One warm August day in 1973 at a back-to-school block party in the Bronx, hip-hop was born. The melting pot of the city brought together the music and culture of the Caribbean islands with the African-American sonic heritage of jazz, soul, blues, and funk, combined it with the need to give a voice to the politically silenced, stirred it all into the social scene of the day which included DJs who hosted community parties, and out came a musical genre with a deep-rooted legacy that was somehow entirely new. In the fifty years since, hip-hop has evolved into distinct regional flavors, launched artists into mega-fame, and always finds itself on the leading edge of innovation. From drum machines to Soundcloud rappers, the creative power of hip-hop is undeniable.
2023 marks the fiftieth anniversary of this groundbreaking artform. Celebrate the legacy of hip-hop with books on its fashion, history, culture, and legendary stars.
