Who’s Got the Mic? The Oldest Rappers Still Going Strong

Intro – Who’s Got the Mic? The Oldest Rappers Still Going Strong

Rapping has been around for decades now, and the genre has seen ever-evolving trends and themes as well as the emergence of some of the most iconic figures in music. But while it’s often the younger generation of artists stealing the spotlight, there are plenty of veteran rap stars that continue to show they’ve still got the mic. Here, take a closer look at the oldest rappers still making major waves in the music industry.

Rakim – The God MC

Rakim is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of hip-hop and rap music. He started off rapping in the mid-1980s, performing at clubs and street corners in his native New York City alongside other emerging rap stars. His musical career took off with the release of Eric B. & Rakim’s classic album “Paid in Full” in 1987. Four more albums followed until Rakim took a break from the recording studio in 1997.

Rakim reemerged in 2009 with the album “The Seventh Seal” and has since released a few mixtapes as well as a collaborative album with Black Thought of The Roots. Despite turning 50 in 2018, Rakim continues to tour and perform at major events such as the Pitchfork Music Festival and the A3C Hip-Hop Festival. His age hasn’t stopped him from releasing new music either, with his latest single “King’s Paradise” released just last year.

Ice-T – The Original Gangsta

Ice-T is often credited as being one of the pioneers of gangsta rap and West Coast hip-hop. He began his career in the late 1980s and released his debut album “Rhyme Pays” in 1987. He then followed up with a string of successful records throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including the controversial “Cop Killer” in 1992.

Ice-T has continued to make music in recent years, releasing the EP “6 in the Mornin’” in 2017. He still performs regularly and maintains a busy touring schedule. In 2019, the 62-year-old rapper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, making him the oldest artist to earn the distinction.

Kool G Rap – The Street Poet

Kool G Rap is one of the godfathers of East Coast hip-hop, having been active since the mid-1980s. He first appeared as part of the Juice Crew All-Stars before launching a successful solo career that included the classic albums “Road to the Riches” and “Wanted: Dead or Alive”.

Kool G Rap has been prolific in recent years, releasing a collaboration album with DJ Premier in 2017 and a solo album in 2018. He is also producing and releasing new music regularly, including the single “Bad to the Bone” in 2020. Kool G Rap is still performing and touring the world at 58 years old, proving that age is only a number when it comes to rap royalty.

MC Lyte – The Trailblazer

MC Lyte is one of the pioneering female rappers who, in the 1980s, helped to solidify hip-hop’s place in popular culture. She released her debut album in 1988 and followed it with a string of successful records throughout the decade. In the 2000s, she shifted her focus to acting and appeared in a number of films and television shows.

MC Lyte returned to the music scene in 2015 and has since released a series of singles and compilation albums. She is currently working on her new album and continues to tour regularly, inspiring newer generations of female rappers with her rhyme skills and confidence. At 51 years old, MC Lyte shows no signs of slowing down.

Big Daddy Kane – The Smooth Operator

Big Daddy Kane is one of the most iconic rap artists of all time. He first rose to fame in the late 1980s with the release of his debut album “Long Live the Kane” and its accompanying singles. He then went on to release a number of classic records throughout the 1990s.

Big Daddy Kane has been active in recent years, releasing new music and performing regularly. He’s also had a few acting roles, appearing in the film “CB4” and the television series “The Wire”. At 54 years old, Big Daddy Kane continues to tour the world and show off his signature smooth flow.

KRS-One – The Teacher

KRS-One is one of the most respected and influential figures in rap music, having been active since the late 1980s. He first rose to fame with the release of his classic album “Criminal Minded” in 1987 and continued to release a number of successful records throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

KRS-One has remained active in recent years, releasing a collaborative album with DJ Premier in 2013 and an autobiography in 2017. He’s also been vocal in his support for hip-hop culture, educating youth about the importance of the genre and its influence on society. KRS-One, who will turn 58 this year, is still touring and performing to packed crowds across the world.

LL Cool J – The Original Babysitter

LL Cool J is one of the most commercially successful hip-hop artists of all time. He first rose to fame in the mid-1980s with the release of his debut album “Radio” and its accompanying singles. He then went on to have a string of successful records throughout the 1990s and 2000s before shifting his focus to acting.

LL Cool J has since made a return to music, releasing his latest album “Authentic Hip-Hop” in 2013. The 54-year-old rapper is still touring and performing, showing that he’s still got what it takes to wow audiences. He’s also talked openly about how his age has changed his approach to rap, proclaiming that “showmanship is what it’s all about now”.

Conclusion – Who’s Got the Mic? The Oldest Rappers Still Going Strong

The rap game has changed a lot since the mid-1980s, but one thing that has remained constant is the presence of veteran rappers who continue to show they’ve still got the mic. From Rakim and Ice-T to Kool G Rap and MC Lyte, these elder statesmen of the genre have seen and done it all and still refuse to hang up their mics.

Their commitment to the art of rap music serves as an inspiration to younger generations and proves that age is just a number when it comes to serving up hot bars. Show them some respect, as they’re keeping hip-hop alive and strong.