Stay Fresh With These 80s Hip Hop Party Ideas

The 1980s were pretty revolutionary times for music. All sorts of new technology came on the scene that enabled new forms of creativity. One such technological innovation was the sampler. That one piece of gear spawned so many new genres, the biggest one of these was undoubtedly hip hop.

You’re here because you wanna relive those times and have a party that recreates the vibes and celebrates the music. From what to wear, food to eat, music to play or where to host, this guide has you covered.

So get out your boombox, throw on some baggy jeans, and let’s party like it’s the birth of hip hop culture all over again.

Where to host an 80s hip hop party

Selecting the perfect venue is key to recreating an authentic 80s hip hop experience. Consider various options that align with the era’s vibe and cater to your guest count.

• Intimate Bars or Clubs: Look for bars or clubs with a cozy, intimate atmosphere that can transport guests back to the 80s hip hop scene. Find a venue that features exposed brick walls, low ceilings, and a stage for a DJ or live performances. It may not be necessary to hire the entire bar, but a function room within a bar would be perfect.
• Spacious Lofts or Warehouses: If you’re expecting a larger crowd, consider renting a spacious loft or warehouse that can be transformed into an urban hip hop haven. Look for venues with open floor plans, high ceilings, and ample room for dancing. Add graffiti-style artwork, neon lights, and DJ booths to capture the authentic 80s hip hop atmosphere.
• Retro-Inspired Event Spaces: Some event spaces are specifically designed with a retro vibe in mind. Look for venues that embrace the 80s aesthetic, such as those with neon signage, arcade games, and vintage 80s decor.
• House Party: This is perfect for a smaller gathering and is especially great if you have a decent sized backyard. If the weather’s good, you could have a decent chilled vibe with bean bags and comfy seats.
• Cultural or Community Centers:Check if local cultural or community centers have event spaces available for rent. These venues often have a flexible layout and can be transformed to suit the theme. Seen if there are any local artists you can collaborate with to create custom murals or installations.

Decorations

Now you’ve picked the venue, you’ve got to deck it out and make it look as authentically 80s as possible.

The main decoration you want is graffiti. Hip hop and graffiti go hand in hand, and so many street artists cut their teeth in the 80s hip hop scene. It’s unlikely you will be able to spray paint walls directly in your venue but see if you can find an artist to paint some 80s style murals for you on a specially installed temporary wall, or why not try it yourself?

If you can’t do this or don’t want to risk graffiti paint being involved, you could get some wall decals of graffiti and put them up round the venue. These will look awesome and can be easily removed at the end of the event, plus you won’t end up with a graffiti clean up bill!

Add posters of photographs of hip hop artists and famous album covers of the era, like Grand Master Flash, The Beastie Boys and N.W.A’s iconic album cover for Straight Outta Compton.

Neon lights are a must for any 80s themed party. They can be bought fairly cheaply now. Hang neon signs that spell out hip hop phrases like “Fresh,” “Dope” or one that says “No Sucka MCs.” Use neon stick on strip lights around the venue and bar to add to the club vibe.

Scatter boombox replicas throughout the party space as centerpieces or decorative elements. Look for vintage-inspired boombox props, or create DIY versions using cardboard and metallic spray paint. Display vinyl records of hip hop artists from the time.

Pay attention to smaller details that enhance the overall vibe. Scatter retro-themed props like oversized sunglasses, gold chains, and snap back hats on tables. Use black or white aerosol spray paint to create stenciled graffiti patterns on tablecloths or other fabric decorations, only if permitted to, of course.

Invitations

I’m a bit old-fashioned when it comes to invitations. I still like to send out paper ones and not just rely on social media. I think it’s more personable to do it this way, but you can decide what’s best for you. If you want to send out paper ones, you need to create a good 80s vibe with them.

Design your invitations to resemble cassette tapes, paying homage to the popular music medium of the 80s. Create a template or search for printable cassette tape invitation designs online. Include the party details on the “label” side of the cassette, providing all the necessary information such as the date, time, venue, and RSVP details. You can even go further and use actual cassette tapes with the invitation custom designed on the sleeve. Maybe even make a mixtape, it will be difficult to play it for your guests of course because tape recorders are no loner widely used, but I think this is a nice and inventive way to send out an invitation.

Another classic 80s icon is the Boom Box. Find or create a colorful illustration of a boombox and use it as the main template for the invitation. Arrange the party details creatively around the boombox, ensuring they are easy to read. Consider using bold fonts and colors reminiscent of 80s hip hop album covers to make the invitation visually appealing.

Use graffiti type fonts for your design and incorporate famous hip hop lyrics from the 80s into the invite. Add little extra graffiti tags around the invite.

If you wanna just keep it up to date and use social media, to create an event. You can keep guests engaged in the run-up to the event by posting 80s hip hop trivia questions and music videos from the era.

