Hip-hop, also known as hip-hop culture, is a multifaceted cultural movement that originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s. It encompasses four main elements: rap music, breakdancing (also known as b-boying or b-girling), graffiti art, and DJ-ing.
The roots of hip-hop can be traced back to block parties in New York City where DJs played funk and soul music, often extended through the use of two turntables to keep the beat going. Key figures in the early development of hip-hop include:
The first major event in hip-hop history was the performance by DJ Kool Herc at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue on August 11, 1973, which is often considered the birth of hip-hop.
Rap, or MCing, is the rhythmic speech that is chanted or spoken in rhyme or verse. It evolved from the toasts and call-and-response of African American music traditions like jazz and blues, and became a central part of hip-hop culture. Notable pioneers include Grandmaster Caz, Melle Mel, and Rakim.
Breakdancing, or b-boying/b-girling, is a style of street dance that originated among African American and Latino youth in the Bronx. It involves dynamic movements like spins, freezes, and power moves. Groups like Rock Steady Crew popularized breakdancing internationally.
Graffiti, as an element of hip-hop, refers to the visual art form that often involves writing or drawing on public surfaces. Artists like Dondi and Futura 2000 helped bring graffiti from the streets to galleries, influencing urban art globally.
DJing in hip-hop involves manipulating sounds, often through turntables, to create new music or extend existing tracks. DJs like Grand Wizard Theodore, who invented scratching, and Jazzy Jay played pivotal roles in shaping this aspect of the culture.
Hip-hop has had a profound impact on global culture: