Hip Hop is an art form that includes deejaying
cuttin' & scartchin' emceeing/
rappin', breakdancing and
grafitti art. These art forms as we know them today originated in
the South Bronx section of New York City around the mid 1970s. Hip Hop has thrived within the subculture of Black and Puerto Rican communities in New York and is now just recently beginning to enjoy widespread exposure. From a sociological perspective, Hip Hop has been one of the main contributing factors that helped
curtail gang violence due to the fact that many adults found it preferrable to channel their anger and
aggressions into these art forms which eventually became the ultimate expression of one's self.
The Godfather of Hip Hop is
Afrika Bambaattaa.The world's oldest,largest and most respected
grass roots Hip Hop
organization is the Universal
Zulu Nation.
Hip Hop culture is a positive tool for social change.The inception of Hip Hop culture in the Bronx was during the early 1970's; it has been a vehicle for breaking down racial barriers on a world wide level.Hip Hop is a means for overcoming challenges, and a means for teaching awareness and knowledge, inspiration and wisdom. During the 70's, Hip Hop was a celebration of life, gradually developing to form a cultural movement as a result of its dynamic energy and momentum. Hip Hop culture has greatly influenced the entertainment
world with its creative contributions in music, dance, art, poetry, and fashion. Hip Hop is the vehicle to deliver innumerable lessons and
continues to provide for unity, love, respect, and responsibility.
Due to the medias lack of knowledge about the whole of Hip Hop culture, many of our world's youth are mistaken in thinking that activities such as: smoking blunts, drinking 40's, wearing a designer label plastered across their chest, carrying a gun, or going to strip clubs, are "Hip Hop". Hip Hop is being portrayed negatively by many artists who work in the element of Rap and this negativity is usually instigated and promoted by the record industry and various other corporations who exploit the culture at the expense of the
youth's state of mind and morality.
D.J.
Afrika Bambaattaa and the Universal
Zulu Nation, Cool
Herc, Grandmaster Flash, the Cold Crush Brothers, Cool Clyde and Lightnen Lance,
Nolie Dee, Maria Davis and Mytika Davis are true inspirations to Hip Hop.