As rap became more of a commercial property in the '80s, the artists' major lyrical intention often seemed to be staking out territorial rights and proclaiming their superiority at the mic.
Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew,
the Furious Five,
the Boogie Boys,
Kurtis Blow and
Marley Marl featuring
MC Shan all do some variation on these themes on this 12-song anthology. "Romeo (Part 1)" by
the Real Roxanne featuring
Howie Tee is a put-down of the male romantic predator, while
Whodini's "Freaks Come out at Night" was one of the prime pop-rap hits of its day. While most of these cuts now sound simplistic and old, they were quite influential in helping cement rap's popularity, and
Run-D.M.C.'s "Here We Go (The Funhouse)" remains a favorite among hip-hop historians. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide