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When talking about the generation that is commonly referred to as the climax of Hip Hop and R&B, the 90’s get all the glory but that doesn't mean that we should ignore the transformational 80’s that paved the way for its successor. The 80’s is a very important decade that created platforms for the success of African Americans in fields like movies, music, and even sports. The fusion of talents into various fields led to the creation of legends whose impact on the cultural scene is still noticed by the younger generation.
Read on to know more about the icons of the 80’s and the cultural phenomena that occured within this era.
The Music Icons of The 80’s
The 80’s birthed iconic figures whose influence transcends time and genres. These people are more than entertainers because their influence spread beyond the music industries, reaching the fashion, art, and even the socio-cultural values of the society at large.
In the 80s, Michael Jackson rose to fame as a pop figure.He became known as the king of Pop due to his amazing talent, powerful live appearances, and revolutionary video clips. His music did not only revolutionize the music scene, he also brought down racial limitations and changed the definition of art.
Prince, another great icon, masterfully combined funk and rock into one sound. His music was able to connect with a wide array of listeners making him a representative of American pop culture. The soulful tune by Stevie Wonder which evokes different emotions through music and the unmatched vocal excellence of Whinney Houston has made them legends. Every chord these icons hit struck an indisputable authenticity and artistic integrity that still rings bell in the heart of millions of their fans today.
Other great icons in the 80s are Janet Jackson and Madonna. With Janet’s breakthrough albums such as Control, the autonomy for women in the music industry was transformed. Also, Madonna changed the game when it came to pushing limits on stage, sexuality, fashion sense, music videos, and singles that went to number one. Through music, these two legends, were able to create a path that other uprising female musicians could follow.
Cultural Phenomena
The 80’s was not only about individuals, it was a mixture of cultural phenomena. The intense match between Lakers and Celtics rivalry stood out vividly among other basketball matches. Through the comical greatness of Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall, comedy was able to reach new heights by turning sitting rooms to laughter rooms.
During this period, Oprah Winfrey was able to transform the look and feel of daytime talk shows.
The 85 bears etched their name in football history while the likes of Run DMC, Eric B. & Rakim, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and NWA were able to create a drastic increase in this era's hip-hop.
The cultural phenomena of this era won't be complete without adding the energetic underworld Chicago House Music. Chicago House Music worked tirelessly to produce the latest beats and sound innovations. The early music genre of this period paved the way for more genres as new genres of music were discovered through music experimentation and diversification.
The 80’s should not be viewed only as a predecessor to the 90’s because this era is a storehouse for memories that needs to be treasured. So, as you remember Michael Jackson’s moonwalk, Prince’s Purple Rein, and the dawn of Hip-Hop, let us celebrate the vibrancy of an era that intensified the movement that changed the cultural map for future generations.