Hip Hop Firsts: Rappers That Made History

Who would have thought Hip-Hop would reach such global heights? What began as a local movement in the Bronx has become a worldwide cultural force. Hip-Hop has evolved from a supposed “fad” into a billion-dollar industry, breaking barriers and setting trends across the globe.

Early Trailblazers

Rappers like Kurtis Blow and Run DMC defied expectations by selling out arenas, proving the naysayers wrong. Women like Salt-N-Pepa and Queen Latifah shattered gender norms in a male-dominated genre, paving the way for future female artists.

Hip-Hop on the Global Stage

Today, Hip-Hop has even made its way to the Olympics, showcasing its universal appeal. It’s incredible to see how a genre rooted in inner-city neighborhoods has become a voice heard around the world.

Milestones and “Firsts”

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Hip-Hop is filled with monumental “Did You Know?” moments that have propelled it to the forefront of music and culture. From The SugarHill Gang’s mainstream breakthrough to The Fresh Prince’s major award wins, Hip-Hop has continually broken new ground. Drake, “The Boy” from Canada, was the first rapper to hit 50 billion streams—a testament to the genre’s modern-day influence.

Global Influence

Hip-Hop’s impact extends far beyond music:

• Fashion: From streetwear to high fashion, Hip-Hop has redefined style.
• Language: Slang and expressions from Hip-Hop permeate everyday conversations globally.
• Social Movements: Hip-Hop provides a platform for underrepresented voices, driving social commentary and activism.
• International Collaborations: Artists from different countries blend Hip-Hop with traditional music, creating unique sounds.
• Technology and Social Media: These tools have played a crucial role in spreading Hip-Hop culture worldwide.

Discover how Hip-Hop’s firsts and global influence have shaped it into the world’s leading form of musical expression. Explore our breakdown of Hip-Hop milestones and see why this genre continues to dominate. Join us as we celebrate Hip-Hop’s incredible journey. RELATED: Fight The Power: When Hip-Hop Got Political RELATED: Hip-Hop 50 Finale: 25 Best Rap Albums Of 2023 RELATED: LL COOL J Talks The 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop & His Impact On The Industry

1. Kurtis Blow

He became the first rapper to sign a major label record deal (Mercury) and the first to appear on national television (Soul Train).

2. MC Hammer

Hammer is the first rapper to have an album go Diamond.

3. The SugarHill Gang

The Sugarhill Gang anthem is known as the first rap song to get radio play and the first Hip-Hop single to become a Top 40 hit on Billboard.

4. OutKast

“Hey Ya” became the first song in iTunes’ history to reach one million downloads, making it the first song to achieve platinum status online.

5. Three 6 Mafia

They became the first Hip-Hop group to win an Academy Award for ‘Best Original Song’ with the track, “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” from the film, Hustle and Flow

6. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

The First Rapper To Win A Grammy

7. Da Brat

First Female Rapper to go Platinum 

8. Common

First Rapper To Win GRAMMY, Emmy And Oscar

9. Run-DMC

First rap group to go platinum

10. Eminem

First Rapper To Win An Oscar

11. Queen Latifah

First Female Rapper to win a Grammy

12. Salt-N-Pepa

First Female Rap Group to win a Grammy

13. Ms. Lauryn Hill

First Rapper to win Grammy Award for Album of the Year

14. Kendrick Lamar

First Rapper to Win Pulitzer Prize for Music

15. Jay-Z

Hip-Hop’s First Billionare 

16. Big Pun

First Latin Rapper to Go Platinum

17. Drake

First Rapper to Pass 50 Billion Streams