Where Culture Lives

As we begin to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month on the the heels of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, we must take a moment to acknowledge the contribution of Latinos to all facets of the culture, DJing, MCing, Breakdancing and Graffiti writing. While Hip Hop’s origins are associated with the Black community, the Latino community did contribute to the development and evolution of hip hop and those contributions are often overlooked. This is a controversial subject for some as Fat Joe found out when he said “Lately, they’ve been talking about, ‘Latinos wasn’t in rap.’ These guys are fucking delusional. We’re from the Bronx, New York. Shit happens. This is where Hip Hop started. It’s Latino and Black, half and half.” Although we can debate the extent to which Latinos were involved, there is no doubt they were in the mix. In this exploration, we will delve into Hispanic influence on hip hop, from its early days to its current global prominence.   To truly appreciate the Latino ...

When a woman raps about her sexual conquests is she empowering herself by rewriting the narrative and reclaiming her power or is she encouraging those who wish to subjugate her? We ponder this question as we dig deeper into the culture of Hip Hop and discuss whether today’s crop of female Hip Hop artists are honoring the brave and strong female MCs of the past as they push the boundaries of lyrical content or are they just taking the place of men who refused to make room in the past.   While Hip Hop has provided a platform for marginalized voices to express their experiences and stories, it has also faced its fair share of criticism for its treatment of women. Though there is still much work to do, Hip Hop has evolved from a completely male-dominated space to one that is better at empowering women to speak from their perspective, tell their stories and challenge stereotypes. In this blog, we will delve into objectification of women in Hip Hop, misogyny in rap and explore modern em...

In the pulsating heart of Hip Hop lies a fundamental element that has shaped the genre's sonic landscape since its inception: the breakbeat. Breakbeats are the rhythmic fragments that define the backbone of hip hop tracks, providing the infectious grooves that compel bodies to move and minds to meld. These bars of percussive brilliance, often culled from funk and soul recordings, are meticulously chosen, manipulated, and rearranged to create entirely new compositions that resonate with old heads and newbies alike. In this exploration, we'll delve into the use of breakbeats in hip hop, highlighting iconic examples like "Amen, Brother" by The Winstons, "Funky Drummer" by James Brown, and "Impeach the President" by The Honey Drippers. The Birth of Breakbeats in Hip Hop: A Historical Prelude The roots of Hip Hop can be traced back to the vibrant streets of the Bronx in the 1970s. DJs at block parties and park jams would extend instrumental sections...

The annals of Hip Hop history are replete with influential figures who have shaped the genre's trajectory and cultural significance. Among these luminaries, James Brown, often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul," stands as an icon whose impact on  Hip Hop  is both profound and enduring. Through his innovative use of infectious grooves, relevant lyrics and dynamic performances, James Brown laid the foundation for Hip Hop 's rhythmic evolution and its pioneering sampling culture. Let’s delve deeper into the remarkable influence James Brown had on  Hip Hop , his role in the art of sampling, and the enduring legacy he forged within the genre. Brown was a musical pioneer whose influence on Hip Hop's rhythmic foundation cannot be overstated. His unique blend of funk, soul, and rhythm laid the groundwork for the genre's emphasis on groove and danceability. Tracks like "Funky Drummer" and "Cold Sweat" showcased his distinctive syncopated rhythm...