The Birth of Hip Hop

The Birth of Hip Hop Music

Hip hop music, is a genre that originated in the impoverished African American communities of New York City during the 1970s. It is a cultural movement that encompasses not just music, but also dance, art, fashion, and more. Since the early days, hip hop has constantly evolved, developing new styles and sounds with a broad appeal. The music has had a significant impact on popular culture and has become one of the most influential genres in the world.

Origins of Hip Hop

The origins of hip hop can be traced back to the block parties and street jams of the Bronx. At these events, DJs would play funk, soul, and disco records while MCs would engage with the crowd, hyping them up and keeping the energy high.

One of the key figures in the early days of hip hop was DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant, often credited as the 'founding father of hip hop". Herc (real name Clive Campbell) would play Jamaican funk and soul records using two turntables in order to extend the instrumental breaks, which became known as "breakbeats". Quickly, it was realised that the break section was the most anticipated part of the song where the most dancing would occur.

When the MCs began to rap lyrics over the beats, a whole new art form was invented. This interaction between the DJ and the MC laid the foundation for what would become hip hop music. The other highly influential DJs from the early days were Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash.
Together with DJ Kool Herc, these three innovators are known as the “Holy Trinity” of hip hop.

Can I kick it?

The hip hop scene remained largely underground throughout the 1970s. "Rappers delight" in 1979 and "The message" from 1982 were two singles released to commercial success, but hip hop still didn't conquer the mainstream. As hip hop music developed, it started to incorporate elements from various genres, including funk, soul, reggae, and even rock. Artists began experimenting with different sounds and styles, pushing the boundaries of what hip hop could be.

During the 1980s, hip hop started to gain more attention with the emergence of artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy. These artists brought a raw and gritty style to the genre, addressing social and political issues in their lyrics.
By now, the rappers were typically getting more attention than the DJs. Their music resonated with a generation of young people who felt marginalised and gave them a voice. The Beastie Boys and KRS-One also helped hip hop gain more mainstream attention. People were starting to take notice.

Into the mainstream

As the 90s progressed, hip hop popularity continued to rise. The Wu Tang Clan's "36 Chambers of Shaolin" received critical acclaim. Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, NAS and many others added depth to the whole genre and partnering with expert producers, the music got even better.

In 1999, the genre was flipped on it's head when, a white rapper from Detroit emerged to become the world's leading hip hop figure. Marshall Mathers - Eminem, came from a "poor white trash" background full of attitude and an almost peerless lyrical ability.

Menace to society

The early 90s saw the rise of gangsta rap, with artists like Ice-T, NWA, Tupac, and The Notorious B.I.G. This era was characterised by its explicit lyrics and controversial subject matter, often reflecting the harsh realities of life in inner-city neighbourhoods. Despite the controversy, gangsta rap brought attention to important social issues, such as police brutality and systemic racism.

Gangsta rap brought hip hop into direct conflict with authorities. While hip hop had never portrayed American police favourably, NWA's "Fuck the Police" and Ice-T's "Cop Killer" caused an outcry from law enforcement are parent's groups alike.

The 90s was a fantastic decade for hip hop as it became the most popular music amongst the youth of America, especially those in the disaffected, black, hispanic and latino communities.
Not all the hip hop was gangsta rap. De La Soul's "3 Feet High and Rising" smashed preconceptions by pushing a relaxed, hippie-influenced vibe. Hip hop had spilled out of the US to sail across the Atlantic and groups like House of Pain and Cypress Hill toured Europe.

“Rap is something you do, hip hop is something you live.”

Effects on Society

Hip hop music has had a profound impact on society, particularly in giving a voice to previously underrepresented communities. It has provided a platform for artists to express their experiences, struggles, and aspirations, often addressing social and political issues that are often ignored by mainstream media.

Hip hop has also influenced fashion, language, and cultural norms. From baggy clothes and sneakers to slang words and dance moves, hip hop has become a global phenomenon that has transcended borders and united people from different backgrounds.

Artists from rock, pop, and even country have incorporated elements of hip hop into their music, creating or rather, attempting to create a fusion of styles. While a lot of these collaborations have been derided by the hip hop community, they have undoubtedly given the genre more exposure and brought more fans into the fold.

From its humble origins in the Bronx as a form of expression, hip hop has evolved into a global phenomenon that continues to influence and inspire artists from all genres.

Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, and Taylor Swift have all collaborated with hip hop artists and incorporated hip hop beats and production techniques into their music. This cross-pollination of genres has resulted in some of the biggest hits in recent years.

That doesn't mean it's ok to listen to Justin Timberlake though.

Krs-One