How Joseph Saddler, aka Grandmaster Flash, Transformed Turntables into a Musical Instrument Joseph Saddler, widely known as Grandmaster Flash, is one of the trinity of hip-hop pioneers who helped shape the genre into a cultural phenomenon. Born on January 1, 1958, in Bridgetown, Barbados, and raised in the Bronx, New York, Flash’s early years set […]
Author: Cortez Mckay
THE RISE OF HIP HOP CONTENT
The Rise of Hip Hop Content through Original Films has been defined by a tapestry of iconic cinema, each not merely entertaining but also serving as a cultural prism reflecting the vibrant movement. From the foundational ’80s classics like “Wild Style,” “Beat Street,” and “Crush Groove” to the recent blockbuster success of “8Mile,” “Hustle & Flow,” and “Straight Outta Compton,” the journey of hip-hop cinema encapsulates the spirit, struggles, and triumphs of a culture that transcends mere music.These pivotal films carved a path where storytelling through hip-hop became a powerful conduit for cultural expression. They laid the groundwork for authentic narratives within the genre, setting the stage for the exploration of the multifaceted layers of hip-hop culture on the cinematic canvas.
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COMICS ARE HIP HOP: THE REMIX
Comics are Hip Hop. I think it’s fair to make that comparison (that COMICS are HIP-HOP). The creators of what would become the basis of superhero mythology (i.e. Siegel & Shuster, Kane & Finger, Marston, and Lee & Kirby) came from impoverished and marginalized first-generation immigrants whose hopes and dreams manifested in these new literary […]
An Origin Story of the Term Hip Hop (recounted by Jazzy Jay)
The Origins and Roots of Hip-Hop: A Journey into Playground Entertainment As I delved deeper into the captivating world of hip-hop music, I found myself pondering its humble beginnings. Questions like “Where did it all begin?” and “What are the true roots of this musical form?” started to consume my thoughts. In my quest for […]
Rock Steady Crew Break’n The World
Founded in 1977, the crew’s original name was the “Untouchable Four B.Boys”. It consisted of four members, Joe-Joe, Easy-Mike, Jimmy-Dee, and P.Body 170th. A meeting was held in Echo Place Bronx, NY, at the residence of Jimmy-Dee. It was there that the ROCK STEADY name was born.Rock Steady Crew would serve only one purpose. To keep the steady flow on the dance floor.Rock Steady Crew would serve only one purpose. To keep the steady flow on the dance floor. What does the Rock and Steady mean? The word “ROCK” symbolized the concrete for the bumps and bruises sustained while performing. The word “STEADY” constituted the love and continuation of the art of BBoying.
Afrika Bambaataa: From Gangs to Hip-Hop Pioneer
The gritty streets of 1970s New York City were marked by the presence of powerful gangs, and amidst them, one man’s transformation would lead to the birth of a revolutionary culture. Kevin Donavan, a prominent member of the “Young Spades” gang, faced a pivotal moment when his best friend fell victim to gang violence. In […]
“Cornbread”: The Origins of Modern Graffiti Art
In the colorful tapestry of hip-hop culture, one name stands out as an emblem of the graffiti art movement’s birth: Darryl McCray, better known by his tag, “Cornbread.” Born in North Philadelphia in 1953 and raised in Brewerytown, a vibrant neighborhood in the same city, McCray would become one of the pioneers of modern graffiti […]
3 Most Influential and Iconic Names in Hip Hop Fashion
In 2002, Burberry refused to dress Ja Rule when he was on the promotional tour of the follow-up to Pain is Love, a Grammy-nominated, triple-platinum studio album released the previous year. The reason, according to his then-stylist Rachel Johnson, was that there was a certain stigma associated with rappers and the urban community in general. Until a few years ago, designer brands were averse to the idea of dressing hip hop artists because of the seemingly negative image that was associated with them.