The Birth of Hip Hop in NYC

Hip Hop culture has become very popular in the US and around the world. It has influenced many different aspects of society when it comes to fashion, writing, dance, music and much more. It’s hard to believe that this culture is only around 40 years old. To truly understand Hip Hop culture, one must know about it all started and how it empowered communities and gave a voice to the urban youth of New York City.

            It all started when a Jamaican immigrant by the name of Clive “DJ Kool Herc” Campbell moved from Kingston, Jamaica to the Bronx, New York with his family. Kool Herc’s love of music came from records his father Keith Campbell collected from the US. These records would not only included native Reggae music but also American Jazz, Gospel, and Country. These records also gave Kool Herc a glimpse to what American culture was like. His mother Nettie would also take Kool Herc to parties in the Bronx where he would hear music from Motown stars like the Temptations and Smokey Robinson. This helped with Herc’s assimilation to American culture. Keith Campbell was a sponsor and soundman for an R&B band in the NYC which allowed Herc access to the sound system. Although Keith was reluctant to let his son mess with the sound system, Kool Herc was able to figure how increase the power in the speakers, louder than anyone has heard before. (Chang 68)

            The Bronx and other boroughs throughout NYC had experienced severe poverty after the migration of African Americans and Latinos into the city when the Campbell arrived. There was also racial tension and battles for turf among the people. Different regions were ruled by gangs that protected them. Herc and his sister Cindy figured out a way to make extra money by hosting parties by providing music, drinks, and food for a small fee to get into the party. At these parties, Kool Herc would play music that got everyone to dance to. Herc studied the crowd and knew what the people liked. He realized people especially dancers like the breaks in songs and he would utilize these breaks in his set. Rules for these shows would include no violence or else the music would stop and this kept the peace. He found a way to bring the people together. He gained the respect of many gangs in NYC. (Chang 78) Gangs began dissolving and turned into crews of DJs and breakdancers. They would show up to Herc’s parties representing their neighborhoods and competed against other crews. Herc would eventually be overtaken by DJs he inspired like Afrika Bambaata and DJ Grandmaster Flash who brought innovations like scratching and mixing. (Chang 84)

            Most people do not know the Hip Hop’s beginnings began with Jamaican roots. DJ Kool Herc helped give birth to the most influential culture of today’s generation. It has become an outlet for people to express their minds through lyrics, beats, art, and dance. It gave people a voice to express hard times and oppression. Hip Hop has also shown people what it’s like to grow up in poverty in cities like NYC.

Brandon L.