Arizona State University
HST 334 African American history since 1865
Unit II Lecture Notes
Spring 2022
Hip Hop Culture and its Significance in African American History
Hip hop culture is a form of artistic and cultural expression that originated among African
American and Latino youth in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s. It
encompasses various elements such as rap music, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art.
Hip hop culture has become a significant part of African American history, representing a
voice for the marginalized and a tool for social and political commentary.
II. Definition of Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop culture encompasses various artistic expressions and social practices that
emerged among African American and Latino youth in the Bronx, New York City,
during the 1970s. According to Chang (2005), hip hop culture is a combination of four
elements: MCing (rapping), DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. Hip hop culture also
includes fashion, slang, and other social practices associated with urban youth.
III. Brief History of Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop culture emerged in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s, as a response to
the social and economic challenges facing African American and Latino youth at the
time. The early hip hop scene was centered on block parties, where DJs would play
records and MCs (masters of ceremony) would rap over the music. The first recorded hip
hop song was "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, released in 1979.
Hip hop culture gained popularity in the 1980s, with the emergence of new artists such as
Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy. These artists used hip hop as a means to
express their social and political views, addressing issues such as racism, poverty, and
police brutality. Hip hop culture also became a significant part of mainstream popular
culture during this time, influencing fashion, music, and other forms of artistic
expression.
IV. Significance of Hip Hop Culture in African American History
Hip hop culture has become a significant part of African American history, representing a
voice for the marginalized and a tool for social and political commentary. Hip hop has
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been used as a means to express the experiences of African American youth, addressing
issues such as racism, poverty, and police brutality. Hip hop has also been a platform for
African American artists to gain recognition and success, challenging the dominant
narratives of American popular culture.
Hip hop has also played a significant role in shaping African American identity,
providing a sense of community and belonging for young people in urban areas.
According to Rose (1994), hip hop has created a space for African American youth to
express their cultural identity, despite the social and economic challenges they face.
Hip hop culture has become a significant part of African American history, representing a
voice for the marginalized and a tool for social and political commentary. Hip hop has
provided a platform for African American artists to express their experiences and
challenge dominant narratives, while also shaping African American identity and
providing a sense of community and belonging for young people in urban areas.
Origins of Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop culture emerged in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s, as a response to the
social and economic challenges facing African American and Latino youth at the time. This
section will explore the origins of hip hop culture, including its founding fathers, and the
influences from African American and Caribbean cultures.
A. Bronx, New York in the 1970s
The Bronx was a predominantly African American and Latino community in New York City
during the 1970s, with high levels of poverty, crime, and unemployment. The lack of
opportunities and social and economic challenges facing young people in the Bronx led to the
emergence of hip hop culture as a means of creative expression and cultural resistance (Chang,
2005).
B. Founding Fathers of Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop culture was founded by a group of young people in the Bronx, including DJs, MCs,
breakdancers, and graffiti artists. These founding fathers of hip hop culture included:
1. DJ Kool Herc - Considered the father of hip hop, DJ Kool Herc is credited with creating
the breakbeat, a technique of using two turntables to extend the instrumental section of a
song, allowing MCs to rap over the beat.
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2. Afrika Bambaataa - A DJ and community organizer, Afrika Bambaataa was instrumental
in developing the social and political aspects of hip hop culture, using it as a means to
promote peace, unity, and social justice.
3. Grandmaster Flash - A DJ and inventor of the "quick mix" technique, Grandmaster Flash
was known for his innovative use of turntables, including scratching and beat-juggling,
which became essential elements of hip hop music.
C. Influences from African American and Caribbean Cultures
Hip hop culture drew influences from various African American and Caribbean cultural
traditions, including:
1. The Griot Tradition - The griot tradition of West Africa, which involves storytelling and
oral history, influenced the MCing (rapping) element of hip hop culture, which involves
storytelling and lyrical expression.
2. Jazz and Blues - Jazz and blues music, which have roots in African American culture,
influenced the musical style and improvisational elements of hip hop music.
3. Reggae and Dancehall - Reggae and dancehall music from the Caribbean influenced the
use of bass-heavy rhythms and the MCing style of hip hop music.
4. The Black Arts Movemen - The Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which t
promoted African American cultural pride and resistance, influenced the social and
political aspects of hip hop culture, including its emphasis on self-expression, community
building, and social justice (Rose, 1994).
