Depends what you refer to as the Golden era.
The era from 87-92 didn't contain any of the Italian Mobster shyt and drug dealer rap that was popular in the mid 90s. Rap evolved quickly back then. Also if the labels aren't pushing it, then it doesn't really matter. It takes so much to break a record these days. Music isn't blowing organically no matter how much we have to ability to push things via the net. Before labels knew what sold, all types of rappers were getting pushed and charting.
Public Enemy, Brand Nubian, X-Clan, early/pre death row 2pac, Poor Righteous Teachers all gave you that other side.
NWA, particularly their 2nd album kinda destroyed rap and turned it into a caricature of gangster rap and we've never really looked back since.
You even saw NWA and Dre throwing shots at positive black power rap
"I'm not with that black shyt so I'm not gonna yell that" (C)-MC Ren (Real nikkaz don't die)
Just another motherfukkin' day for Dre, so I'll begin like this
No medallions, dreadlocks or black fists
It's just that gangsta glare with gangsta raps
That gangsta shyt makes a gangs of snaps, uh (C)-Dr. Dre (Let Me Ride)