List of Famous Bands from Long Island
List of Long Island bands, listed by their level of fame. This Long Island musicians list includes both bands and solo artists. All famous Long Island bands are included, as well as many Long Island musicians of underground status. This list of Long Island musical artists includes information like what genre the artist falls under, what albums they've put out and more. If you want to know more about these famous Long Island bands you can click on their names to learn more about them. Bands from every genre are listed here, including rock, pop, hip-hop/rap, jazz, and more.
List bands range from Public Enemy to Blue Öyster Cult.
If you're wondering, "What bands are from Long Island?" or "What is a list of Long Island bands?" then this list will answer your questions. {#nodes}- Hip hop music, Political hip hop, Hardcore hip hop
- Albums: It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Fear of a Black Planet, Apocalypse 91… The Enemy Strikes Black, Yo! Bum Rush the Show, Fight the Power
Few bands in history have been able to create such a seismic impact on the world of music as Public Enemy. Hailing from Long Island, the group revolutionized hip-hop with their politically charged lyrics that tackled societal issues, racial injustice, and the media's portrayal of African-Americans. With powerhouse songs like "Fight the Power" and "Don't Believe the Hype," they fearlessly challenged the status quo and helped to redefine the genre. Chuck D's commanding vocals combined with Flavor Flav's signature clock necklace have cemented Public Enemy as one of the all-time best bands from Long Island.
- Hard rock, Heavy metal, Occult rock
- Albums: Agents of Fortune, Tyranny and Mutation, Fire of Unknown Origin, Secret Treaties, Don't Fear the Reaper
Long Island's own Blue Öyster Cult is an undeniable force in the world of classic rock. With their enigmatic lyrics and signature triple-guitar sound, they continue to captivate audiences more than half a century after forming. Essential tracks like "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Burnin' for You" have stood the test of time, earning the band a devoted fanbase that spans across generations. Blue Öyster Cult's imaginative storytelling and innovative musicianship easily earn them a spot among the best bands to emerge from Long Island.
- Hip hop music, Hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip hop
- Albums: The 18th Letter, The Archive: Live, Lost & Found, The Master, Addictive
Heralded as one of the greatest emcees of all time, Long Island native Rakim has had an immeasurable impact on the rap game. With his dense, metaphor-packed lyricism and smooth, steady flow, he raised the bar for what could be achieved within the genre. His partnership with producer/DJ Eric B. produced legendary tracks like "Paid in Full" and "Microphone Fiend," which showcased his unmatched prowess behind the microphone. Rakim's influence can be felt throughout the hip-hop community, solidifying his status as one of Long Island's greatest musical exports.
- Hip hop music, Jazz rap, Alternative hip hop
- Albums: 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump
As pioneers of alternative hip-hop, Long Island's De La Soul has been pushing boundaries and blurring genre lines for over three decades. Their eclectic sampling, clever wordplay, and socially conscious themes have made them a standout act in the world of music. With their game-changing debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, they positioned themselves as trailblazers within the hip-hop scene, spawning classic tracks such as "Me Myself and I" and "Eye Know." Their inventive approach to music and enduring relevance secure De La Soul's place among Long Island's best bands.
- Hip hop music, Hardcore hip hop, East Coast hip hop
- Albums: H.N.I.C., Return of the Mac, H.N.I.C. Pt. 2, Albert Einstein, Product of the 80's
Born and raised in Long Island, Prodigy was one-half of the renowned hip-hop duo Mobb Deep. With a raw, gritty style, their music provided a stark contrast to the more upbeat sounds of the time. As lyricist and rapper, Prodigy painted vivid pictures of his experiences growing up in the streets, creating an authentic representation of life on the fringes of society. His undeniable talent and influence within the hip-hop community ensure that Prodigy remains a legendary figure in Long Island's musical history.
- Hip hop music, Jazz rap, Alternative hip hop
- Albums: The Low End Theory, Midnight Marauders, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, The Love Movement, Beats
A Tribe Called Quest is, without a doubt, one of the most celebrated hip-hop acts to come from Long Island. Their smooth, jazz-infused beats and sharp, thoughtful lyrical content captivated listeners from the very beginning. With albums like The Low End Theory and Midnight Marauders, they brought a level of sophistication and innovation to the genre that few had previously achieved. Their undeniable contributions to the progression of hip-hop make A Tribe Called Quest unquestionably one of Long Island's best bands.
