Hip-Hop Is Not Just A Genre, It’s A Culture
Hip-Hop is more than music; it’s a cultural movement that incorporates different elements of art. Four foundational elements characterize hip hop culture. The original four main pillars of hip hop include DJing/turntablism, MCing/rapping, B-boying/break dasncing, and tagging/graffiti art. These forms of expression have also developed into further subcultures with lasting legacies.
The intersection of these four elements also generated a cultural revolution that rapidly spread across the globe. The global influence of this culture has shaped music styles, fashion, technology, art, entertainment, language, dance, education, politics, media, and more. To this day, hip-hop continues to be a global phenomenon, developing new art forms that impact the lives of new and old generations.
In The early 1970’s many businesses closed their doors, causing many economic opportunities and sources of entertainment to evaporate. As a result, urban youth turned to the streets for recreation and self-expression.
The abandoned buildings and parking lots set the stage for block parties. These block parties laid the groundwork for everything associated with early hip-hop culture. DJs and MCs brought the music by setting up mobile sound systems. Sheets of cardboard or linoleum became dance floors for break-dancers, and brick walls transformed into canvases for graffiti.
Hip-Hop history has a fascinating story worth exploring more. This cultural movement has seen considerable change and evolution since its inception in the seventies. What began as a local movement intended to provide a haven for African-American and Puerto Rican youth in New York City, has become a global phenomenon. To this day, hip-hop continues to be a dominant force influencing the culture around the world.
According to dailyrapfacts.com “On August 11th, 1973, (50 years ago on this year) Hip-Hop was born at a “back to school jam” birthday party in the Bronx. The Party was hosted by Clive Campbell aka Dj Kool Herc. An 18-year-old Jamaican-American DJ, spun the turntables at the birthday party for his sister Cindy Campbell. And the culture of hip-hop never stopped.
2023 Grammys: 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop Tribute Gallery
The 65th Annual Grammy Awards honored the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop with a tribute performance co-curated by Questlove. Before the performance began, Dr. Dre was honored with the inaugural Dr. Dre Global Impact Award. “The recipient of this inaugural award is none other than an icon who helped define West Coast hip-hop and has become one of the most impactful success stories of our time,” LL Cool J said introducing the legendary producer. The Dr. Dre Global Impact Award was established by the Recording Academy and the Black Music Collective.
Dre explained the importance of this award. “[This award] uses my name to inspire the next generation of producers, artists, and entrepreneurs to reach for their greatness and demand that from everyone around you.”
LL Cool J then lead 33 hip-hop artists to a 13-minute performance spanning several generations. Missy Elliott, Run DMC, Salt n Pepa, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Queen Latifah, Busta Rhymes with Spliff Star, Nelly, GloRilla, Lil Baby, and more took to the stage.
Take a look at the setlist for the hip-hop tribute and photos below:
Part 1:
Black Thought Narration
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “Flash To The Beat”
Grandmaster Flash w/ Barshon, Mele Mel, Rahiem & Scorpio – “The Message”
Run-DMC – “King Of Rock”
LL Cool J – “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”
DJ Jazzy Jeff – “Rock the Bells”
Salt-N-Pepa – “My Mic Sounds Nice”
Rakim – “Eric B Is President”
Chuck D & Flavor Flav of Public Enemy – “Rebel Without A Pause”
Part 2:
Black Thought w/ LL Cool J – “El Shabazz Skit”
De La Soul – “Buddy”
Scarface – “My Mind’s Playing Tricks On Me”
Ice-T – “New Jack Hustler (Nino’s Theme)”
Queen Latifah – “U.N.I.T.Y.”
Method Man – “Method Man”
Big Boi – “ATLiens”
Busta Rhymes & Spliff Star – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” / “Look At Me Now”
Missy Elliot – “Lose Control”
Part 3:
Queen Latifah Narration
Nelly & City Spud – “Hot In Herre”
Too $hort – “Blow The Whistle”
Swizz Beatz & The Lox – “We Gonna Make It”
Lil Baby – “Freestyle”
GloRilla – “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)”
Lil Uzi Vert – “Just Wanna Rock”
Marlon "DJ Thump" Rice is a morning show host on Jammin’ 105.7 "Thump In The Morning!" He has been with the station for the past six years and has been inducted into the Nevada Broadcasters Hall of Fame class of 2019. DJ Thump has toured with R&B legend Al B. Sure! As his music director. As a content creator for Jammin’ 105.7, DJ Thump writes articles on sports, preferably the Las Vegas Raiders and the world champion Las Vegas Aces. DJ Thump writes about the local community (which he is heavily involved in) as well as local Black-owned businesses.