Around when did rap verses become more popular and prominent

1981
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHCdS7O248g

>>73276151
for you, sir.
historically it was a gimmick in the early 90s but entered the mainstream in the late 90s as pop and hip hop began to merge. it mostly died out in the late 00s but now its en vogue again, sadly

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2015/07/the_history_of_featured_rappers_and_other_featured_artists_in_pop_songs.html

>>73276151
it's interesting watching it get less popular overtime. of the top 10 songs on billboard that are predominantly pop, only despacito has a rap guest verse.

>>73276208
I agree, it's almost as interesting as watching paint dry.