Breaking Down the Origins of Hip-Hop | Billboard News

Presented by Lexus, proud supporter of Black Music Month this episode delves into the origins of hip-hop in the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on its cultural roots in the Bronx, New York. We examine the foundational elements of the genre, including DJing, MCing, breakdancing and graffiti, while highlighting the socio-political environment that gave rise to hip-hop and set the stage for its mainstream breakthrough.

Laurieann Gibson:

Is was a time where we were allowed to color outside the lines. To do what we passionately felt we wanted to do, how we wanted to dance, choreographed, dress. Hip-hop represents that freedom, a time where we were able to tell our story our way.

Catrise Johnson:

The history of hip-hop started in the Bronx of New York City in 1973. August 11th 1520 Sedgwick Avenue to be exact. Hip-hop was created by a DJ. I don’t think most people know that DJ Kool Herc, his sister wanted to throw this back to school bash. So they threw one in the basement. And from that day, when he hit this first scratch, was the inception and the birth of hip-hop.

Yo-Yo

The first time I heard, I said it’s hip-hop to the hip and hip hip-hop and you don’t stop from rocking. It was different from R&B. It was the Sugar Hill Gang introducing the world to a whole new grove. I said to him.

Gail Mitchell: 

I mean, rap is the genre. And hip-hop’s the culture. That’s how I’ve always seen it. Yeah, it started off as rap but it was born on the streets of Harlem and in the Bronx in the late ’70s. 

Laurieann Gibson:

The four main pillars of hip-hop are the DJ, the commander of the music, the MC, which is now the rapper, breakdancing and producing.

Keep watching to learn more!