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
Great Mexican War Posters
Is this an advertisement for a film made by an eyewitness to the Mexican Revolution?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Teddy Roosevelt War Club
What could this strange object have to do with Teddy Roosevelt and his run for a third term presidency?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Japanese Carved Cane
What can the message on this cane expose about life behind barbed wire in World War II America?
-
Also in Season 6
Lincoln Forgery
Could this piece of sheet music have come from Abraham Lincoln's private collection?
-
Related Investigation
Sears Home
Might an Ohio couple's residence be a long-forgotten Sears home?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Fiery Cross
What is the story behind this record?
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.