Hardcore hip hop (also hardcore rap) is a genre of hip hop music that developed through the East Coast hip hop scene in the 1980s. Pioneered by such artists as Kool G Rap, 2Pac, Schoolly D, Spoonie Gee, Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, The Earl (Thomas Dent), Nas, and N.W.A, it is generally characterised by anger, aggression, and confrontation.