H ip-Hop began as a cultural phenomenon during the 1970s, despite the fact that it is now widely associated with rap music. Hip-Hop wasn't only about music throughout the first couple decades of its existence, it also alluded to art, fashion, dancing, and philosophy. The history of Hip-Hop, though complicated, is quite interesting.
Hip-Hop, also written as hip-hop (these two terms are interchangeable), originated as a cultural and art trend inside the Bronx, NYC, during the 1970s, when demographics were quickly changing.
In the 1950s to 1960s, many middle class white individuals moved out of the city to the rich suburbs. As resources were decreased and funds were transferred to the richer, whiter regions, Latino Americans and African Americans who were remaining in the poor cities (or those who migrated to these cities during the intervening period) faced various issues in their communities.
Struggling with a shortage of economic opportunities, and also increased poverty and crime rates, young folks inside the Bronx along with other surrounding areas began to develop their unique cultural manifestations. The four principles of Hip-Hop would then be formed by combining these manifestations.
Hip-Hop has four basic characteristics, or pillars, according to most researchers. These pillars, which first appeared in the early 1970s, and still symbolize Hip-Hop today, are:
All four aspects continue to be symbols of Hip-Hop outside of music, as a bigger cultural movement.
Hip-Hop is divided into three distinct phases, namely Old School Hip-Hop, New School Hip-Hop, and lastly, 21st Century Hip-Hop.
The term "Old School Hip-Hop" refers to the period between the movement's inception during the starting of the 1970s up to the middle of the 1980s.
DeeJay Kool Herc was the very first big Hip-Hop DJ. Kool Herc undeniably was important in inventing the sounds which were associated with Hip-Hop, including elements like drum beats as well as record scratches, by combining percussive rhythms with famous dance music.
Hip-Hop deejays developed many new turntable tricks, such as scratching and needle dropping, after being inspired by Kool Herc, and other people he was associated with.
Kool Herc established rapping, which relied on Western African griot customs, talking blues tunes, and radical black poetry, amongst many other things.
When the era of Old School Hip-Hop was ending, the trend began to achieve national notoriety. The song "Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang (launched in 1979) soared to the top of the nationwide music charts, bringing a new generation of artists, performers, and musicians, as well as presenting people all over the globe to this unique kind of musical art.
During the 1980s, Hip-Hop entered the era of New School. LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy, and Beastie Boys were among the pioneers, and their names are much more familiar to today's modern listeners. Each one of these performers contributed to the development of hip hop as we know it today.
Queen Latifah and Salt-n-Pepa introduced women to Hip-Hop. Others such as M. C. Hammer and Will Smith all began to flourish during Hip-Hop's New School period and helped promote the style even more.
Hip-Hop's popularity soared, and it moved beyond its geographical roots. Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. became arguably the most well-known Hip-Hop album released outside of NYC in 1989. The West Coast vs. East Coast difference grew into a proper feud between these two parties, ending in Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur's unsolved murders.
Late 1990s Hip-Hop arose from the embers of the East-West conflict, with musicians such as the Fugees, the Wu-Tang Clan, and Diddy reaching new heights of fame. At this stage, Hip-Hop had also become a worldwide sensation, with modern audiences and performers rising in cities such as Cape Town, Tokyo, Paris, and London. Around this time, Hip-Hop was growing to be the most popular genre of music in the U.S.
The music world had a difficult time in the twenty-first century. Streaming services have had an impact on many genres, including Hip-Hop. Despite the financial consequences of the change in music distribution, Hip-Hop continues to be influential on artists from all genres.
Hip-Hop has drifted away from the East-West coast origin during the previous decade or two. New hotbeds for the style have formed in places like Atlanta, New Orleans, Detroit, Houston, and other cities around the U.S.
And that’s a wrap on the history of Hip-Hop! While the future may be uncertain, one thing is certain: Hip-Hop is staying well and alive.
