Earlier this week, we worked on an undisclosed project that delved into the world of Hip Hop - its history and its messages. In this article, we're sharing a bit of information from the project that served as the backbone of the culture. Enjoy!
Ok, let's start with the history.
Throughout the evolution of Hip Hop, many changes occurred within the culture. This vibrant genre of music has a rich history that extends far beyond the modern artists we are all familiar with. From its humble beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today, the journey of Hip Hop is truly intriguing. Let's travel through time and explore this powerful, enticing world!
The Genesis of Hip-hop:
Though much of Africa resonated in Hip Hop, let's go to the 1950s, where the story begins in an entirely different landscape - Soundclash contests. Coxsone Dodd's "Downbeat" and Duke Reid's "Trojan", battling it out with their unique music, giving birth to DJ battling. The seed of modern Hip Hop. The innovation continued into the 60s, when James Brown's drummer, Clayton Fillyau, introduced a new rhythmic pattern: the breakbeat sound.
The Inception of Toasting and Block Parties:
Jump to the 70s. DJ U-Roy took the music scene by storm, taking toasting (chanting and rapping over the beat of popular music) to the Jamaican pop charts with his top ten hits. The revolution didn't stop there! DJ Kool Herc threw his first-ever block party in 1973, ushering in an unprecedented era of community-based entertainment that became a core attribute of our Hip Hop.
Establishment of a Genre and Production Advancements:
Move ahead to 1979, a landmark year when the Sugarhill Gang dropped "Rapper's Delight," a track so revolutionary it's considered the one that named the genre. In 1984, NYU student Rick Rubin shook things up by launching his production company, Def Jam Recordings, which included Russell Simmons shortly after, taking the creation of Hip Hop to a whole new level.
Major Releases and Media Exposure:
The 80s. Fast-forward to 1986, and we find the iconic Run-DMC blurring the lines between rock and rap in their trailblazing cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way". MTV aired its first-ever Hip Hop videos in the 80s, giving the genre a boost in exposure and reach. Alongside this, 1988 witnessed N.W.A shattering the scene with the unfiltered honesty of Straight Outta Compton.
Evolutions and Trends over the Years:
Entering the 90s and beyond, we see Hip Hop vastly diversify. Southern rap emerged, the 'bling era' took over, the intriguing alternative revival had its moment in the sun, and now, the trap genre has wrapped its addictive beats around the globe.
It's been a captivating ride - and we're not done!
Now, the 5 Elements of Hip Hop
the five elements of hip-hop are: MCing (Oral), DJing (Aural), Breakdancing (Physical), Graffiti (Visual), and Knowledge (Mental)
Hip Hop culture is more than just beats and rhymes - it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends music. Let's break it down...
Lyricism (also called MCing or emceeing)
DJing (and turntablism)
Breakdancing / B-boying / B-girling (movement/dance)
Graffiti.
Historical Knowledge of the movement.
The Art of Lyricism
Lyricism or MCing/Emceeing gives Hip Hop its unique voice. It's all about the words you choose, how you rhyme, and the stories you articulate! Great lyricists didn't just throw around words randomly. They created stories, poured emotions into verses, and bound them with rhythm.
The Turntables: DJing
DJing in Hip Hop isn't just about playing music, but manipulating sounds to create a unique aural experience, turntables being their canvas. Scratching, cutting, mixing - it's all in a day's work for Hip Hop DJs like Grandmaster Flash, and a key part of the culture. So, if the thought of spinning beats hits you, get your hands on turntables and dig in some crates.
Breakdancing
B-boys or B-girls popping, locking, defying gravity. Breakdancing is the dance form that uses the body to make statements. It mainly consists of four kinds of movement - toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes.
Graffiti
Hip Hop's colorful way to speak to the world, turning walls into vibrant dialogues. From simple tags to intricate murals, graffiti speaks volumes. Think of the 80s movies Wild Style and Beat Street.
Knowledge
To truly understand and appreciate Hip Hop, you have to delve into its roots. Each twist and turn of its history is awe-inspiring, with pioneers spearheading the movement. "Knowledge of self" is a term used in hip-hop to describe the moral, social, and spiritual principles that inspire Hip Hop, and are considered the fifth element of Hip Hop. It's defined as a mix of spiritual and political consciousness that empowers members of oppressed groups.
Hip Hop is an exciting world – it's rhythm, it's art, it's movement, it's lyricism and it's knowledge. The blend of all elements gives rise to a cultural phenomenon that has swept the globe. Explore these elements.
Well friends, we've been through quite a journey! From its humble origins in soundclash contests, block parties, and breakbeat sounds to its present-day glory, Hip Hop's beats and mesmerizing rhymes have left an undeniable impact on the music industry and pop culture. As we look ahead, here's to the essence of Hip Hop!
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Dennis (Let's Chat!)
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