West Coast hip-hop has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows—chart-topping hits, groundbreaking albums, but also devastating losses and conflicts that have left fans wondering: "What if?"
Icons like Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler, The Creator, and more have all shaped a genre that dominated the 90s, faded in the 2000s, and now, in 2024, stands once again at the forefront of hip-hop.
How did the West Coast go from ruling the rap game to being overlooked, and what sparked its triumphant return? This is the story of how the West Coast had it all, lost it all, and rose again to reclaim its throne.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:28 N.W.A. changes the game
5:05 Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg
6:20 The revolution of Tupac
9:19 The West Coast wanes in the 2000s
10:26 The early 2010s brings a spark
11:10 Odd Future starts a rebellion
12:34 good kid, m.A.A.d city's impact
13:50 The significance of TDE
16:48 Shoreline Mafia
18:00 Vince Staples
18:51 03 Greedo
20:07 Larry June
21:15 Death strikes again in the 2010s
23:59 "Not Like Us" & "The Pop Out"
25:17 Kendrick's legendary 2024 & "GNX"
28:27 Outro
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Video credits: @unojeevan, @staydizzi, @temibeats, @spankzy, @rvdiodesign, @shivkatakam
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In this video, we explore the entire journey of West Coast hip-hop, from its explosive rise in the 1980s and 90s to the struggles it faced in the early 2000s, and finally, its incredible resurgence in the 2010s and beyond.
Starting with its originators, the West Coast's G-Funk sound was defined by icons like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and N.W.A., whose bold, unapologetic lyrics and innovative production set the foundation for the genre. Albums like N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic and 2Pac's All Eyez On Me were game-changers.
Despite its early dominance, the West Coast’s influence waned in the late 90s and early 2000s. The tragic deaths of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., along with the rise of the East Coast sound and the South’s dominance in the rap game, led to the West Coast struggling to maintain its hold on the mainstream. The Dr. Dre-Snoop Dogg dynasty was shaken, and many other West Coast artists struggled to find commercial success during this period.
However, in the 2010s, the West Coast witnessed a revival with a new generation of artists leading the charge. At the forefront of this resurgence is Kendrick Lamar, who not only revived the West Coast’s reputation but also redefined its place in modern hip-hop. Kendrick’s albums, such as good kid, m.A.A.d city, showcase his mastery of storytelling, his poetic exploration of race and identity, and his ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop.
We also delve into the rise of other key figures like YG, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, all of whom contributed to the Black Hippy collective and played significant roles in maintaining the West Coast’s dominance in modern rap. With TDE (Top Dawg Entertainment) leading the charge, the West Coast was able to reclaim its reputation as a powerhouse of innovative rap.
Beyond mainstream success, the underground West Coast scene has remained strong, with artists like Shoreline Mafia, Larry June, G Perico, Mozzy, and Westside Boogie continuing to push the boundaries of the region’s sound. These artists blend elements of G-Funk, underground rap, and modern trap to create something entirely new.
This video also highlights the emotional and cultural significance of key moments, including Nipsey Hussle’s tragic passing in 2019 and the outpouring of love and respect that followed, as well as the same fallout that Drakeo The Ruler's death had. We examine how artists like Roddy Ricch, Jay Rock, and YG have carried on their message of self-investment, community empowerment, and the value of staying true to one’s roots.
From the iconic G-Funk sound of the 90s to the contemporary melodic trap and conscious rap of today, the West Coast has continually redefined what hip-hop can be. This evolution is seen in Kendrick Lamar's albums, including GNX, and the various names on it - Dody6, Deyra Barrera, Wallie The Sensei, Siete7x, Peysoh, Lefty Gunplay, etc.
Additionally, we take a look at the West Coast’s impact on cinema, with films like Boyz N The Hood and Straight Outta Compton providing a window into the region’s cultural climate. Moreover, the activism that stems from the West Coast, from Black Lives Matter to Kendrick Lamar’s politically charged lyrics, has helped amplify important social justice movements across the country.
The future of West Coast hip-hop is bright, and this video offers a comprehensive look at the genre’s past, present, and future.
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Beyond The Record
An Off Record Sounds project.
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