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HIP-HOP: FROM THE UNDER BELLY TO AIRWAVES - Page 2

© Grandmaster Jay

Throwing a good party for the “hood” resulted in the rise of favorite deejays who became immune to the rivalries that existed back in the 70’s and 80’s between neighborhoods or gangs. The deejay was welcome everywhere because he was the sign of good times during the continuous struggle to survive in the city. As the Hip-Hop Culture grew so did the fame of the best deejays. The records of the day were filled with bands with their own unique funky sounds and the deejay was a one-man concert of them all. Free parties in public parks and around blocks drew thousands. as monster soundsystems pumped the jams and the people danced. No ego-tripping. No troublemaking. This was the atmosphere that spawned “Rapping to the beat.” As these parties moved indoors, buildings became historic Hip-Hop spots. They hosted some of the classic battles between deejays, emcees, and breakdancers.

Graffiti was already in existence. Ranging from simple name writing to rep who you were to full-blown artists who used the subways as their rolling murals. Still members of the underclass, they had the potential to be Picassos if they had been born in the suburbs.

The dancers at the street parties evolved into breakdancing crews, who were as talented as any school trained dancer. Representing their “hoods” they achieved fame and developed loyal followings that lead to some classic battles. All of this happened within the world of Blacks and Hispanics of New York. A world that was completely ignored by all those who focus and comment on Hip-Hop music today. Ignored by records companies, television, and print media. And it was during this time that some of Hip-Hop’s defining moments occurred. The impact of some of those events are still evident today.

As you may have noticed I have not spoken on the evolution of the emcee yet. As the most exploited element of The Hip-Hop Culture I saved him for last. The world of Hip-Hop exploded onto the national scene in the summer of 1979. Black folks all across America tuned into their local “Soul” station and were amazed by a record that was so unlike anything they had ever heard before that they were instantly hooked. Some thought it was a joke or a clever radio gimmick. It was the birth of Hip-Hop music to establishment. Contrary to the old myth that has been retold so many times in print, the first nationwide Hip Hop hit was King Tim 3rd ( Personality Jock) by The Fatback Band, which was not a Hip Hop crew. This funk band was simply presenting a funky jam that used a real emcee doing what had been going on for some time: Rapping.

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