So, where did hip hop start?
Originating in the Bronx in the late 1970s, hip hop is a legendary genre with a significant cultural impact. This groundbreaking movement emerged from the African American and Latino communities, serving as a powerful outlet for self-expression. Starting as an underground subculture, hip hop encompassed various art forms, including breakdancing, graffiti, and DJing.
The Origin of Hip Hop
In the beginning, hip hop pioneers threw block parties and mixed records to keep people dancing for an extended period. To create original sounds, they experimented with scratching and beat juggling.
DJ Kool Herc
Jamaican immigrant, Kool Herc, born Clive Campbell, is arguably hip hop‘s most influential figure. His innovative ” breakbeat ” technique allowed dancers to show off their dance skills during extended instrumental sections of funk songs. This technique was a mixing practice he adapted from Jamaican dub music.
In addition to DJing, Herc threw legendary block parties in the Bronx. When Kool Herc and his sister organized the “Back to School Jam” in their recreation room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in 1973, they made history in the Bronx. Hip hop is credited with starting the movement due to this legendary gathering.
He also performed with other DJs and MCs. Aspiring hip hop artists were able to showcase their talents at these parties. The individuals dancing to Kool Herc’s music were dubbed B-Boys and B-Girls. Those are abbreviations for Break-Boys and Break-Girls. His rhythmic shouts galvanized the crowd. DJ Kool Herc remains an icon within the genre and inspires younger generations of DJs and music enthusiasts.
Afrika Bambaata
The hip hop movement was also shaped by Afrika Bambaata, professionally known as Kevin Donovan. In addition to dance parties, he founded the Universal Zulu Nation – a collective dedicated to social justice. Afrika Bambaata became interested in DJing and creating music to promote peace as a former gang member. Funk, soul, and electro-funk heavily influenced Bambaataa’s mixes. He also spread messages about social issues through his music, such as advocating for anti-drug use. Afrika Bambaataa’s hit single “Planet Rock ” was released in 1982 with his group Soulsonic Force. It combined electronic music with traditional hip hop beats. This created a distinct sub-genre called electro-funk.
Most importantly, the Universal Zulu Nation introduced hip hop to young people. Bambaataa grouped these modes of expression as the “four elements” of hip hop: rapping, breakdancing, DJing, and visual art.
Grandmaster Flash
Grandmaster Flash turned the needle in hip hop with his backward mixing style. With the help of previously unheard turntable tricks like “backspinning” and “punch phrasing,” he could manipulate records in unconventional ways.
Moreover, Grandmaster Flash started his group, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, in 1976. By switching off the lyrics between the four rappers and combining them with Flash’s unmatched DJ abilities, they created a distinctive sound. By using his fingers, toes, elbows, and other objects to manipulate vinyl, Flash would also demonstrate his acrobatic DJing abilities.
Flash became known for his comments on pressing social issues. Songs like “The Message” addressed problems in America’s inner cities, like inequality, poverty, and crime.
Grandmaster Flash still has a significant influence on popular culture and music. Numerous honors have been bestowed upon him. Including his 2007 admission into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was admitted due to his groundbreaking work as a DJ and producer during the emergence of hip-hop culture.
The Sugarhill Gang
One of the most recognizable hip-hop acts is The Sugarhill Gang. They were best remembered for their ground-breaking single “Rapper’s Delight,” released during the golden age of hip hop. Owner of a record label Sylvia Robinson started the group in Englewood, New Jersey. She swooped in once she realized the commercial potential of hip hop. The Sugarhill Gang consisted of three members: Mike Wright (Wonder Mike), Henry Jackson (Big Bank Hank), and Guy O’ Brien (Master Gee).
When “Rapper’s Delight” was released in 1979, it was an immediate hit and helped hip hop spread outside the Bronx, where it started. The song’s funky bassline, which has since been copied in countless other tracks, was layered over catchy rhymes from Chic’s “Good Times”.
The Sugarhill Gang played a significant part in popularizing hip hop and opening the door for upcoming generations of entertainers. Though they did face criticism for not composing their songs. They were also produced by Robinson.
Run DMC
Run-DMC, made up of Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC,” and Jason “Jam Master Jay,” was a hip-hop group known for its socially aware lyrics and powerhouse beats.
One of their biggest hits was “Walk This Way.” A joint effort with the rock group Aerosmith assisted in bridging the gap between various musical genres. Many individuals were first exposed to hip hop and Aerosmith because the song quickly became a classic.
Run-DMC made major contributions to music and fashion, in addition to both. They made wearing leather jackets decorated with gold chains and laceless Adidas sneakers trendy. Their distinctive style grew to represent the entirety of hip hop.
Jam Master Jay, unfortunately, passed away in 2002.
Public Enemy
In the history of hip hop, Public Enemy is one of the most influential groups. Chuck D and Flavor Flav formed Public Enemy in 1985. Their lyrics addressed racism, poverty, and police brutality.
“Fight the Power” was featured in Spike Lee’s movie “Do The Right Thing.” The song became an anthem against oppression and systematic racism.
Besides sampling Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. speeches, Public Enemy used innovative production techniques. As a result, important historical figures and messages were brought to light. Through their music, generations of artists have continued to use hip hop as a platform for social change.
A Tribe Called Quest
One of the most influential groups in the history of hip hop is A Tribe Called Quest, or ATCQ. The group members are Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Jarobi White, and Phife Dawg. Their debut album, “People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm,” was published in 1990. They were founded in Queens, New York, in 1985.
A Tribe Called Quest’s jazz-influenced style and socially conscious lyrics set them apart from other hip-hop artists. Their music combined vintage jazz samples with smooth beats to produce distinctive sound decades ahead.
Many hip hop fans and critics agree that the group’s second album, “The Low End Theory” is a masterpiece. It included timeless songs like “Scenario,” featuring a Busta Rhymes verse.
ATCQ split up in 1998 but came back together for a few shows before Phife Dawg passed away 2016 from diabetes complications. Despite having a brief career, they made a lasting impression on the genre with their avant-garde approach. This opened the door for later musicians to experiment with new sounds in hip-hop.
A Tribe Called Quest used cutting-edge production methods and socially aware lyrics to push the boundaries of music. All while keeping its authenticity. They continue to be among the most revered groups within hip hop and innovators who influenced current popular music culture globally.
From these humble beginnings, hip hop grew into a global phenomenon, with countless artists making their mark on the genre over the years.