Hip Hop is one of the most if not the most influential genres that have revolutionized the music industry, and emerged from the vibrant streets of the Bronx in the 1970s. What began as a cultural movement has since evolved into a global phenomenon, transcending boundaries and uniting people across the world. In this article, we will delve into the captivating history of Hip Hop, tracing its roots, exploring key milestones, and highlighting the artists who shaped its trajectory. 

1925
Dancer Earl Tucker (also known as Snake Hips) incorporates floats and slides into his dancing, which would later inspire breakdancing.

1962
James Brown’s drummer, Clayton Fillyau, uses the breakbeat on the record “Live at the Apollo” These beats would later influence break dancers.

1965
Muhammad Ali delivers one of the earliest rap lines before his bout against Sonny Liston.

1969
James Brown records “Sex Machines” and “Funky Drummer.” Both songs would later influence percussion in Hip Hop.

Since its beginning, there are 4 main elements of Hip Hop: DJing, Rapping, Graffiti art, and Breakdancing, although the culture is recognizing 5 more: Beatboxing, Street Fashion, Street Language, Street Knowledge & Street Entrepreneurialism. 

Hip Hop’s origins can be traced back to the marginalized neighborhoods of the Bronx, New York City, in the early 1970s. A creative fusion of music, dance, graffiti art, and spoken word served as an outlet for young African Americans and Latinos to express their experiences, frustrations, and aspirations. Block parties and DJ battles became the breeding ground for this new art form, with pioneers such as DJ Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa laying the foundation for Hip Hop’s future.

1973
DJ Kool Herc deejays his first block party in the Bronx.

1975
DJ Grand Wizard Theodore invents the record scratch.

1976
DJ Afrika Bambaataa battles Disco King Mario in the first DJ battle.

The 1980s witnessed the emergence of Hip Hop’s Golden Age, characterized by innovative sounds, politically charged lyrics, and the birth of rap as a powerful storytelling medium. Artists like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Run-D.M.C., Public Enemy, and Ice-T became household names, using their music to address social issues, racial inequality, and urban realities. Hip Hop also found its voice through iconic record labels like Def Jam and artists such as LL Cool J and Beastie Boys, who further expanded its reach and influence. Other artists that came of  Hip Hop’s old-school era include Queen Latifah, who, along with Salt-n-Pepa, brought women into the genre, the Fresh Prince, aka, Will Smith, and M.C. Hammer, all of whom popularized hip-hop music even more.

1983
Ice T pioneers rap on the West Coast. Michael Jackson does the moonwalk, borrowing Breakdance moves.

1985
Salt-n-Pepa enters the scene as one of the first female rap groups.

1986
The Beastie Boys released “Licensed to Ill”. Run-DMC & Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” becomes the first Rap act to merge Hip Hop and Rock and Roll

1987
Public Enemy releases “Yo! Bum Rush The Show”

1988
N.W.A released “Straight Outta Compton”

1988
First Rapper to Win a Grammy – Will Smith –  “Parents Just Don’t Understand.” – DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

1989
A group of friends in Manhattan forms “A Tribe Called Quest”

The 90s marked a significant turning point for hip hop as it entered the mainstream. The rise of gangsta rap, led by artists like N.W.A., Tupac Shakur, and The Notorious B.I.G., reflected the harsh realities of inner-city life, capturing the attention of listeners worldwide. Simultaneously, acts like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul brought a more alternative and conscious flavor to the genre, diversifying its sound which led to Hip Hop embracing the digital revolution during the 2000s, as the internet and social media platforms became powerful tools for artists to connect directly with their fans. This era witnessed the rise of artists such as Jay-Z, Eminem, and Kanye West, who pushed boundaries, merged genres, and solidified hip hop’s place in popular culture. Hip Hop became a worldwide phenomenon at this point, too, with new audiences and artists emerging in places like Asia, Europe, and many others. 

1991
N.W.A sells nearly one million copies of “N****z For Life” in its first week of release.

1991
First Rapper To Launch a Clothing Line – Play (of Kid ‘n Play) – IV Plai 

1991
First Mixtape DJ to Get a Record Deal – Kid Capri “The Tape” – 1991

1992
Dr. Dre’s album “The Chronic” goes multi-platinum. Wu-Tang Clan release 36 Chambers.

1994
First Female Solo Rapper to Go Platinum – Da Brat

1995
Queen Latifah wins a Grammy award for Best Rap Solo Performance.

1996
Jay-Z releases “Reasonable Doubt”. The Fugees’ album, The Score, wins two Grammys and debuts at number one. Tupac Shakur is fatally shot.

1997
Notorious B.I.G. is shot and killed.

1998
Lauryn Hill’s solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, earns 11 Grammy nominations and five wins. ODB crashes the stage during Shawn Colvin’s acceptance speech at the Grammys

1999
Eminem sells four million copies of “The Slim Shady LP”

2002
Talib Kweli debuts his solo album and introduces himself as a political voice.

2008
Jay-Z becomes the first rapper to headline Glastonbury, the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world.

2009
Run-D.M.C. are inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 

In the 2010s and beyond, Hip Hop continued its unstoppable ascent, becoming the dominant force in popular music worldwide. Artists like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole achieved unparalleled success, while diverse sub-genres and regional scenes thrived, showcasing the genre’s versatility and adaptability. Because Hip Hop just won’t stop!

2013
Diddy Launches TV Network, Revolt TV 

2014
Dr. Dre sells Beats Electronics to Apple for $3 Billion 

2015
Jay-Z launches Tidal Streaming Service 

2016
J. Cole’s “Forest Hill Drive” becomes the First Hip-Hop album to go Platinum without guest appearances in over 20 years 

2017
Kanye West’s Life of Pablo Becomes First Streaming-Only Album Certified Platinum 

2017
Jay-Z Becomes First Rapper Inducted Into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 

2018
Kendrick Lamar’s Damn. Becomes the First Non-Classical or Jazz Work to Win a Pulitzer Prize 

2019
Cardi B Becomes First Solo Female Rapper to Win a Grammy for Best Rap Album With Invasion of Privacy. Jay-Z Becomes Hip-Hop’s First Billionaire 

The movement and the lifestyle have come a long way from the humble beginnings in the Bronx. Hip Hop has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, evolving into a global phenomenon that resonates with people of all backgrounds. From the pioneers of the 1970s to the trailblazers of today, Hip Hop remains a vital form of artistic expression, addressing social issues, telling stories, and captivating audiences around the world. Its influence can be felt in music, fashion, dance, and popular culture. As we celebrate the history of Hip Hop, let us recognize its enduring impact and the power of music to bridge divides and ignite change. The culture needs to spread and educate younger generations, for a much more positive future. Riding with them youngin’ is pure common sense. 

Honour and spread the spirit of Hip Hop! One.