Ahhh, sometimes you have to love DM’s block themes. Block 7 (hosted by everyone’s favorite chain Applebees!) promotes “80’s and Oldschool Hip Hop.” The two, which are sort of oddly jammed together since 80’s would not fence in some of the more popular rap tunes other blocks can’t nab. Mainly, I feel they are doing this so they can play Will Smith’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” I’m completely serious.

For purposes of keeping the term “old school” in check, I’m only picking hip-hop tunes from before 1997. Basically, when Notorious B.I.G. died, old school rap, as we currently sticker it, went out to. As for the 80’s…if it’s from the 80’s, it’s good.

Showstoppers

1. “When Doves Cry” by Prince and the Revolution

Prince hasn’t been getting enough representation on these lists so far, so here comes his first shout-out. Behind Michael Jackson (maybe), Prince is definitely one of the greatest artists of that decade. And here is one of his most recognizable ditties.

2. “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)” - The Beastie Boys

Oh, this song is so stupid. One of the most mindless songs ever written, strange since The Beasties did a lot of legitimately awesome stuff soon after. But this, almost idiotic. And that’s why it’s so awesome - this song require no thought, just go nuts over it. One of the party heavyweights of the decade.

3. “Parents Just Don’t Understand” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince

I’m not kidding - this song has to be here. People would riot otherwise.

4. “Nuthin’ But A G Thang” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg

Rap classic, this almost embodies the silly “old school” idea so many people champion, only becasue I haven’t heard a rap quite like this one ever. So good, and Snoop Dogg’s big coming out party.

5. “Like A Prayer” by Madonna

A suprisingly hopeful, upbeat song, something dancers will need so, so badly now. Just don’t play the video, the burning crosses and black Jesus thing may not be everyone’s thing.

Avoid at all Costs

Pretty much anything a hair-rock band did. Except Guns N Roses, they cool.

A Few Other Songs To Include With No Reason

-”Beat It” by Michael Jackson
-”Come on Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
- “My Adidas” by Run DMC
- “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A.
- “Teenage Riot” by Sonic Youth

Indie Songs That Would Work But Will Never Be Played
- “Laughing” by R.E.M. - R.E.M. obviously has to make an appearance (safe money: “End of the World”), so nothing to indie about them. But this song, off their debut album, always struck me as a soft but melodic number, which could be a nice little break from the furious “old school” beat being shot at dancers. And, I’m sure, the hair metal.

- “Debaser” by The Pixies - Lines like “slicing up eyeballs/I want you to know” aren’t going to help The Pixies’ case, but this song flat-out rocks. One of the most awesome opening guitar riffs ever, too.

- “The Boy With the Thorn in his Side” by The Smiths - The Smiths need some representation in this decade-themed block, so why not the song about a gay guy?

Great Videos to Show

- “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats - Such a nerdy video. Of course NU could get behind this!

- “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads - One of the greatest, albeit nerdiest, videos ever. Heads’ frontman David Byrne freaks out for a few minutes, but does it so darn well. Helps this is one of the greatest songs ever constructed.

- “Take on Me” by A-Ha - And here comes that warm wave of nostalgia….