What To Wear

We’re talking about the 80s here, so you should expect to include lots of bright colors and big jewelry. You can go as bold as you like with this. The best source of inspiration is to watch 80s hip hop videos and base your outfit on what you see there, but here’s some ideas to get you thinking.

Suggestions for Men:

1. Tracksuits: Embrace the iconic tracksuit trend that dominated the 80s hip hop scene. Look for tracksuits in bold, vibrant colors such as neon green, electric blue, or hot pink. Choose matching sets with a zip-up jacket and elasticized pants. Brands like Adidas, Puma, and Fila offer retro-inspired tracksuits that are perfect for this theme.
2. Kangol Hats: Complete your outfit with a Kangol hat, a classic accessory that gained popularity during the 80s. Opt for a Kangol bucket hat or a Kangol cap in bright colors like yellow, red, or just plain black. Wear it slightly tilted to the side for an extra touch of attitude.
3. Oversized Gold Chains: Add a touch of bling to your ensemble with oversized gold chains. Layer multiple chains of varying lengths and thicknesses for a bold statement. Look for chains with large pendants, dollar signs, or the iconic “Run-DMC” symbol.
4. High-Top Sneakers: Choose high-top sneakers to complement your 80s hip hop outfit. Adidas Superstars, Nike Air Jordans, or Reebok Freestyles were popular choices during the era. Opt for sneakers in vibrant colors or with eye-catching designs.
5. Leather Jackets: For a touch of edginess, top off your outfit with a leather or suede jacket. Look for a black or bold-colored jacket with a bomber or motorcycle style. Pair it with your tracksuit or wear it over a graphic t-shirt for a rugged yet stylish look.

Suggestions for Women:

1. Off-the-Shoulder Tops: Embrace the iconic fashion trend of off-the-shoulder tops for a sassy 80s look. Choose tops in bright colors or bold patterns, preferably with a wide neckline that can be worn off one shoulder or both.
2. Colorful Leggings: Opt for colorful leggings to add a pop of fun and vibrancy to your outfit. Look for leggings in neon shades or with bold geometric patterns. Pair them with an oversized t-shirt or off-the-shoulder top for an authentic 80s hip hop style.
3. Fishnet Stockings: Add a touch of edge and glamour to your look with fishnet stockings. Wear them under ripped jeans, a short skirt, or peeking out from under colorful leggings. Play with different colors and patterns to match your outfit.
4. Oversized Hoop Earrings: Choose hoop earrings in gold or silver with a large diameter. The bigger, the better! Pair them with a slicked-back ponytail or big, voluminous hair.
5. Bold Accessories: Enhance your outfit with bold accessories that make a statement. Layer chunky necklaces, stack colorful bangles or slap bracelets on your wrists, and wear oversized sunglasses with colored or reflective lenses. Mix and match different accessories to create a unique and expressive look.

Hip Hop is about self-expression, so you can go really wild with some of your choice of accessories. Think Public Enemy and their enormous alarm clock medallions!

Food and Drink

This sort of party is best suited to a buffet that guests can help themselves to all night. You’ll wanna get some 80s inspired flavors in there but with a modern twist to keep your guests feeling satisfied.

Food Suggestions

1. Build Your Own Taco Station: Set up a DIY taco station, inspired by the vibrant flavors found on the streets of 80s hip hop hotspots. Provide an assortment of tortillas, proteins like seasoned ground beef, grilled chicken, or marinated tofu, and a variety of toppings including diced onions, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Don’t forget the hot sauce!
2. Retro Snacks: Serve up classic 80s snacks that were staples at parties and gatherings during the era. Offer bite-sized treats like pizza rolls, pretzel bites, cheese puffs, mini corn dogs, and sliders. Set up a nostalgic “chips and dip” station with a variety of potato chips and dip options such as onion dip, spinach and artichoke dip, or classic salsa and guacamole.
3. Mini Burgers: Offer mini burgers with a selection of toppings and condiments, allowing guests to customize their sliders. Include classic options like lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and ketchup. Add special sauces such as BBQ sauce, aioli, or chipotle mayo for an extra kick of flavor.

Drink Suggestions

1. Rapper’s Delight Punch: Create a signature cocktail that embodies the spirit of 80s hip hop. Mix fruity flavors like pineapple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice with your choice of spirits such as vodka, rum, or tequila. Serve the punch in a large bowl with colorful fruit garnishes for a visually appealing presentation. Provide non-alcoholic options like fruit punch or mocktails for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
2. Retro Soda Bar: Set up a retro soda bar featuring popular soft drinks from the 80s. Offer a variety of classic sodas like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Fanta, or Dr Pepper in glass bottles or cans. Enhance the presentation by serving the sodas in ice-filled tubs.

Don’t forget to consider dietary restrictions and offer vegetarian or vegan options for guests who prefer plant-based choices. Label the food and drink stations clearly to help guests navigate their options easily. Provide plenty of water, both plain and infused with fruits, to keep everyone hydrated throughout the night.

