Previous chapter
Next chapter

Chapter 159: Heartbeat

Pop rap and R&B

The mid 80s through early 90s were a fascinating transitional period for pop music. Shortly afterwards, rap and pop would become totally symbiotic; here, they’re just starting to pull from each other’s bags of tricks. Pop songs like “Groove Is In The Heart” and “I Wanna Sex You Up” are driven by rap-inspired beats and creative sampling; meanwhile, rap began making use of the pop ‘hook’ on songs like “Friends” and “It Takes Two.” Also in this chapter: earlier, highly influential cuts from Grandmaster Flash and Taana Gardner (with an assist from Larry Levan).
1. Deee-Lite

Groove Is In the Heart

2. Young MC

Bust A Move

3. Whodini

Friends

4. Grandmaster Flash & Melle Mel

White Lines

5. Mary Jane Girls

In My House

6. Taana Gardner

Heartbeat (Larry Levan Club Mix)

7. Color Me Badd

I Wanna Sex You Up

8. Evelyn "Champagne" King

Get Loose

9. MC Hammer

U Can't Touch This

10. Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock

It Takes Two