Hip-Hop Turns 50 This Year: Here’s Where It All Started in America

DJ Kool Herc held a back-to-school party in the Bronx, New York City on August 11, 1973, where he introduced a new technique of repeating drum and percussion breaks on records, which led to the creation of hip-hop. This music genre quickly gained popularity in the city and eventually became a worldwide phenomenon. In 2023, as hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, various cities in the United States have interesting stories that showcase the unique qualities of this genre.

It all started in the Big Apple!

To commemorate 50 years of Hip-Hop, the Museum at FIT in New York City is planning to showcase a new exhibition titled “Fresh, Fly, and Fabulous: Fifty Years of Hip Hop Style” from February to April 2023. The exhibit will delve into how the genre evolved from its early days on the streets to its widespread influence on the fashion industry and celebrity culture. Furthermore, the city will celebrate its contribution to the creation of hip-hop by introducing the Universal Hip-Hop Museum in 2024.

Atlanta remains the center of action

Atlanta, Georgia holds the title of being the most prominent center of hip-hop in the United States. It has inspired a variety of styles within the genre, ranging from Afro-centric beats by Arrested Development to Trap music by Lil Yachty and Crunck by Lil John, as well as producing top hip-hop artists like Ludacris and Outkast. Over time, Atlanta’s musicians and producers have established a unique style and community that has become an influential force in hip-hop. Presently, the city has over 300 recording studios, 60 music venues, and 30 festivals that showcase both established and emerging talents in the genre, with Atlanta-based rappers frequently topping the charts. This is all thanks to the city’s supportive community, which has helped put Atlanta on the map as not only a significant hip-hop hub but also one of the best places in the United States to discover new music talent. For those interested in checking out more hip-hop music and poetry sessions, the Apache Café is a must-visit destination where visitors can enjoy both excellent food and music.

Did you know Denver has a scene too?

Denver, once considered an outsider in the hip-hop scene, has now become a bustling center for DJs, electronica, dubstep, and hip-hop music in its downtown area. One of the most popular music venues is the Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, a converted casino that can hold up to 1,000 people. The historic venue features two sides, and attendees can easily move between shows in the Ballroom and The Other Side patio. The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music history, including Count Basie, James Brown, Muddy Watters, and Millie Jackson. Today, a new generation of artists continues the tradition of excellence, pushing the boundaries of the ever-evolving music genre.

Houston’s hip-hop is unparalleled

Houston’s hip-hop scene has been thriving since the 1990s, with the emergence of Big Beat and G-funk introducing music lovers to new and exciting facets of the genre. The city has also produced its fair share of hip-hop legends, such as DJ Screw and Z-Ro. Downtown Houston is home to two of the most popular spots for enjoying the city’s vibrant music scene: Warehouse Live and House of Blues, where different genres are performed and celebrated. DJ Screw’s legacy is still very much alive in Houston, and his influence can be felt at the Screwed Up Records & Tapas, where one can purchase mixtapes featuring his signature sound of slowing down or “screwing” the tempo of rap songs to enhance the clarity of the lyrics. His impact on Houston’s hip-hop scene is evident through the continued following of his fans, known as “Screwheads.”

Baltimore has deep roots in hip-hop

The hip-hop culture has deep roots in Baltimore, Maryland, and can be traced back to the early days of Tupac Shakur, who began his musical journey by rapping while still in high school in the city. Today, music venues such as The Ottobar and Baltimore Soundstage continue to showcase talented artists, following in the footsteps of Tupac. The Royal Farms Arena is another popular venue where top musicians come together to perform their music. In addition to these venues, the Baltimore Boom Bap Society is a collaborative group that brings together talented artists, including hosts Wendel Patrick and DJ Dubble 8, who perform experimental hip-hop shows featuring a mix of classic and contemporary tunes, inventive lyrics, and beatboxing, among other styles.