Celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop
Half a century ago, in the vibrant streets of the South Bronx, a cultural revolution was born. What started as a simple beat and rhyme has evolved into a global phenomenon that has influenced the lives of millions. Today, Hip Hop is now one of the biggest genres of music world-wide.
The Birth of Hip Hop
The story often begins with Jamaican-born DJ Kool Herc, who is credited with pioneering the art of DJing. In 1973, he hosted a legendary party where he used two turntables to extend the instrumental breaks of funk and soul records, creating the foundation of what we now know as "breakbeats." However, the movement which involved African Americans, Caribbeans and Latinos on the streets of the Bronx, can be said to have a few other founding fathers such as Afrika Bambaataa, founder of hip hop collective, Zulu Nation, Grandmaster Flash and Grand Wizzard Theodore. Alongside Kool Herc's innovative DJing techniques, MCs (masters of ceremonies) started rhyming over the beats, engaging with the audience and hyping up the crowd at block parties. This marked the emergence of emceeing, which would later evolve into rap, breakdancing, or b-boying, and graffiti art. Hip Hop became a culture.
The Rise of Hip Hop Record Labels
The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the first Hip Hop record labels:
Sugar Hill Records
Sugar Hill Record was founded in 1979 by Sylvia Robinson and her husband and was one of the earliest and most influential Hip Hop record labels. They released the groundbreaking single "Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang in 1979, which became one of the first rap songs to achieve commercial success. This track introduced rap music to a broader audience and laid the foundation for the genre's commercial viability.
Tommy Boy Records
In 1981 Tom Silverman founded Tommy Boy Records and played a pivotal role in Hip Hop's growth. They signed artists like Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force and De La Soul, who brought innovation to the genre with their unique sound and style.
Def Jam Recordings
Def Jam Recordings was founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin in 1984, which became one of the most iconic labels in Hip Hop history. They signed artists like LL Cool J and Public Enemy, who pushed the boundaries of the genre and contributed to its political and social consciousness.
The Commercial Rise of Hip Hop
Mainstream collaborations and radio play, fashion and more made the 1980s a pivotal decade in the commercialization of Hip Hop, as the genre transitioned from its grassroots beginnings to mainstream prominence. It was considered the "Golden Era" with iconic artists such as Public Enemy, N.W.A, A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa and MC Lyte. They not only entertained but also addressed important social and political issues, making Hip Hop a powerful platform for expression and activism. As the genre grew, Hip Hop went beyond the community radio stations and block parties, as it gained the attention of mainstream media, securing airplay on radio stations and MTV. This exposure helped popularize the music to much wider audiences both nationally and globally.
Hip Hop’s most groundbreaking collaboration in terms of mainstream impact, is that of Run-DMC and Aerosmith on "Walk This Way" in 1986. This introduced Hip Hop Hip Hop to rock audiences and led to a surge in popularity and contributed to Hip Hop’s early commercial growth. The success of "Walk This Way" has led to many more cross genre mega hits such Jay Z and Linkin Park's “Numb/Encore”.
When you think of Hip Hop, you can’t help but think about fashion. In the early days, Hip Hop fashion was characterized by iconic items like Adidas tracksuits, Kangol hats, and sneakers, which became a cultural phenomenon. This style, along with graffiti art, added a marketing appeal that translated into a million dollar industry.
The History of UK Hip Hop
The influence of Hip Hop in America didn't take that long to hit the UK. The UK's first-generation of artists emulated their American counterparts, however, as the movement evolved, it began to carve out its own unique identity. The emergence of British rappers in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked a shift towards a more distinctly British flavour. This period, often considered the "golden era," saw artists like London Posse and Demon Boyz addressing UK-specific social issues. The late 90s witnessed the birth of garage in London, that later evolved into grime, blending hip-hop with elements of other genres. The now established contemporary UK hip-hop scene is represented by artists like Stormzy and Little Simz and it continues to evolve and thrive.
Hip Hop in the 21st Century
50 years later Hip-Hop is still dominating the music industry. From Kendrick Lamar's thought-provoking storytelling to Cardi B's unapologetic lyricism, hip-hop artists have used their voices to tackle social issues, challenge stereotypes, and empower marginalised communities. Hip-hop's impact extends beyond music, influencing fashion, art, and even politics. It has become a powerful tool for self-expression, a platform for social commentary, and a unifying force that connects people from diverse backgrounds. As hip-hop continues to evolve and adapt to the changing cultural landscape, its enduring influence on music and society remains undeniable.
