While New York City’s hip-hop culture primarily took shape in the Bronx, Queens also contributed significantly to its development, making it home to numerous rap groups. However, the borough didn’t limit itself to just one genre. Here’s a selection of music bands founded in Queens, shared on queens-trend.
Ramones
The rock band Ramones are pioneers of punk rock, often recognized as the first true punk band, even though they never achieved massive commercial success. Their work greatly influenced both punk and many other alternative rock genres. The band’s name originated from a stage name used by British singer Paul McCartney, who went by “Paul Ramon” in 1960–1961. All members adopted stage surnames ending with “Ramone,” though they weren’t actually related.
Ramones’ music was a reaction against the complexities of hard rock and progressive rock, featuring simple harmonies and catchy rhythms. Fast drum beats, brisk bass notes, short guitar riffs, and a high-energy stage presence defined their music. Their songs spoke to the youth with straightforward, relatable themes.
Ramones became popular through numerous television appearances and continued to make appearances even after gaining fame. Over their 22-year career, they performed 2,263 concerts, often touring non-stop. Their impact and talent were more fully recognized after the band dissolved, with Rolling Stone listing them among the “50 Greatest Artists of All Time” and “25 Greatest Live Albums of All Time.” While not mainstream, Ramones’ influence on punk and alternative rock is undeniable.
Run–D.M.C.
Run–D.M.C. was the first rap group to achieve a gold-certified album and a Grammy nomination. In the 1980s, Run–D.M.C. debuted the first hip-hop video, and they were the first in their genre to release platinum and multi-platinum albums. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Run–D.M.C. as the 48th greatest musical artist of all time.
In addition to setting musical trends, Run–D.M.C. influenced street fashion. Their iconic black hats, jeans, T-shirts, gold chains, and Adidas sneakers set a revolutionary style.
A Tribe Called Quest
Another hip-hop group from Queens, A Tribe Called Quest, pioneered alternative hip-hop and jazz-infused rap. AllMusic dubbed them “the most artistic rap group of the 1990s.” Their debut album, People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990), received critical acclaim and helped shape the genre. Known for lyrical depth, innovative sound, and addressing political themes, the band continually pushed musical boundaries.
Anthrax
The thrash metal band Anthrax became a leading act in the 1980s thrash scene, known for fast-paced rhythms and low-frequency guitar riffs. Anthrax is part of the “Big Four” of American thrash metal, along with Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer.
Early Anthrax songs often used humor and comic references, with a mascot called “Not Man,” a caricatured bald face. Their music includes pop culture nods, such as a song inspired by Stephen King’s The Stand on the Among the Living album and The Constant, based on the TV series Lost.
Capone-N-Noreaga
The hip-hop duo Capone-N-Noreaga consists of rappers Capone and N.O.R.E. Beyond their music, the group drew attention for their controversial behavior. Before their debut album was completed in 1996, Capone was jailed for violating parole. After the release of their second album, he was imprisoned again, this time for firearm possession. The duo was also involved in a non-lethal shooting incident with rival hip-hop groups.
Onyx
The music of Onyx combines hardcore rap with hip-hop. Known for their 1993 platinum hit Slam and their debut album Bacdafucup, which received platinum certification, Onyx was listed among The Source’s 100 Best Rap Albums. Their intense style, aggressive energy, and daring stage performances defined their music.
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep, a hip-hop duo composed of Havoc and Prodigy, is credited as a founder of East Coast hardcore hip-hop. Their 1995 album The Infamous became a hip-hop classic, celebrated for its raw sound and candid portrayal of street life.
Danger Danger
This glam metal band blends punk rock elements with memorable hooks and guitar riffs. Glam metal emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s in the U.S., characterized by harmony-driven metal ballads and emotional slow songs. A lawsuit from former singer Ted Poley prevented the release of their third album, Cockroach, as Poley was dismissed mid-production and replaced by singer Paul Laine.
The Beets
The indie rock/punk rock band The Beets was led by Juan Wauters, an immigrant from Uruguay who moved to the Jackson Heights area of Queens, where he met bandmate Jose Garcia. Known for their spontaneous, light-filled stage shows, The Beets created short, poetic songs influenced by bands like The Beatles and Ramones rather than the current indie scene.
The Groggers
The pop-punk band The Groggers became known for their satirical and sometimes controversial songs about various Jewish issues. Their unique, irreverent approach brought a fresh perspective to Jewish music, channeling influences from bands like Green Day and Avenged Sevenfold. The band’s breakout hit, GET, tackled a sensitive issue in the Jewish world, addressing women unable to get a divorce because their husbands withheld permission.
Through songs like Shidduch Hits the Fan and Upper West Side Story, the band explored Jewish life with humor and honesty. Though distinctly Jewish, The Groggers’ style sets them apart from traditional Jewish music.
