The golden age of rap ranges from the mid 1980's to the early 1990's, starting with Run-D.M.C. and fading out as Dr. Dre, among others, took over the scene with a new breed of rap. Golden age music didn't become outdated so much as it evolved and became more genre specific. No matter what the case, you can download golden age mp3s on EZ-Tracks and see for yourself.

Many golden age artists have careers that spanned not only the years of golden age rap, but careers that continued to thrive even after the era of golden age rap ended. Some familiar golden age artists associated with golden age rap as well as other rap niches are 3rd Bass. This group of Caucasian rappers not only helped pave the way for their contemporaries such as the Beastie Boys, but many years later, Eminem. Download golden age mp3s from 3rd Bass to see why they were able to gain acceptance in the hip hop community.

Biz Markie and LL Cool J are some other golden age rap artists whose careers have lasted into the new millennium. Unfortunately, Biz Markie, disappeared for part of the 90's. In any case, you can download golden age music by these artists onto your computer, or onto your mp3 player, thanks to advances in technology over the past couple of years.

What helped launch some golden age artists ahead of others, straight to the forefront of golden age rap was not just their innovative techniques, but their groundbreaking rap skills, and flamboyant personalities as well. Biz Markie, for example, helped epitomize the mentality of golden age artists with his confident almost carefree manner. You can hear his charisma firsthand when you download golden age mp3s.

Run-D.M.C., a pioneering act of the entire rap genre, is a great artist to help you get acquainted with golden age rap music. If you want to listen to music that helped inspire a generation of rappers, download golden age mp3s off Run-D.M.C.'s self titled album, released in 1984.

Eric B. & Rakim are other golden age artists known for their DJing and MCing skills. Some believe that Rakim may have been the most skillful MC due to his smooth rhymes and lyrical finesse. Download golden age music by these rap artists and you'll see why many of today's rappers try to emulate them.

When you download golden age music off the internet, it's important to know that much of it was born in New York City. Rappers from Public Enemy, like Chuck D, or other groups, like the Ultramagnetic MCs, were all East Coast rap artists. But, let's not forget about Dr. Dre, either. Download golden age music from any of these rappers and you'll get a sense of how East Coast and West Coast rappers differ, as well as how they've both been instrumental in the creation of the golden age genre.

1. Don't Matter – Orig. Artist Akon *

2. Apologize – Orig. Artist Timbaland feat. One Republic *

3. Runaway Love – Orig. Artist Ludacris feat. Mary J.Blige *

4. What Goes Around – Orig. Artist Justin Timberlake *

5. Bartender – Orig. Artist T-Pain feat. Akon *

6. Beautiful Girls – Orig. Artist Sean Kingston *

7. Sweetest Girl (Dolla... – Orig. Artist Wyclef Jean feat. Akon, Lil Wayne, Niia *

8. Sorry, Blame It On M... – Orig. Artist Akon *