Happy Birthday Hip Hop!

Well, it’s official! The music that was referred to as “noise” by so many people is officially 34-years old today. Yes, 34-years old! It may be hard to believe that what started as party in a room at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453, would last this long and have people all over the world vibing to break-beats that make their heads split.

Tip your hat to the Godfather of Hip Hop- DJ Kool Herc- and his sister Cindy Campbell for deciding to throw a back-to-school party. As the popularity of these parties grew, word is that the throw down had to be moved outside to Cedar Park, which attracted thousands of people.

At the intersection of Sedgwick Avenue and Cedar Park people gathered, many who would grow to become some of the most creative personalities in the world of music. MCing, breakdancing, B-boying, party shout outs, battles and taggin’ (graffiti writing) were all birthed at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue.

The Bronx a.k.a. The Boogie Down has been the breeding ground for many men and women who would give us a glimpse into their soul, not by writing poetry like Langston Hughes or Miguel Algarin, but through rapping and telling grandiose stories.

Starting with Coke La Rock, the first emcee to kick a verse on the microphone to the first recorded rap song “King Tim III (Personality Jock)” to “Rapper’s Delight” being the first rap hit, Hip Hop got started by those that were able to dream BIG and do what others thought couldn’t be done. Wow, they certainly proved the masses wrong!

So, as I celebrate the birth of Hip Hop on this Saturday, August 11, 2007, I sit back and listen to man that started it all……Mr. James Brown (RIP)!

Additional Gems:

King Tim III
Kurtis Blow- The Breaks
Sugarhill Gang- Rapper's Delight
Afrika Bambaataa- Planet Rock

Happy Birthday Hip Hop!