this Bone Thugs N Harmony TLC concert was one of the best of the Celebration of CrazySexyCool tour in 2021.
Don’t worry; Bone Thugs have many upcoming shows in 2023, so now is the perfect time to purchase tickets.
Public Enemy
Another legendary hip-hop group that fortunately is still active is Public Enemy. This group comes from Long Island and has been active in the rap music scene since 1985 when Chuck D and Flavor Flav formed Public Enemy.
Many things make this group unique, but the most important one is that Public Enemy rose to prominence because of their political messages, including subjects like racism and American media.
Even though many lineup changes happened over the group’s almost 40-year career, Chuck D and Flavor Flav are the only two constant members from the beginning. Their first four albums all got golden or platinum RIAA certificates, and various music critics wrote that Public Enemy is their generation’s most influential, radical, and acclaimed hip-hop act. Their most famous and most important track is Fight the Power, whose title shows why it became such a massive hit in the United States and worldwide.
Public Enemy became part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013, and they also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2020.
The Fugees
If you don’t know The Fugees, then you definitely aren’t a real fan of rap and hip-hop music.
This American hip-hop group, consisting of legendary performers Lauryn Hill, Pras Michel, and Wyclef Jean, is often seen as one of the most significant and influential alternative hip-hop groups of all time, especially in the 90s. As a group, they have won two Grammys and one Brit Award for International Group, but Lauryn Hill has won eight Grammys as a solo artist, making her the female rapper with the most Grammys won ever.
Their major success came with the release of their 2nd and, unfortunately, final studio album, The Score, which was released in 1996. This album was both a critical and commercial success, peaking at number one on Billboard 200 and selling more than 22 million copies worldwide. It’s considered one of the greatest albums of all time, and the biggest hit on the album was Killing Me Softly, which is still a trendy track.
Unfortunately, after their major worldwide success, The Fugees disbanded in 1997 to pursue solo careers. However, you might have the privilege to see them perform together in the future since they had reunion tours in 2004 and 2021.
Beastie Boys
Beastie Boys is, unfortunately, another group that doesn’t exist anymore. Still, you can buy tickets for Beastie Boys tribute bands and enjoy at least some of the magic of this legendary group.
What makes this group so authentic is that they weren’t a classical hip-hop group because they are referred to as a rap rock group, which in itself is revolutionary. Michael “Mike D” Diamond (vocals, drums), Adam “MCA” Yauch (vocals, bass), and Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz (vocals, guitar, programming) are considered one of the most authentic and revolutionary musicians of all time.
The band was formed in 1978 in New York, and their first local success came with their 1983 comedy single Cooky Puss. However, they quickly made a complete transition to hip-hop, which made Kate Schellenbach, one of the founding members, leave the group.
Beastie Boys released their debut album in 1986 after they toured with none other than Madonna in 1985. Their debut album, Licensed to III, is the first rap album to reach the top of the prestigious Billboard 200 music chart. Since then, Beastie Boys have sold more than 20 million records in the US and had seven platinum-selling albums.
Another fascinating fact is that Beastie Boys are the biggest-selling rap group since Billboard started recording sales in 1991, and they also became the 3rd rap group to become part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Unfortunately, Adam Yauch died of cancer the same year, so they disbanded. However, the remaining group members have released a documentary, a compilation album, a book, and several retrospective works.
These groups aren’t only great at what they do or did but also pioneers of rap and hip-hop music. So, grab the first chance to buy tickets if they have a live concert since it’s the opportunity to witness greatness.
