HISTORY OF HIP-HOP

Outline of the Research on the History of Hip-Hop

1.Introduction

2. Where It All Began

3. The Main Elements of Hip-Hop

4. Hip-Hop Styles

5. Evolution of Hip-Hop Over Time

6. Current Trends in Hip-Hop

7. Conclusion

8. Famous Hip-Hop Dancers

9. References (Review of Related Literature)

1. Introduction

Definition and Overview of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop is a dynamic cultural movement and artistic subculture that emerged in

the 1960s in the Bronx, New York City, primarily among African, American, and
 Latino communities. With a variety of styles, artistic expression, including music,
fashion, and art.

Hip-hop is known for its improvisational nature, allowing participants to express

their individuality and creativity. It fosters a sense of community through
collaboration, reflecting the live experience of participants.

At its core, hip-hop dance encompasses several distinct styles, including

breaking, locking, popping, krumping, and more. Each style features unique
movements and rhythms that contribute to the overall uniqueness of hip-hop
dance. For example, breaking involves acrobatic floor work and dynamic body
movements, while locking is characterized by its rhythmic pauses and
exaggerated gestures and Popping focuses on quick muscle contractions to
create a jerky effect, while krumping is known for its energetic and expressive
style.

The roots of hip-hop dance are deeply embedded in African traditions,

incorporating influences from various styles such as salsa, jazz, and martial arts.
This fusion allows for a fluidity of movement that engages the entire body and
encourages dancers to explore their creativity. Hip-hop dance is often performed
in social settings, such as street corners or dance battles, fostering a sense of
community among participants.

Today, hip-hop is a global phenomenon that influences fashion trends, language,

and education. It empowers individuals to express themselves authentically
through various elements.

2. Where it all began

Origin of Hip-Hop
 Hip-hop originated in the early 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, during a time
of struggle for the African American and Latino communities facing poverty and
violence. Amid these challenges, young African American and latinos made creative
outlets for self-expression as a way to escape the struggles of their environment Hip-
hop emerged as a cultural movement that combined music, dance, art, and community-
building that created an entirely new culture..

The story of hip-hop is traced back to August 11, 1973, when Clive Campbell or more
famously known as DJ Kool Herc, who was a Jamaican immigrant, hosted a "Back to
School Jam" at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, this event is considered to be
where the birth of hip-hop started, Herc introduced his DJing technique called "the
break." where he extended the instrumentals of songs using two turntables, Herc
created a continuous beat that allowed dancers to showcase their moves. Thus leading
to the development of breaking or B-boying which is one of the earliest forms of hip-hop
dance.

Breaking or breakdancing was created by dancers as a response to DJ Kool Herc's

extended breaks with improvisational moves and was heavily influenced by earlier
dance styles such as salsa, martial arts-inspired movements, and African dance
traditions. Dance battles became a central feature of block parties, where crews would
compete to showcase their skills and creativity.

As DJing gained popularity at block parties and community gatherings, MCing or

rapping began to emerge as an integral part of hip-hop culture. Early MCs would hype
up crowds by speaking rhythmically over beats created by DJs. Their rhymes often
addressed the realities of life in their communities such as poverty, inequality, and
violence, MCs like Coke La Rock helped shape the lyrical aspect of hip-hop, which
became its most recognizable feature.

Around the same time, graffiti art also began to gain popularity as another key element
of hip-hop culture. Young artists like Taki 183 started tagging their names across New
York City subway cars in the early 1970s. Graffiti became a form of self-expression and
rebellion against society, with artists turning public spaces into canvases for their
creativity. By the mid-1970s, graffiti evolved into more elaborate murals that reflected
personal identity and community pride.

Another pivotal figure in hip-hop's early history was Afrika Bambaataa, a former gang
leader who used hip-hop as a tool for peacebuilding. Bambaataa founded the Universal
Zulu Nation in the mid-1970s, an organization that promoted unity through hip-hop
culture while discouraging gang violence. He also played a role in expanding hip-hop's
reach by incorporating electronic sounds into his music, exemplified by his
groundbreaking track "Planet Rock" (1982).

