The History of Hip Hop

by David Ellington

The history of hip hop started in the South Bronx in the early 1970s. It was linked to a back to school party and DJ Kool Herc played records for the crowd. He used to mix the records, and he found out the people like listening to drums and he mixed the drums in with the music. 

According to DJ Lawless from the Bronx, “Being there was no hip hop song yet, he was playing old funk records, disco records and rock records and break them down. These were also known as breakbeats. In 1976, that was one of the first hip hop records.”

“Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang was one of the first hip hop records. They were formed in New Jersey in 1979. “Jump On It,” “8th wonder” and “Livin in Fast Lane” were other records by them. Rappers were more careful with what they say in their lyrics.