Hip hop culture emerged in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s, as a response to the
social and economic challenges facing African American and Latino youth at the time. The
founding fathers of hip hop culture, including DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and
Grandmaster Flash, drew influences from various African American and Caribbean cultural
traditions, including the griot tradition, jazz and blues, reggae and dancehall, and the Black Arts
Movement. These influences shaped the artistic and cultural expressions of hip hop culture,
which has become a significant part of African American history.
Elements of Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop culture is composed of four main elements: MCing (rapping), DJing (turntablism),
breaking (breakdancing), and graffiti art. Each element represents a unique form of creative
expression and cultural resistance, and together they form the foundation of hip hop culture.
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MCing (Rapping)
MCing, also known as rapping, is the vocal style of hip hop culture, which involves
rhyming lyrics and rhythmic delivery. MCing emerged as a way for young people to
express themselves and tell their stories in a creative and engaging way. MCs use their
lyrics to address social and political issues, reflect on personal experiences, and showcase
their skills and creativity.
DJing (Turntablism)
DJing, also known as turntablism, is the art of using turntables and mixers to manipulate
and create music. DJs use various techniques, including scratching, beat-juggling, and
sampling, to create unique sounds and rhythms. DJing emerged as a key element of hip
hop culture, as DJs provided the beats and instrumental tracks for MCs to rap over.
Breaking (Breakdancing)
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a style of street dance that emerged in the
Bronx during the 1970s. Breaking involves acrobatic and athletic moves, such as spins,
flips, and freezes, performed to the beat of hip hop music. Breaking is a physical
expression of the creative and cultural energy of hip hop culture, and it became a popular
form of dance and competition within the hip hop community.
Graffiti Art
Graffiti art is a visual form of artistic expression that emerged as a key element of hip
hop culture. Graffiti artists use spray paint and other materials to create colorful and
intricate designs on walls, buildings, and other public spaces. Graffiti art is a form of
cultural resistance, as it allows artists to reclaim public spaces and challenge dominant
narratives through their art.
E. The Fifth Element: Knowledge
In addition to the four main elements of hip hop culture, some scholars and practitioners
have identified a fifth element: knowledge. Knowledge refers to the social and political
awareness and consciousness that underlies hip hop culture. Hip hop culture has always
been about more than just music and dance; it has also been a means of education,
community building, and social and political activism (Rose, 1994).
Hip hop culture is composed of four main elements: MCing (rapping), DJing
(turntablism), breaking (breakdancing), and graffiti art. These elements represent the
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creative and cultural expressions of hip hop culture, which emerged as a response to the
social and economic challenges facing African American and Latino youth in the Bronx
during the 1970s. In addition to these four elements, hip hop culture also emphasizes
knowledge, which refers to the social and political awareness and consciousness that
underlies hip hop culture.
Hip Hop Music and its Evolution
Hip hop music has undergone a significant evolution since its emergence in the Bronx during the
1970s. This section will explore the early roots of hip hop music, the golden age of hip hop, the
rise of gangsta rap, and the current state of hip hop music.
A. Early Hip Hop Music
Early hip hop music was characterized by its upbeat rhythms, party-oriented lyrics, and
emphasis on breakbeats and funk samples. Some of the earliest hip hop recordings
include "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang and "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow.
These songs helped to establish hip hop as a commercial genre and paved the way for
future hip hop artists.
B. Golden Age of Hip Hop
The golden age of hip hop, which spanned from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, is often
considered the pinnacle of hip hop music. During this period, hip hop artists pushed the
boundaries of the genre and explored a range of social and political issues in their lyrics.
Some of the most iconic hip hop albums of this era include Public Enemy's "It Takes a
Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back," N.W.A.'s "Straight Outta Compton," and A Tribe
Called Quest's "The Low End Theory."
C. Gangsta Rap and its Impact on Hip Hop Culture
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, gangsta rap emerged as a dominant sub-genre of hip
hop music. Gangsta rap was characterized by its aggressive lyrics, depictions of violence,
and glorification of gang culture. Some of the most influential gangsta rap artists include
Ice-T, N.W.A., and Tupac Shakur. Gangsta rap sparked controversy and criticism for its
explicit content and its impact on hip hop culture.