Music

Pay homage to the pioneers of the 80s hip hop movement by including tracks from influential artists and groups such as Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Sugarhill Gang and Kurtis Blow. Feature timeless classics like “Rapper’s Delight,” “The Message,”and “The Breaks.” These tracks laid the foundation for the genre.

Recognize the invaluable contributions of female hip hop artists and groups from the 80s. Feature tracks from iconic women like Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shanté, MC Lyte, and JJ Fad. Include empowering anthems like “Push It,” “Ladies First,” “Roxanne’s Revenge,” and “Supersonic.”

Make room for a some real party classics from the era, like “Walk This Way” by Run DMC “Wild Thing” by Tone Loc “The Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground and some MC Hammer.

Here are a couple of play lists to get you started:

80s Hip Hop

80s Hip Hop Mix

Activities and Games

The music, drinks food and fun will probably be enough to keep your guests entertained all night, but there’s nothing wrong with providing a few fun games and activities to keep the energy high. Besides, who doesn’t love a party game?

1. Dance-Offs and Breakdancing Battles: Set up a designated dance floor and host lively dance-offs and breakdancing battles. Encourage guests to showcase their best moves and imitate the iconic dance styles of the 80s. Compete for prizes, or just for fun. Maybe you can hire professional breakdancers or performers to kick-start the battles and inspire the crowd.
2. 80s Hip Hop Karaoke: Organize an 80s hip hop karaoke session to let guests channel their inner MCs. Set up a stage or a designated area where participants can grab the mic and perform their favorite 80s hip hop hits. Prepare a playlist of popular songs from the era, including tracks by Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, or LL Cool J. Provide lyric sheets or a screen with the lyrics for guests to follow along and encourage them to put their own spin on the performances.
3. Rap Battles: Take the energy up a notch with a rap battle competition. Invite guests to showcase their freestyle rap skills or perform prepared rap verses. Set up a judging panel or encourage the crowd to determine the winner through cheers or applause. You can even make an improvisation game of it where people pick a topic for the participant to rap about. This can lead to hilarious results and some amazement about how spontaneously witty your friends can be.
4. Fashion Show and Costume Contest: Host a fashion show where guests can flaunt their carefully curated 80s hip hop outfits. Create a runway area and invite participants to strut their stuff while showcasing their unique style. Organize a costume contest and award prizes for categories like “Best Dressed Male,” “Best Dressed Female,” and “Most Authentic 80s Hip Hop Look.” Encourage creativity, originality, and attention to detail in their outfits.
5. Hip Hop Trivia: Test your guests’ knowledge of 80s hip hop with a trivia game. Prepare a series of questions about influential artists, popular songs, landmark events, and iconic fashion trends from the era. Divide guests into teams or individuals and award points for correct answers. Spice it up with bonus rounds or challenges that require participants to showcase their dance moves or rap skills to earn extra points.
6. Video Game Tournaments: Set up classic arcade games from the 80s like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter II, or Dance Dance Revolution for guests to enjoy. Organize friendly competitions or tournaments, challenging guests to achieve the highest scores or beat each other’s records. Provide prizes for the winners, such as 80s-themed video game memorabilia or gift cards to arcades.
7. Graffiti Wall Art: Create a collaborative graffiti art piece where guests can contribute their artistic skills. Set up a large canvas or wall space and provide a variety of spray paints and markers. Encourage guests to leave their mark by adding graffiti-style tags, designs, or messages. This activity allows guests to engage with the urban art culture that was closely intertwined with 80s hip hop.

Favors & Giveaways

To really add some excitement to the games, give your guests favors and giveaways that really capture the essence of the era. Use these ideas to inspire you.

Custom Mixtapes: Create custom mixtapes or playlists featuring a compilation of classic 80s hip hop tracks. Design cassette tape labels or personalized digital album covers that reflect the party theme. Include a variety of iconic songs from artists like Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, and N.W.A.

80s Hip Hop Merchandise: Provide your guests with 80s hip hop-inspired merchandise, such as t-shirts, snapback hats, or bandanas. Design the items with iconic imagery, song lyrics, or album covers from the era.

Customized Graffiti Tags: Collaborate with local graffiti artists or graphic designers to create personalized graffiti tags or artwork for each guest. These can be small canvases, custom stickers, or postcards featuring their names stylized in graffiti lettering. The unique artwork serves as a creative and personalized takeaway that guests can display or collect.

Retro Accessories: Provide guests with retro accessories that add a touch of 80s flair to their everyday lives. Consider items like oversized sunglasses, gold chain necklaces, slap bracelets, or temporary tattoos.

Personalized Keychains or Pins: Create personalized keychains or enamel pins featuring 80s hip hop symbols, album covers, or iconic images. Add guest names or initials to make them unique and special. These stylish and functional accessories can be attached to bags, jackets, or keys, serving as a reminder of the party.

So there you have it. I hope you have a fantastic night where you embrace that 80s Hip Hop vibe, indulge in delectable retro-inspired food and drinks, groove to the beat, break it down, and create lots of fabulous memories with your friends.