Culture: Where it all began
August 29th 2006 14:30
Now here’s a little history lesson for ya’ll…
The Bronx, the northern most borough of New York, is known as the birthplace of hip hop.
Before the rise of hip hop culture in the late 70’s, the Bronx was a metropolis of commerce and business. From the 1920’s onward, the area was dominated by several ethnic groups, such as Polish, German, Italian, French and Jewish groups.
So how did the ghettos start? Well most of the ethnic groups left The Bronx for other areas and states in the U.S. This left predominantly African-American and Hispanic groups in the area. Many people say the downgrade in lifestyle occurred through urban renewal plans by the council, but we’re here to talk hip hop, so I’ll quit with the lullabies.
The lower quality of living lead to gang culture, which in turn led to the creation of the four elements of hip hop.
Tagging (graffiti) was a popular way for gangs to mark their turf, while uprocking (now a large feature of Breakdancing) was created by gangs to mimic gang fights.
Then there’s the godfather of hip hop: DJ Kool Herc. He along with Afrika Bambaataa -from the gang: Black Spades – popularized DJing and MCing further.
There are many people who have negative associations with hip hop culture based on its close ties to gang culture. Though hip hop did not create gangs, gangs created hip hop. It helped them live a life of poverty with hope for a better future while giving them a sense of belonging.
Thank God for the Bronx, and more importantly, thank God for Hip Hop.
Take care and peace out…
The Bronx, the northern most borough of New York, is known as the birthplace of hip hop.
DJ Kool Herc: The Godfather of Hip Hop
So how did the ghettos start? Well most of the ethnic groups left The Bronx for other areas and states in the U.S. This left predominantly African-American and Hispanic groups in the area. Many people say the downgrade in lifestyle occurred through urban renewal plans by the council, but we’re here to talk hip hop, so I’ll quit with the lullabies.
The lower quality of living lead to gang culture, which in turn led to the creation of the four elements of hip hop.
Tagging (graffiti) was a popular way for gangs to mark their turf, while uprocking (now a large feature of Breakdancing) was created by gangs to mimic gang fights.
Afrika Bambaataa: Leader of the Black Spades (later known as Zulu Nation)
Then there’s the godfather of hip hop: DJ Kool Herc. He along with Afrika Bambaataa -from the gang: Black Spades – popularized DJing and MCing further.
There are many people who have negative associations with hip hop culture based on its close ties to gang culture. Though hip hop did not create gangs, gangs created hip hop. It helped them live a life of poverty with hope for a better future while giving them a sense of belonging.
Thank God for the Bronx, and more importantly, thank God for Hip Hop.
Take care and peace out…
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