The Evolution of Hip-Hop

DJ Kool Herc in 1973

Break Dancing in the 1980s

   Hip-Hop? What is it? Hip-Hop, is the form of music that uses expression,which was originated in the Black community during the 1970s in New York City. Hip-Hop is not only rap music but, it is also a culture; from it's fashion, art, technology, and urban lifestyle. DJ Kool Herc, is known for being the founding father of Hip-Hop because he was one of the first to mix different music together. Dj Kool Herc was also the first one to add voices to music track which is now called "rapping". Afrika Bambaata, is credited for developing the four elements of Hip-Hop; DJing, "Breaking" or break dancing, Graffiti, and MCing in 1982.
Birthplace of Hip-Hop

  Since 1982, there are many artists who has helped change the face of Hip-Hop. Beginning with Run-D.M.C, who decided to team up with Aerosmith to be the first Hip-Hop group to mix Rap with Rock and Roll. Today, it is no surprise to hear this combination of music. Lil Wayne, was a member of "Hot Boyz" in 1999, on his 2010 solo studio album "Rebirth" which was filled with Rap mixed with Rock and Roll.
What makes "Walk This Way" special to Hip-Hop?

   Rappers are often called lyricist, poets, or even storytellers based upon their ability to create metaphors to construct a picture by using words. Rappers, use this skill as an advantage to express their feelings and thoughts. Grandmaster Flash used the concept of storytelling on his 1983 single "The Message" which focused more on poverty and the ghetto. Many artists used this same method which has helped the success of their career like Nas, Lauyrn Hill, Rakim,Tupac, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Queen Latifah, Andre 3000, MC Lyte, and The Notorious B.I.G.
 Watch Jay-Z s perspective on Rap and Poetry

Past and Present Hip-Hop Legends

President Obama laughing with Beyonce 
and Jay-Z

   Hip-Hop has also been used to address controversial issues like police brutality in South Central L.A. and Trayvon Martin's case. N.W.A was the first gangsta rap group to go mainstream. N.W.A's 1988 "Straight Outta Compton" album allowed listener's to hear their feelings about police brutality. Rapper Plies created a song titled "We Are Trayvon Martin" to express his feelings about verdict of George Zimmerman.
 N.W.A and Police Brutality 
 Plies "We Are Trayvon Martin"
 
   
   Over the years, Hip-Hop has help changed the world by encouraging voters to go vote in the 2008 United States Presidential Election of Barack Obama. The election was so significant because there was a Black candidate.  It was also the first time that Rap artists publicly express their political views. There were numerous Hip-Hop artists such as Jay-Z, Nas , LL Cool J, Ludacris, Young Jeezy, and many more who used their voice to prove that they were very active in this election. All of them except for LL Cool J released songs to display their support for Barack Obama.
Hip-Hop Artists and Barack Obama


To view a slideshow of some Hip-Hop artists who has changed the face of Hip-Hop music click here 

 If you would like to watch a brief video about the Evolution of Hip-Hop click here