The 1980s marked the diversification of hip hop as the genre developed more complex styles.
Heavy usage of the new generation of drum machines such as the Oberheim DMX and Roland 808 models was a characteristic of many 1980s songs.
The influential single "The Message" (1982) by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five is widely considered to be the pioneering force for conscious rap.
Hip Hop at this time was all about the 5 Hip Hop Elements & about uplifting the community. It was fun, it was clean, and it was spreading "the message" of what was going on in the black communities all around America.
It wasn't about selling records and being famous. It was about making conscious music and it was pure talent.