In honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re highlighting some of the masterful word choices that exemplify music’s most language-loving genre.

🎤 Hip-hop pioneers we didn't ask to be
But right then hip-hop changed drastically
People didn't wanna hear the old rap sound
We started samplin' beats by James Brown

KRS-One, “Outta Here,” (Return of the Boom Bap, 1993, Jive Records)

✏️ A pioneer is a leader in a particular field—the first, or one of the first, to do something in a certain way. While a leader is typically the focal point of public attention, the word pioneer emphasizes the person’s cutting-edge work or ideas, regardless of whether they’re acknowledged at the time.

Tune in to tomorrow’s Synonym of the Day for a perfect word choice from a Beastie Boys track.

In the meantime, see our selections for hip-hop's 50 definitive words:

In honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re highlighting some of the masterful word choices that exemplify music’s most language-loving genre.

🎤 I count my blessings
Studyin' my words, steady tryin' to learn my lesson
There's madness in this world, check me out, I ain't stressin'
Knowledge is the key, joy and peace, the essence

Salt-N-Pepa, "Hold On (feat. Sounds Of Blackness, Spinderella, Kirk Franklin)" (Brand New, 1997, London Records)

✏️ Core refers to the most essential, necessary part of something, from which other characteristics are derived. Essence refers to the basic nature of something or its most central, defining feature. Essence can be used in a lofty way that suggests a pervading, inescapable aspect or element.

Tune in to tomorrow’s Synonym of the Day for a perfect word choice from a track by KRS-One.

In honor of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, we’re highlighting some of the masterful word choices that exemplify music’s most language-loving genre.

🎤 My Pop told me be your own boss
Keep integrity at every cost, and his home was Natchez, Mississippi
Did it like Miles and Dizzy, now we gettin' busy
Bridging the gap, from the blues, to jazz, to rap
The history of music on this track

Nas, "Bridging the Gap (feat. Olu Dara)" (Street's Disciple, 2004, Columbia Records)

✏️ Honor suggests that you have a strong sense of what’s right and that you act accordingly. Having integrity is very similar. Describing someone as having integrity particularly suggests that they stick to their moral principles, even when the personal cost of doing so is very high.

Tune in to tomorrow’s Synonym of the Day for a perfect word choice from a track by Salt-N-Pepa.