Blast from the Past: Grooving to 70s Hip-Hop Tracks for Your Gaming Session
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The origin of hip-hop music dates back to the early 1970s among young African Americans and Latinos in the Bronx, New York City. The hip-hop culture then originated from Black pop culture. The songs were influenced by DJing, rapping, breakdancing, and graffiti art. Although the genre evolved from funk, disco, and soul music, hip-hop music evolved through the 70s and developed its identity. 

Hip-hop music has an energetic, funky vibe that can be great to listen to while playing casino games online. Today, an Australian online casino can provide the same gaming excitement as traditional casinos, but it also allows users to play from the comfort of their environment. And songs usually are part of that cozy environment. A rap song can complement the lively casino atmosphere by creating feelings of excitement that many casino games require. Hip-hop uses uptempo beats and old-school flows to create a lively atmosphere that pairs well with the excitement of games like slots, blackjack, or roulette.

The 1970s hip-hop world produced some classic tracks to put you in a good mood and make your gaming session more thrilling. These songs also offer nostalgic lyrics, reminding you of hip-hop's early days when it was still an underground scene finding its footing, inspiring you to put your best into the game.

While some gamers prefer to play their games in a quiet room for maximum concentration, many gamers may perform better with music. Music has been proven to help create an engaging gaming environment and heighten players' emotions. So, below, we discuss six hip-hop tracks from the 1970s for players needing that extra adrenaline rush.   

“Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugar Hill Geng

In 1979, the Sugar Hill Gang released what is now majorly considered the first mainstream hip-hop hit song: “Rapper’s Delight.”  The song, produced by Sugar Hill Records, reached #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and got certified platinum. The Sugar Hill Gang flows playfully over Chic's "Good Timesinfectious sound ” for nearly 15 minutes in this hit song that introduced many to hip-hop. The song’s iconic opening lyrics, "Hip hop, hippie to the hippie, to the hip-hip hop and you don't stop the rock," let you know a slick, funky ride is coming, and this can help build your excitement for the game ahead.

“King Tim III (Personality Jock)” by The Fatback Band

Though predated by "Rapper's Delight," this March 1979 track is considered the first hip-hop record commercially released on a major label. Fatback (a funk band) enlisted rapper King Tim III to rap over a grooving, disco-flavored rhythm. Music critics noted that King Tim's old-school rhyming flow felt authentic and groundbreaking. The song has that experimental, genuine quality from hip-hop's earliest days, and it may be the push you need for a good game.

“To the Beat Y’all” by Lady B

Lady B, born Barbara Perry, was a pioneering female Philadelphia DJ and rapper. In 1979, she released the fiery single "To the Beat Y'all", fusing funk and early electro hip-hop rhythms. This track soon became a party anthem, thanks to Lady B’s confident rhymes and chant-along chorus over pulsating synths. Lady B paved the way for future generations of women in hip-hop by boldly staking her claim on the mic. Playing this song in the background during a gaming session can be your reminder that you, too, can dare to do the impossible.

“Superrapin” by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five

The Furious Five is an early Bronx hip-hop crew, and together with the influential DJ Grandmaster Flash, they dropped bars with immaculate lyrics and flow. Rappers Cowboy, Melle Mel, and Scorpio killed verses over the funky "Seven Minutes of Funk" breakbeat in this 1979 hit song. The technical rhymes and smooth tag-teaming of rappers created a blueprint for the hip-hop world.

“We Rap More Mellow” by The Younger Generation

The Furious Five became the Younger Generation after they got estranged from their DJ, Grandmaster Flash. On this single, they rocked familiar rhymes from "Superappin'" over a new electro groove. Though Flash didn't authorize the record, it shows early hip-hop artists reusing rhymes as uncleared samples weren't an issue yet. This song has a catchy and carefree party vibe that is irresistible.

“Funk You Up” by The Sequence  

Hailing from South Carolina, The Sequence was the first Southern hip-hop group signed to Sugar Hill Records. Their hit "Funk You Up" fused exuberant call-and-response lyrics with popping bass and synths. With two MCs and a singer, The Sequence mixed rap and R&B flavors seamlessly while the lyrics celebrate hip-hop culture. They brought smiles and a fun-loving Southern energy that broadened rap's early scope.    

Revisiting these old-school hip-hop jams helps us understand the roots of the music we love today. Their youthful excitement pairs well with the thrill of gaming. And listening while you play connects you to hip-hop history, giving deeper meaning to the session. So, the next time you hit the virtual gaming space, consider queuing up a classic track for the ultimate gaming experience.