The late 1970s marked a turning point for hip-hop as it began to gain mainstream
attention. The release of "Rapper's Delight" by The Sugarhill Gang in 1979 introduced
rap music to audiences worldwide and demonstrated its commercial potential. Although
some people criticized the song saying that the song was too focused on making
money, it undeniably helped bring hip-hop into popular culture.

By the early 1980s, hip-hop had grown beyond its Bronx origins and spread to other
cities across the United States. Artists like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
pushed the boundaries of storytelling in rap with tracks like "The Message" (1982),
which highlighted social issues such as poverty and oppression. Meanwhile, breaking
gained international recognition through movies like Wild Style (1983) and Beat Street
(1984), introduced hip-hop dance on a global stage.

As hip-hop continued to evolve throughout the 1980s and beyond, it incorporated new
elements while maintaining its core values of creativity, self-expression, and community
empowerment. Today, hip-hop is recognized as a global cultural movement that has
profoundly influenced music, fashion, language, art, and social activism.

Key Events in Hip-Hop History:

● August 11, 1973 – DJ Kool Herc’s Back-to-School Jam regarded as the birth of
hip-hop culture.
● Early 1970s – Rise of Graffiti Art Artists like Taki 183 popularized tagging in New
York City.
● Mid-1970s – Emergence of Breaking Dance crews began showcasing acrobatic
moves during extended breaks at block parties.
● 1979 – Release of "Rapper’s Delight” The Sugarhill Gang’s hit song brought rap
music into mainstream culture.
● 1982 – Afrika Bambaataa’s "Planet Rock": This track blended electronic sounds
with hip-hop beats, expanding its musical possibilities.
● 1983–1984 – Hip-Hop in Film Movies like Wild Style and Beat Street introduced
hip-hop dance and culture to global audiences.
3. The main elements of hip-hop

Djing
Definition of DJing

DJing is the skill of playing and mixing music for people to enjoy. DJs use
turntables or digital tools to create a fun atmosphere at parties and events by
blending different songs together.

How DJing Started

DJing started in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City with DJ Kool Herc, who
threw parties where he played music. He came up with the idea of using
"breaks," which was using the instrumentals of songs and extending, to keep the
dance floor alive, this way, dancers could show off their moves for longer
periods.

Important Figures in DJing

1. DJ Kool Herc Known as the father of hip-hop, he created the breakbeat style
that made parties exciting and helped start hip-hop culture.

2. Grandmaster Flash He was one of the first DJs to use techniques like
scratching, which is moving a record back and forth to make cool sounds. He
was great at mixing songs smoothly.

3. Afrika Bambaataa: He used music to bring people together and promote

peace. He started the Universal Zulu Nation to encourage creativity and
community in hip-hop.

4. Grand Wizard Theodore: He invented scratching as a DJ technique, helping

DJs add their own style to the music.

Mcing
Definition of MCing

MCing is the art of rapping or performing lyrics over music. An MC gets the
crowd excited and connects with them through rhythmic speech, telling stories
and sharing experiences.
How MCing Started

MCing started in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City. At parties, DJs would
play music and invite MCs to hype up the crowd. These early MCs would talk
rhythmically over the beats, which eventually turned into what we know as
rapping today. As hip-hop grew, MCing became a big part of the culture with
artists creating their own styles and messages.

Important Figures in MCing

● Grandmaster Flash He was part of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious

Five, one of the first rap groups to get famous.

● Afrika Bambaataa He encouraged positive messages in hip-hop and

inspired young people to use their voices for change.

● The Sugarhill Gang Their song "Rapper's Delight" in 1979 helped bring
rap music into the mainstream and showed everyone what MCing could
be.

● Run-D.M.C This group mixed hip-hop with rock music and showed how
powerful MCing could be in different styles.

Graffiti Art
Definition Graffiti Art

Graffiti art is a form of visual expression that involves creating images or text on
public surfaces, often using spray paint. It has a long history, dating back to
ancient times when people marked walls in caves or wrote messages on
buildings in ancient Rome and Greece.

