Description
Compilation – Now That’s What I Call Hip-Hop at 50 – Double Vinyl Record
Double Album celebrating the 50th anniversary of the beginning of hip hop in New York City.
NOW That’s What I Call Hip‑Hop at 50 is a special compilation album in the NOW That’s What I Call Music! series released on October 6, 2023 to celebrate 50 years of hip‑hop and trace the genre’s evolution from its origins to modern chart‑toppers. It was issued on Legacy/Sony Records and brings together a curated set of songs spanning hip‑hop’s most influential eras—from early pioneers and Golden Age classics to blockbuster hits of the 2000s and 2010s. Rather than focusing on one period, Hip‑Hop at 50 functions as a historical overview, featuring foundational tracks that helped define the genre alongside major commercial successes.
The compilation includes early landmark songs like “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang and “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, acknowledging hip‑hop’s roots in party culture and social commentary. It also highlights genre‑bridging milestones such as “Walk This Way” by Run‑DMC feat. Aerosmith, which played a major role in bringing hip‑hop to a broader audience. Moving into the 1990s and 2000s, the album features some of hip‑hop’s most enduring and chart‑topping hits, including “Jump” by Kris Kross, “Hypnotize” by The Notorious B.I.G., “Ms. Jackson” by OutKast, “Stand Up” by Ludacris feat. Shawnna, “In da Club” by 50 Cent, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell Williams, and more recent hits like “Mask Off” by Future and “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow.
Across its 19‑track lineup, NOW Hip‑Hop at 50 showcases the diversity and impact of hip‑hop culture—from old‑school pioneers and socially conscious anthems to party classics and contemporary crossover juggernauts—making it both a celebration of hip‑hop’s history and an accessible introduction for newer listeners.
“This compilation has been curated to define the history of Hip-Hop over its evolution throughout the past 50 years. There are a number of artists, who, while not licensable for this compilation, are among the Mt. Rushmore of iconic artists within the genre. We would be remiss to not acknowledge them, and their contribution to the art form. Respect.” LL Cool J, Dr. Dre, 2pac, Eminem, Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Beastie Boys, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Sugarhill Gang – Rapper’s Delight
Kurtis Blow – The Breaks
Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five Feat. Melle Mel & Duke Bootee – The Message
Run-DMC Feat. Aerosmith – Walk This Way
Eric B. & Rakim – Don’t Sweat the Technique
Public Enemy – Don’t Fight The Power
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Summertime
Black Sheep – The Choice Is Yours
Kris Kross – Jump
Salt ‘N’ Pepa – Shoop
Notorious B.I.G. – Hypnotize
Nas – N.Y. State Of Mind
OutKast – Ms. Jackson
DMX – X Gon’ Give It To Ya
Ludacris Feat. Shawnna – Stand Up
50 Cent – In Da Club
Snoop Dogg Feat. Pharrell Williams – Drop It Like It’s Hot
Future – Mask Off
Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow – Industry Baby
