Josh+A

﻿ 1980s MU﻿SIC!

Michael Jackson was one of the most popular artists of the 1980's. His "Thriller" music videosold over 9 million units, and his "Thriller" album is considered one of the greatest albums of all time and sold over 110 million copies. Jackson was also involved in supporting charities that helped people overcome alcohol and drug abuse. On May 14, 1984, Jackson was invited to the White House to receive an award from the President for his involvement in these charities. Jackson was also part of the "We Are the World" charity single to raise money to help with the African famine during the mid-80's. 1

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The Beastie boys were a very popular hip-hop artist in the 80s along with NWA, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Ice

Public Enemy is an American hip hop group consisting of Chuck D; Flavor Flav; Professor Griff and his S1W group; DJ Lordand Hype man Daniel Mcgowan,and bassist Brian Hardgroove. Created on Long Island, New York in 1982, Public Enemy is known for their politically motivated lyrics and criticism of the American media, with an active interest in the frustrations and concerns of the African American community. 2

Ice-T began his long career of recording raps for various studios on 12-inch singles. In 1984, he wrote the raps for Mr. T's motivational video called "Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool!" he also provided the Beastie Boys with their first SP-1200 sampler in 1985. In 1987 he recorded "Justiceville" for a documentary by the same name. Ice-T finally landed a deal with a major label Sire Records. When label founder and president Seymour Stein heard his demo, he said, “He sounds like Bob Dylan".Shortly after, he released his debut album Rhyme Pays and the record wound up being certified gold. That same year, he recorded the title theme song for " Colors", a film about inner-city life in Los Angeles. His next album "Power" was released in 1988, under his own label Rhyme Syndicate, earning him strong reviews and his second gold record. Released in 1989, [|The Iceberg/Freedom of Speech... Just Watch What You Say] established his popularity by matching excellent abrasive music with narration and commentive lyrics. 3

U2 was one of the most popular alternative rock groups ever. Since the early 1980s, U2 has collaborated with other musicians, artists, celebrities, and politicians to address issues concerning poverty, disease, and social injustice. In 1984, Bono and Adam Clayton participated in Band Aidto raise money for Ethiopian famine relief. This initiative produced the hit charity single "Do They Know Its Christmas". In July 1985, U2 played Live Aid, a follow-up to Band Aid's efforts. 4





Other popular groups from the eightys included alternative groups such as R.E.M. and Bon Jovi led by frontman Jon Bonjovi.

1. "Michael Jackson's Thriller." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 31 Dec. 2010. [] 2. "Public Enemy (band)." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. []. 3. "Ice-T." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. []. 4. Pool, The. "Live Aid." //Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia//. Web. 06 Jan. 2011. .