Hip Hop

Hip hop is a music and culture movement that started in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s. It includes rapping, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. DJs played funky beats while MCs rapped over the music. Hip hop gave young people a way to express themselves through words, music, and dance. It grew from neighborhood block parties into one of the biggest styles of music on the planet.

How Hip Hop Began

Hip hop started at block parties in the Bronx in the 1970s. DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of hip hop. He played the best parts of records over and over so people could dance longer. MCs started talking and rapping over the beats to get the crowd excited. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five made one of the first hit rap songs. Hip hop quickly spread from New York to the rest of the world.

Hip Hop Takes Over

In the 1980s and 1990s, hip hop grew into a global force. Run-DMC, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., and many others became superstars. Rappers told stories about their lives and communities. Beatboxers made drum sounds with just their mouths. Breakdancers spun on their heads and did amazing moves. Today, hip hop is the most popular music style in the world and influences fashion, language, and culture everywhere.

Fun Facts

• DJ Kool Herc started hip hop by playing just the best drum parts of records at a birthday party in the Bronx in 1973.
• Beatboxing means making drum and music sounds using only your mouth, lips, and voice.
• Hip hop has its own walk of fame in the Bronx, New York, honoring its pioneers.

Did You Know?

Hip hop started at a back-to-school party in the Bronx on August 11, 1973, and that date is now celebrated as hip hop's official birthday!