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De La Soul came on the scene in 1987 and threw us all for a loop with their "daisy age" philosphy and their jazz-based samples. Most of us were accustom to the boom-bap flavors and rock-riff samples of Run DMC and the Beastie Boys. De La is still around today (and still relevant - scoring not one but two hits with Gorrilaz). This jam is from 1991 - I just bought it on vinyl this weekend. Dig.

Run DMC were true pioneers.  The foundation of three decades of hip-hop.  

• The first rap act to have a #1 R&B charting rap album
• The first rap act to have a Top 10 pop charting rap album 
• The first rap act to earn RIAA gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums
• The first rap act to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine
• The first rap act to receive a Grammy Award nomination 
• The first rap act to have a video added to MTV 
• The first rap act to appear on Saturday Night Live and American Bandstand 
• The first rap act to win crossover appeal with rock and hip-hop fans
• The only rap act to perform at Live Aid in 1985
• AND the first rap act signed to an athletic product endorsement deal

The first time I heard them was the cut "Sucker MCs" in 1983.  Still a favorite.  Watch them rippin it on Graffiti Rock.  R.I.P. Jam Master Jay.