The Birthplace of Hip-Hop (Weekly Blog #10)

DJ Kool Herc

Hip hop is a form of musical expression that originated in African-American and Hispanic-American communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically in the Bronx. Hip Hop music consist of poetry that is spoken - rather than sung - over either original or sampled instrumental recordings mixed with new original sounds from drum machines, and/or other instruments. As of now, the culture has expanded way beyond its original roots and now is considered a worldwide subculture consisting of rapping, DJ’ing, hip hop dance, and graffiti art ("Four Pillars of Hip Hop").

The block parties of DJ Kool Herc at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue is considered the birthplace of hip hop. Herc would mix samples of existing records with his own shout outs to the crowd and dancers. Kool Herc is known as the 'father' of the hip-hop.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_hop