How It Started

Modern graffiti began in the late 1960s in Philadelphia and quickly spread to New
York City. Young people, often from marginalized communities, started using
spray paint to write their names or "tags" on walls and subway trains. This
practice was initially about making their mark and gaining visibility. By the 1970s,
graffiti evolved into a more complex art form, with artists creating colorful murals
and intricate designs
Important Figures

● Taki 183 One of the earliest graffiti writers, Taki became famous for
tagging his name throughout New York City. His style inspired many
others to start writing.

● Jean-Michel Basquiat A street artist who began as a graffiti writer in the

late 1970s, Basquiat later became a well-known painter and is celebrated
for his unique style and social commentary.

● Keith Haring Known for his bold lines and bright colors, Haring used
graffiti to address social issues like AIDS and apartheid.

● Banksy A contemporary British artist known for his satirical street art that
often carries political messages. Banksy's work has gained international
fame and is sometimes sold for high prices.

● Blek le Rat A French artist who is considered one of the pioneers of stencil
graffiti, influencing many artists around the world with his detailed and
thought-provoking pieces.

Breaking

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a style of street dance that

started in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City. It’s part of hip-hop culture
and is known for its energetic moves and acrobatics. Dancers use a mix of
footwork, spins, and flips to express themselves to hip-hop music.

How It Started

Breaking began at block parties where DJs played music and dancers
showed off their skills. It was influenced by different dance styles like funk,
salsa, and martial arts. As more people got into it, breaking became a way
for young people to compete and show their creativity. Dancers would form
crews and battle each other to see who had the best moves.

Important Figures
 ● DJ Kool Herc He helped start breaking by playing breakbeats at his
parties which got dancers moving.

● Rock Steady Crew: One of the most famous breaking crews that
helped popularize the dance style

● Crazy Legs: A legendary b-boy from Rock Steady Crew known for
his unique style and contributions to breaking
.
● Ken Swift Another influential b-boy who is respected for his skills
and creativity in breaking.

4. Hip-Hop Styles

Shuffling
Shuffling is a fast-paced dance style that involves quick foot movements, often
sliding and tapping the feet to electronic music. It became popular in the rave
scene and is characterized by energetic and rhythmic steps.

Important Figures
● MC Hammer He popularized the running man, a key move in shuffling,
during his performances in the late 1980s.

Tutting
Tutting is a dance style that focuses on creating sharp angles and geometric
shapes with the body, especially the arms and hands. It draws inspiration from
ancient Egyptian art and involves precise movements.

Important Figures
● King Charles A prominent dancer known for his tutting skills and
contributions to the style.

Waacking
Waacking is a dance style that originated in the LGBTQ+ clubs of Los Angeles in
the 1970s. It features fast arm movements, poses, and expressive gestures,
often performed to disco or funk music.
Important Figures
● Tina Landon A choreographer and dancer known for her waacking style
and contributions to music videos.

● Marjorie "Mimi" Mendez A pioneer of waacking who helped popularize the

dance in clubs.

Popping
Popping is a street dance style that involves quickly contracting and relaxing
muscles to create a jerking motion known as a "pop." It often includes various
techniques like waving and tutting.

Important Figures
● Boogaloo Sam The creator of the popping style who played a significant
role in its development.

● Electric Boogaloos A famous dance crew that helped popularize popping

worldwide.

Locking
Locking is a funky dance style that combines fast arm and hand movements with
pauses or "locks." It emphasizes playful gestures and interactions with the
audience.

Important Figures
● Don Campbell The creator of locking who developed its signature
moves in the late 1960s.

● Shabba Doo (Adolfo Quiñones A well-known dancer and

choreographer who helped bring locking into mainstream culture.

Krumping
Krumping is an energetic dance style that started in Los Angeles in the early
2000s. It features exaggerated movements like stomps, chest pops, and arm
swings, often expressing strong emotions.

