Rock V Rap Trivia Quiz

Answer: Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was an American hip-hop group that originated in the South Bronx, New York City, in 1978. The group released the song on July 1, 1982 which was also on their debut album of the same name which was released a few months later. "The Message" is regarded as the song that altered the tone and content of rap music.

This track was designated as the Greatest Hip-Hop song of all time in a list created by experts for Rolling Stone in 2012. The magazine stated that it was the first song, "to convey, through hip-hop's rhythmic and vocal power, the reality of contemporary inner-city life in America."

I have to say that I'm not into rap, but I do like this song. What stands out for me is the line "Don't push me cause I'm close to the edge". Brilliant.

Answer: The Notorious B.I.G

A legendary figure in hip hop is the late rapper Notorious B.I.G., renowned for his album "Ready to Die", which includes well-known tracks such as "Juicy" and "Gimme The Loot". While rap is a core element of hip-hop culture, the two are not exactly the same.

"Juicy" stands as a quintessential rags-to-riches anthem, renowned for its compelling storytelling and hopeful portrayal of Biggie's journey to success. This track is regarded not merely as good, but as one of the greatest and most defining hip-hop songs in history. Released with a smooth, memorable beat, it delivers a nostalgic message about overcoming hardships to reach achievement.

In the charts, "Juicy" went to number one on the US Hot Rap Singles (Billboard) and US Maxi-Singles Sales (Billboard), while in the UK it peaked at number 16 on the UK Hip Hop/R&B Chart.

Answer: Eminem

American rapper Eminem released "Lose Yourself" on October 28, 2002. The song was also on the soundtrack for the film "8 Mile" (2002). The song became a cultural sensation, earning an Oscar Academy Award for Best Original Song and being acclaimed for its powerful, inspiring story and expert lyrical craftsmanship. "Lose Yourself" was a worldwide hit, topping the charts in multiple countries.

Eminem starred in the film "8 Mile", which was vaguely based on the life of Eminem, who wanted to be a rap star. I've already said I'm not into rap, but for some reason I love this track too. Am I being converted?

Answer: Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg

"Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" by Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg is regarded as one of the greatest and most impactful hip-hop tracks in history. Launched in 1992, it helped to establish the G-funk genre, characterised by its smooth production, melodic synthesiser lines, and signature relaxed rapping, which are fundamental to West Coast hip-hop.

On the charts the song topped the US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard), US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard), and reached number five on the UK Dance (Music Week).

Answer: Not Like Us

"Not Like Us" by the American rapper Kendrick Lamar was released on May 4, 2024; it is regarded as a cultural milestone and one of the most influential songs in hip-hop. The song enjoyed huge commercial success and received widespread critical praise, reaching number one on charts globally, earning five Grammy Awards, including Song and Record of the Year; and becoming a unifying anthem for the West Coast.

The song was written in a joint effort between Kendrick Duckworth, Dijon McFarlane, Mark Spears, Sean Momberger, and Ray Charles. The record was released on the Interscope label and had a track length of 4:34 minutes.

Without going into great detail, this was a dig about the Canadian rapper Drake; the two are in a longstanding row.

Answer: Led Zeppelin

"Kashmir", by Led Zeppelin, included on their 1975 album "Physical Graffiti", is not just a great track; it is regarded by critics, fans, and the band members as one of the greatest rock songs ever created. The track is among the rare Zeppelin tracks that feature external musicians, as session players were enlisted for the string and horn arrangements.

When Jimmy Page was talking in a Rolling Stone interview in 2012 he said "while all the guitar parts were included, the orchestra had to complement them by mirroring those elements, adding the tonal qualities of a symphony". The songwriters were John Bonham, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.

While the single struggled to make an impact the album topped the charts on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.

Try listening to Led Zeppelin's rendition of "Kashmir" during the Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert on December 10, 2007, at the O2 Arena in London (previously known as the Millennium Dome), which marked a significant reunion of the band.

Answer: The Rolling Stones

"Gimme Shelter" was released as a single on 28 November 1969. The song was also the lead track song on the Stones' eighth studio album, "Let It Bleed". Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were the songwriters.

The Rolling Stones' "Gimme Shelter" is regarded as more than merely a good song; it is viewed as a masterpiece and ranks among the greatest rock songs ever produced. The song is celebrated for its ominous, apocalyptic ambience, the memorable guitar riff by Keith Richards, and the compelling guest vocals of Merry Clayton.

The single stalled in the singles chart, but the album was a number one hit on the UK Albums Chart, while in the US it peaked at number three on the US Billboard Top LPs.

Answer: Pink Floyd

"Comfortably Numb" was released as a single on 23 June 1980. The song was also on the band's concept album "The Wall", which was released on 30 November 1979. David Gilmour and Roger Waters were the songwriters.

I don't like the term "masterpiece", but on the other hand, what else can you call this brilliant song?. The guitar solo by David Gilmour has stood the test of time and sounds as good today as it did back in 1979. Then, if you listen to the poignant lyrics by Roger Waters and put the two together, you have one of the best rock songs of all time.

Answer: Welcome to the Jungle

"Welcome to the Jungle" was released as a single on September 21, 1987, with the album "Appetite for Destruction" being released on July 21, 1987. Axl Rose came up with the lyrics for the song while the other members of the band contributed to the arrangement. The guitar riff by the lead guitarist Slash and the beat from the drummer Steven Adler blend with the powerful voice of the lead vocals via Axl Rose.

"Welcome to the Jungle" has been named as one of the best rock songs ever by VH1 in 2009, and in 2015, Sleazegrinder from Louder (British magazine and website) featured the song in his compilation of "The 20 Greatest Hair Metal Anthems of All Time", ranking it in the second position. In 2021, Rolling Stone ranked "Welcome to the Jungle" at 491 on their list of "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

Not one of my favourite rock tracks, but it does have a place in the world of best rock songs.

Answer: Deep Purple

What a classic song from the British band Deep Purple. Many think the classic lineup of Ian Gillan, Ritchie Blackmore, Roger Glover, Jon Lord, and Ian Paice was the cream of the crop, and I have to agree. "Highway Star" was the lead single from the band's sixth studio album "Machine Head", which was released on 30 March 1972. The album also had one of the band's other world-class rock songs, "Smoke On The Water".

"Highway Star" was created by all the members of the band during a bus trip. According to the story, a reporter travelling with them asked how they composed their songs. In response, Ritchie Blackmore grabbed a guitar and instantly came up with a riff using just the 'G' chord. Ian Gillan, who was watching, improvised some lyrics right then and there, leading to the birth of "Highway Star". The other band members later added their contributions, and the band performed the song that very night. It's surprising to think that such a classic track originated while they were on a bus journey.