D. Current State of Hip Hop Music
Today, hip hop music continues to evolve and diversify, with a range of sub-genres and
styles. Some of the most popular sub-genres of hip hop music today include trap music,
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mumble rap, and conscious hip hop. Hip hop artists continue to address social and
political issues in their lyrics, with themes ranging from police brutality to economic
inequality. The use of technology and social media has also transformed the way hip hop
music is created, distributed, and consumed.
E. Impact of Hip Hop Music on Popular Culture
Hip hop music has had a significant impact on popular culture, both in the United States
and around the world. Hip hop has influenced fashion, art, film, and television, and has
become a global phenomenon. Hip hop has also provided a platform for marginalized
voices and has been a means of social and political activism.
Hip hop music has undergone a significant evolution since its emergence in the Bronx
during the 1970s. From its early roots in party-oriented lyrics and breakbeats to its
current diversity and range of sub-genres, hip hop music has had a profound impact on
popular culture and has provided a platform for social and political activism. While hip
hop music has faced criticism and controversy for its explicit content and depictions of
violence, it has also been a powerful means of creative expression and cultural resistance.
Hip Hop Fashion and Style
Hip hop culture is not only defined by its music, but also by its distinctive fashion and style. This
section will explore the early roots of hip hop fashion, the influence of fashion in hip hop culture,
and current trends in hip hop fashion.
A. Early Hip Hop Fashion
Early hip hop fashion was heavily influenced by the culture of the Bronx in the 1970s.
Hip hop fashion was characterized by its streetwear and utilitarian styles, which were
often designed to be functional and durable. Some of the most iconic early hip hop
fashion items include Adidas Superstar sneakers, Kangol hats, and tracksuits.
B. Influence of Fashion in Hip Hop Culture
Fashion has played a significant role in hip hop culture, both as a means of self-
expression and as a form of cultural identity. Hip hop fashion has often been associated
with streetwear and sportswear, but has also been influenced by high fashion and luxury
brands. Hip hop artists and fashion designers have often collaborated to create unique and
innovative styles.
C. Current Trends in Hip Hop Fashion
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Today, hip hop fashion continues to evolve and diversify, with a range of styles and trends.
Some of the most popular hip hop fashion trends today include:
Streetwear: Streetwear remains a staple of hip hop fashion, with brands such as
Supreme, Off-White, and A Bathing Ape dominating the market.
Sneakers: Sneakers are a key element of hip hop fashion, with popular brands
including Nike, Adidas, and Puma.
Luxury brands: Hip hop artists have increasingly embraced luxury brands, with high-
end fashion houses such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Balenciaga becoming popular
among hip hop fans.
Gender-neutral fashion: Many hip hop artists are pushing the boundaries of gender
norms with their fashion choices, embracing androgynous styles and blurring
traditional gender lines.
Sustainability: Some hip hop artists are incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly
fashion into their wardrobes, promoting ethical and socially responsible fashion
practices.
D. Impact of Hip Hop Fashion on Popular Culture
Hip hop fashion has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing fashion
trends around the world. Hip hop has challenged traditional fashion norms and has been a
means of self-expression and cultural identity for marginalized communities. Hip hop
fashion has also been a source of inspiration for designers and fashion houses, with many
incorporating hip hop elements into their collections.
Hip hop fashion has been a defining element of hip hop culture, playing a significant role
in self-expression and cultural identity. From its early roots in streetwear and utilitarian
styles to its current diversity and range of trends, hip hop fashion has challenged
traditional fashion norms and influenced popular culture around the world. While hip hop
fashion has faced criticism and controversy, it has also been a powerful means of creative
expression and cultural resistance.
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References
Alim, H. S., & Pennycook, A. (2007). Global linguistic flows: Hip hop cultures, youth identities,
and the politics of language. New York: Routledge.
Chang, J. (2005). Can't stop won't stop: A history of the hip-hop generation. St. Martin's Press.
Chang, J. (2005). Can't stop won't stop: A history of the hip-hop generation. St. Martin's Press.
-hop.
Middletown, CT: Wesleyan University Press.
Rose, T. (1994). Black noise: Rap music and black culture in contemporary America. Hanover,
NH: University Press of New England.
Rose, T. (1994). Black noise: Rap music and black culture in contemporary America. Hanover,
NH: University Press of New England.
Toop, D. (1991)
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