~Cornell West "Race Matters"
80's Babies
In order to figure out how to define the new spirit that lingers over America, we first have to see when that wise spirit of freedom fighting began transforming. I believe 1979 marked the end of an era and ushered in a new era of creative enlightenment. Technology began evolving faster and soon would prove highly useful for the future of composers and producers (e.g. computers, samplers and emerging multitrack recording devices...).
Disco was slowly slipping down the drain while in New York City a new culture would soon emerge with a loud roar and claim it's rightful spot in history books forever. The Hip Hop culture was not well accepted by a majority of the citizens outside of the urban community, even some elders in the urban community didn't agree with the swagger the teens walked with back then.
We would quickly see the elements of the hip hop culture gravitate towards suburban areas but not before the media (4tht branch of the government) could attempt to destroy this alien culture that was so foreign to the masses. It is said that you fear what you don't know and fear causes strong animosity, unless you confront what you fear, attempt to understand what you fear and from there, either embrace or erase it (so to speak).
Hip Hop was a novelty culture that told stories of struggles and joy within society by expressing emotions through the, four elements which are, breakdancing, rapping, Dj'ing and graffitti. It took groups of geniues to nurture and care for this new way of living and breathing called hip hop. This was the era of the "freshest kids."
In the late 60's a Dj by the name of Kool Herc, also known as the father of Hip Hop brought something to Bronx as well as America that was unprecendented. Spinning records and pumping up the party goers on a microphone over a loud sound system (Like that of a "Rocker" in Jamaica) and partying all night long at 1520 Sedgewick Ave. Curiosity began to rise and Kool Herc's style of Djing would soon be that spark launched a new movement in motion. Soon, certain individuals would start dancing in a manner that was new, intense and amazing. This was the birth of " Breakin" or break dancing. Break dancing is the epitome of Hip Hop. I believe it is the physical manifestation for a definition of hip hop. At that time many teens put their mind, body and soul into being a b-boy or b-girl, and the community in which it originated responded in such a positive, uplifting manner.
If you ever wondered where turning your hat backwards or putting one pant leg up came from? Give thanks to the Rock Steady Crew, LA breakers, New York City breakers, B-boy batch, Floormasters and so many more for their divine creativity. B-boy's and b-girls invented new styles and trends (unknowingly) that are followed by today's youth more than ever.
