36 Hip Hop Trivia Questions

Hip hop is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped music, fashion, and art for decades.

From its humble beginnings in the South Bronx in the 1970s to becoming a global cultural force, hip hop has a rich history filled with iconic artists, albums, and moments.

If you’re a hip hop enthusiast or just curious about this genre, test your knowledge with these hip hop trivia questions.

Let’s begin.

Hip-Hop Trivia Questions

Golden Age Gems: Which 1988 album by Public Enemy is widely regarded as one of the most influential in hip-hop history, featuring the track “Don’t Believe the Hype” and characterized by its politically charged lyrics and innovative production by The Bomb Squad?
West Coast Pioneer: Dr. Dre is renowned for his impact on the hip-hop scene. Name his debut solo album, released in 1992, which played a pivotal role in popularizing the G-Funk sound and includes hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” and “Let Me Ride.”
East Coast Legends: The Notorious B.I.G. released two studio albums during his lifetime. What was the title of his second album, released posthumously in 1997, which included hits like “Mo Money Mo Problems” and “Hypnotize”?
Southern Stars: OutKast, the duo from Atlanta, Georgia, made history with their album that won the 2004 Grammy for Album of the Year. Name this album, which includes popular tracks like “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move.”
Rap Battles and Diss Tracks: Jay-Z and Nas had one of the most famous rap feuds in hip-hop history. Name the two primary diss tracks they released against each other – one by Jay-Z from his 2001 album “The Blueprint” and the other by Nas from his 2001 album “Stillmatic.”
Innovative Production: Kanye West’s 2010 album was notable for its complex production and range of musical styles, often considered a masterpiece in hip-hop. What is the name of this album, which includes tracks like “Power” and “Runaway”?
Female Pioneers in Hip-Hop: Missy Elliott, a rapper, singer, and producer, has been a significant figure in hip-hop. Name her debut album, released in 1997, which features the hit single “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).”
Hip-Hop and Broadway: Lin-Manuel Miranda created a Broadway musical that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway styles, telling the story of an American Founding Father. What is the name of this groundbreaking musical?
International Influence: British rapper Dizzee Rascal emerged in the early 2000s as a key figure in the UK Grime scene. Name his debut album, released in 2003, which won the Mercury Prize and includes tracks like “Fix Up, Look Sharp.”
Iconic Collaborations: Which song from Eminem’s 2000 album “The Marshall Mathers LP” features a memorable collaboration with another legendary rapper, Dido, and samples her song “Thank You”?
Underground Legends: Aesop Rock is known for his complex lyrics and distinct style in the underground hip-hop scene. Name his 2001 album that includes tracks like “Daylight” and “Labor.”
Hip-Hop Moguls: Which hip-hop artist, entrepreneur, and producer co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995, later launching the clothing line Rocawear and streaming service Tidal?
Grammy Record: Lauryn Hill made history at the 1999 Grammy Awards with her solo debut album. Name this album, which includes hits like “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.”
Influential Groups: The Wu-Tang Clan, a group from Staten Island, released a groundbreaking album in 1993 that has been highly influential in hip-hop. What is the name of this album?
Hip-Hop and Film: Which critically acclaimed 2002 film stars Eminem and is loosely based on his life story, featuring an iconic rap battle scene at the end?
Pioneering Female Artist: MC Lyte was one of the first female rappers to gain prominence in the late 1980s. What is the title of her debut album, released in 1988, known for tracks like “Paper Thin”?
Crossover Hits: Which 1990 hit by MC Hammer, known for its catchy hook and dance moves, helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream?
Revolutionary Duos: Eric B. & Rakim are considered one of the most influential hip-hop duos. Name their debut album released in 1987, known for tracks like “I Ain’t No Joke” and “Eric B. is President.”
Breakout Album: What is the title of Kendrick Lamar’s 2012 album, a critical and commercial success that includes songs like “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe”?
Hip-Hop Innovator: Grandmaster Flash was a pioneer in DJing techniques. Name the influential song released by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in 1982 that addresses various social issues.
Iconic Hip-Hop Films: What is the title of the 1991 film directed by John Singleton, featuring Ice Cube and Cuba Gooding Jr., that offers a look into life in South Central Los Angeles?
Legendary Producer: J Dilla, a highly influential producer, released a seminal album two days before his death in 2006. What is the name of this album?
Hip-Hop and Jazz Fusion: Which artist, known for blending hip-hop with jazz elements, released the acclaimed album “The Low End Theory” in 1991?
Female Duo: Salt-N-Pepa, a groundbreaking female duo in hip-hop, released a hit song in 1986 that became one of their signature tracks. What is the name of this song?
East Coast Collective: What is the name of the hip-hop collective from New York that includes members like Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, and Phife Dawg?
Breakthrough Single: Which song by 50 Cent, released in 2003, propelled him to mainstream success and is known for its catchy hook and aggressive lyrics?
Influential Record Label: Def Jam Recordings has been a significant label in hip-hop history. Who are the two founders of Def Jam?
Multifaceted Artist: Childish Gambino, also known as Donald Glover, released a politically charged song in 2018 accompanied by a powerful music video. What is the title of this song?
Hip-Hop and R&B Fusion: Which 1994 album by Mary J. Blige is often credited with pioneering the fusion of R&B and hip-hop, featuring production from Sean “Puffy” Combs?
Influential Hip-Hop Movie: “Wild Style,” released in 1983, is considered one of the first hip-hop movies. It featured appearances from several prominent figures in the early hip-hop scene. Who directed this movie?
Pioneering Female MC: Who was the first female rapper to release a full album, with her 1988 debut titled “Lyte as a Rock”?
Iconic Hip-Hop Group: Run-DMC was a groundbreaking group in hip-hop history. Which 1986 album of theirs is considered a landmark in hip-hop, featuring tracks like “Walk This Way” and “My Adidas”?
Revolutionary Album: Nas’ 1994 debut album is often hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. What is the title of this album?
Global Hip-Hop Icon: Which artist, known for hits like “Gangnam Style,” brought international attention to the South Korean hip-hop scene?
Hip-Hop and Film Soundtracks: Which 1995 film, starring Ice Cube and Chris Tucker, featured a highly successful soundtrack that included tracks from Dr. Dre, Cypress Hill, and Ice Cube himself?
90s Hip-Hop Classic: Which 1996 album by Jay-Z, his debut studio album, includes tracks like “Can’t Knock the Hustle” and “Brooklyn’s Finest”?