Important Figures:
● Tight Eyez or David Sanders One of the founders of krumping who played
a major role in its development.
5. Evolution of Hip-Hop Overtime

Hip-hop has undergone significant changes since its inception in the early 1970s
in the Bronx, New York City. Here's a brief overview of its evolution over the
decades:

1970s: The Birth of Hip-Hop

- Hip-hop started as way for young African American and Latino in poor
neighborhoods to express themselves
- DJ Kool Herc hosted the first hip-hop party on August 11, 1973, using two
turntables to create a continuous flow of music. This event is widely recognized
as the birth of hip-hop culture

1980s: The Rise of Rap and Mainstream Recognition

- The term "rap music" was first used in 1978, shifting the focus from DJs to MCs
(rappers). This decade saw the release of significant tracks like "Rapper's
Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, which became the first gold-selling rap record.
- The 1980s is where different styles of hip-hop begin to emerging

1990s: Golden Age of Hip-Hop

- The early to mid-1990s is called the "Golden Age" of hip-hop, characterized by
lyrical complexity and diversity in sound. This era saw the rise of influential artists
like Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.
- Gangsta Rap this style became popular during the 1990s, focusing on themes
related to inner-city life and social issues. Groups like N.W.A. brought gangsta
rap to mainstream audiences with albums like "Straight Outta Compton"

2000s: Commercial Success and Global Expansion

- Hip-hop became one of the most popular music genres worldwide, with artists
like Eminem, Jay-Z, and Missy Elliott achieving commercial success. The genre
began to influence pop music significantly.
- New styles emerged, including crunk from the South and alternative hip-hop,
showcasing a wider range of sounds and themes in lyrics

2010s to Present: Continued Evolution

- Hip-hop has continued to evolve with new artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake
pushing boundaries while addressing social issues through their music. The
 genre has also embraced technology and social media for promotion and
distribution.
- Hip-hop has become a global phenomenon, influencing music cultures around
the world.

6. Current Trends in Hip-Hop

– Breaking is gaining more recognition as it was featured in the olympics, thus

ginning more interest from people
– Popping being blended with other styles allowing more creative expression for
example combining popping with contemporary and jazz.
– Freestyle becoming increasingly popular with social media like tiktok and
instagram where dancers can showcase their skills
– Dance challenges on social media being increasingly more popular helps hip-
hop dance trends be more well known and inspiring new choreography.

7. Famous Hip-Hop Dancers and Crews

● Philippine All Stars

Philippine All Stars are a famous hip-hop dance crew from the Philippines
known for their synchronization, founded in2006 they quickly rose to fame
by competing in many competitions and winning multiple turtle at the
World Hip Hop Dance Championships including a gold medal in 2006 and
2008.
● A Team
A Team is a Filipino dance crew that combines various street dance styles
with athleticism and creativity, founded in 2011 by siblings MJ and
Angelica Arda, their notable achievement include winning gold at the
World Hip-Hop Dance Championship in 2014

● JabbawockeeZ
JabbawockeeZ is a hip-hop dance crew known for their signature white
masks and gloves, they started to gain fame by competing in America's
Best Dance Crew where they won in 2008, they are also famous for their
performances that focus on storytelling.

● Triplets Ghetto Kids

Triplets Ghetto Kids is a dance crew from Uganda known for their
energetic performances that showcase street dance styles, they gained
popularity from social media with their uplifting performances that resonate
with the audience.
8. Conclusion

In my view hip-hop as a dance is an incredible form of self expression that tells

stories, shares emotions and experiences in lifes as well as connects people
from different backgrounds. Since its beginning in the streets of the Bronx, hip
hop dance has evolved into a global phenomenon, influencing the world of dance
but also in music, fashion, and culture.

I find it really cool how it constantly evolves with new styles and trends popping
up, artist and dancers are always pushing boundaries and discovering new styles
and expressions, whether it's through rap, dance, or fashion, hip-hop allows
people to be more creative and authentic, and with social media booming with
trends it's easier than ever for anyone to discover , learn, and share their passion
to the world.

Overall, hip-hop is not just about moves, it's about culture, and self expression. It
inspires communities and people to be confident and authentic, sharing their own
experience with the works of life, and appreciating others and its rich history
behind it.

