Hip Hop Firsts: Rappers That Made History - Page 2
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Source: Julia Beverly / Getty
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
Milestones and “Firsts”
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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.
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
Hip Hop Firsts: Rappers That Made History - Page 2 was originally published on blackamericaweb.com