KRS-One released an album back in ’93 titled Return of the Boom Bap. The title was fitting because, at the time, Boom Bap was being overshadowed by Gangsta Rap’s dominance. However, the Teacha was determined to bring the culture back to its roots. So, are we watching the same thing play out in 2026?
Boom Bap was prominent during Hip Hop’s early days, particularly in the ’80s and ’90s, with the former often associated with the genre’s Golden Age. The hard-hitting kicks and drums, layered with smooth jazz or funk samples, provided the perfect backdrop for some of the culture’s supreme lyricists. Artists such as Gang Starr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, and A Tribe Called Quest, among others, were at the forefront of the movement.
Fast-forward to 2026, and artists such as Griselda, Joey Bada$$, and Denzel Curry, among many, continue to push the subgenre forward. While they may not always receive the same mainstream attention we’re accustomed to, they’re actively releasing music and performing for Boom Bap faithfuls.
And let’s not forget vinyl’s role in Boom Bap’s resurgence. In 2025, vinyl sales exceeded $1 billion. According to Google, between $35 million and $55 million of the U.S. market share comes from independent underground Hip Hop alone. That’s significant, especially when you consider what happens when this style of Hip Hop is pressed onto wax. It’s like serving a filet mignon. Sure, the meal might taste the same regardless of how it’s served, but which is more pleasing to the eyes: a filet mignon presented on a white ceramic plate or one served on a paper plate? Presentation matters, and for many Hip Hop purists, there’s something special about hearing Boom Bap on vinyl.
According to the Good Book, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.” So, when you hear chatter of a Boom Bap resurgence, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Hip Hop has always moved in cycles, and sometimes, moving forward means going back to the foundation.