9. REFERENCES
1. CLI Studios: This article discusses the history of hip-hop dance, detailing its
origins in the 1970s and the development of various styles like breaking and
locking. It emphasizes how hip-hop dance evolved alongside hip-hop culture and
music.
- [A History of Hip Hop - CLI Studios](https://www.clistudios.com/dance-
blog/dance-industry/a-history-of-hip-hop-2/)

2. Wikipedia: The Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of the

history of hip-hop dance, covering key styles, influential figures, and the cultural
impact of hip-hop dance since its inception.
- [History of hip-hop dance -
Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_hip_hop_dance)]

3. Performing Dance Arts: This source explains how hip-hop dance originated in
the Bronx and highlights important dance crews that contributed to its popularity.
It also discusses social dances that emerged over the years.
- [Everything You Should Know about Hip Hop
Dance](https://www.performingdancearts.ca/everything-know-hip-hop-
dance/)

4. Dance Flavor: This article outlines the origins of hip-hop dance, its street roots,
and how it became a popular form of expression in urban communities.
- [Hip Hop Dancing - Origin, History & Steps -
Danceflavors](https://www.danceflavors.com/en/dancing-hip-hop/)

5. BBC: The BBC article provides insights into the evolution of hip-hop dance,
focusing on breaking as the original style and how it spread through media and
performances.
- [The History of Hip-Hop Dance -
BBC](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5CWQyWXZ4p7hr6NxG
2L5qG9/the-history-of-hip-hop-dance)

6. A Dance Place: This source gives a brief history of hip-hop dance, discussing
its inspirations and how it flourished as a new style during the late 1960s and
early 1970s.
- [A History Of Hip Hop Dance | Hip-Hop
Classes](https://www.adanceplace.com/hip-hop-dance-history/)

7. Steezy: This article explores what hip-hop dance is, including its history and
evolution over time, highlighting significant changes in music and dance styles.
 - [What Is Hip Hop Dance? Learn the History & Moves at Home]
(https://www.steezy.co/posts/what-is-hip-hop-dance)

8. Steezy: This source provides a comprehensive overview of hip-hop dance,

detailing its five core elements: deejaying, emceeing, graffiti, breaking, and
knowledge. It emphasizes the foundational aspects of hip-hop culture.
- [What is Hip-Hop Dance?Learn the History & Moves at Home]
(https://www.steezy.co/posts/what-is-hip-hop-dance)

9. SSDA: outlines nine popular hip-hop dance styles, including B-boying, locking,
popping, and boogaloo. It explains the characteristics and origins of each style.
- [9 of the Most Popular Hip Hop Dance Styles] (https://ssda.in/blog/9-of-
the-most-popular-hip-hop-dance-styles/)

10. Britannica: Hip-hop is described as a cultural movement that became widely

popular in the 1980s and 1990s. It encompasses not only rap music but also
various artistic expressions within its culture.
- [hip-hop] (https:// www.britannica.com/art/ hip-hop)

11. The Philippine All-Stars is a renowned Filipino hip-hop dance group that has
made significant contributions to the hip-hop dance scene, both locally and
internationally.
- (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philippine_All_Stars)

12. Above All: A-Team and Zero Studio’s MJ and Angelica Arda Are Making
Power Moves" by Gaby Gloria highlights the journey and achievements of the A-
Team dance crew, co-founded by siblings MJ and Angelica Arda
- (https://vogue.ph/lifestyle/culture/above-all-a-team-dance/)

13. Iconic American hip-hop dance crew, highlighting their history,

achievements, and cultural impact.
- (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabbawockeez)

14. Triplets Ghetto Kids, is a prominent dance and music group founded in 2014
by Daouda Kavuma. The group is composed of children from the Katwe slums in
Kampala, Uganda, and has gained international recognition for their talent and
performances.
- (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghetto_Kids)
15. Hip-hop emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, as a creative outlet
for marginalized communities. It encompasses four elements: DJing, MCing,
breakdancing, and graffit
- (https://www.iconcollective.edu/hip-hop-history)