Answers

Golden Age Gems: The album is “It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back” by Public Enemy.
West Coast Pioneer: Dr. Dre’s debut solo album is “The Chronic.”
East Coast Legends: The Notorious B.I.G.’s second album is titled “Life After Death.”
Southern Stars: OutKast’s Grammy-winning album is “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.”
Rap Battles and Diss Tracks: Jay-Z’s diss track is “Takeover,” and Nas’s response is “Ether.”
Innovative Production: Kanye West’s album is “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”
Female Pioneers in Hip-Hop: Missy Elliott’s debut album is “Supa Dupa Fly.”
Hip-Hop and Broadway: The musical is “Hamilton.”
International Influence: Dizzee Rascal’s debut album is “Boy in da Corner.”
Iconic Collaborations: The song is “Stan” by Eminem featuring Dido.
Underground Legends: Aesop Rock’s 2001 album is “Labor Days.”
Hip-Hop Moguls: This artist is Jay-Z (Shawn Carter).
Grammy Record: Lauryn Hill’s album is “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.”
Influential Groups: The Wu-Tang Clan’s album is “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).”
Hip-Hop and Film: The film is “8 Mile.”
Pioneering Female Artist: MC Lyte’s debut album is “Lyte as a Rock.”
Crossover Hits: The hit by MC Hammer is “U Can’t Touch This.”
Revolutionary Duos: Eric B. & Rakim’s debut album is “Paid in Full.”
Breakout Album: Kendrick Lamar’s album is “good kid, m.A.A.d city.”
Hip-Hop Innovator: The song is “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
Iconic Hip-Hop Films: The film is “Boyz n the Hood.”
Legendary Producer: J Dilla’s album is “Donuts.”
Hip-Hop and Jazz Fusion: The artist is A Tribe Called Quest.
Female Duo: The hit song by Salt-N-Pepa is “Push It.”
East Coast Collective: The collective is A Tribe Called Quest.
Breakthrough Single: The song by 50 Cent is “In da Club.”
Influential Record Label: Def Jam was founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons.
Multifaceted Artist: The song is “This Is America” by Childish Gambino.
Hip-Hop and R&B Fusion: The album is “My Life” by Mary J. Blige.
Influential Hip-Hop Movie: “Wild Style” was directed by Charlie Ahearn.
Pioneering Female MC: The artist is MC Lyte.
Iconic Hip-Hop Group: The album is “Raising Hell” by Run-DMC.
Revolutionary Album: Nas’ debut album is “Illmatic.”
Global Hip-Hop Icon: The artist is Psy.
Hip-Hop and Film Soundtracks: The film is “Friday.”
90s Hip-Hop Classic: The album is “Reasonable Doubt” by Jay-Z.