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.