The Birth of a Genre

In the late 1970's, music played a major role in American culture. Urban culture needed their own type of music that told their story, and so, Hip-Hop was created. In New York City, specifically the Bronx, rapping became very popular on street corners and subways. African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans would stand in large circles and take turns spitting rhymes at each other. This is what we would call a "cypher". The rappers would try to match their flow a beat-boxer standing next to them, who later would be replaced by a DJ.

Hip-Hop had four major pillars; MCing (or rapping), DJing, B-boying (or street dancing), and Graffiti writing.

• MCs are the most important people in Hip-Hop. If they are accompanied with a great DJ, the sound they make they can be soul moving. 
• DJs are not just people behind a table who play the music. Are they Hip-Hop's heartbeat. They can bring life a dull party and are the perfect compliment to a good MC.
• What can I say about B-boys? They are more than just backup dancers. They are Hip-Hop in a physical form. They find ways to use the beat of the music to create flashy moves, twists and turns that can be mind blowing.
• Then we have Graffiti aka Hip-Hop's art. Graffiti artist, also known as tagger, when go around the city spray painting phrases and crew names on building walls and playgrounds. It has always been illegal but sometimes self-expression can not be censored. 

The true meaning of Hip-Hop is to tell the world what goes on the urban neighborhoods. It tackles the issues of drug dealing, poverty, racism, fun, relationships, and family problems.

"Hip-hop is supposed to uplift and create, to educate people on a larger level and to make a change." -Doug E. Fresh

" Hip-hop has done so much for racial relations, and I don't think it's given the proper credit. It has changed America immensely. I'm going to make a very bold statement: Hip-hop has done more than any leader, politician, or anyone to improve race relations." -Jay Z