The Case:
A hip hop enthusiast from New York City has always heard that 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx is the birthplace of hip hop.
The story goes that on August 11, 1973 DJ Kool Herc, a building resident, was entertaining at his sister’s back-to-school party, and tried something new on the turntable: he extended an instrumental beat (breaking or scratching) to let people dance longer (break dancing) and began MC’ing (rapping) during the extended breakdancing.
This, the contributor believes, marked the birth of hip hop. The music led to an entire cultural movement that’s altered generational thinking – from politics and race to art and language.
History Detectives sets out to examine an inner city environment that helped lay the foundation for a cultural revolution.
Related Content
Feature:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Houdini Poster
Could these be original theatre posters of the greatest magician on earth?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Transistor Radio
Is this the oldest transistor radio in existence?
-
Related Investigation
Movie Palace
Is this small Wisconsin town theater the country's first great movie palace?
-
Also in Season 6
Lincoln Forgery
Could this piece of sheet music have come from Abraham Lincoln's private collection?
-
Also in Season 6
Red Hand Flag
Is this peculiar flag one that African-American soldiers marched under in the war to end all wars?
-
Also in Vietnam Era: 1960-1980
Motown Amp
Did this amp boom the bass line of the Motown sound?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.