The definition of hip hop has changed vastly over the years. It began as a cultural movement in the early 70s out of New York City with primarily young black and latino youth in the lower income neighborhoods. It consists of four "pillars": the DJ, the MC, the Graf Artist, and the B-boy. Hip hop emerged when DJs took two turntables and played the "breaks" of well-known records and looping them to form rhythmic beats that later influenced the addition of the MC or rapper, and the B-boy or breakdancers.
Many well-known artists, dancers, and musicians came out of this era such as Grand Master Flash who is credited with coining the term hip hop, Afrika Bambaataa, Melle Mel, Rock Steady Crew, and a league of graffiti artists to name a few.
Today Hip hop has grown into a global phenomena. Expanding to Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa, it has become an outlet for a younger generation to express themselves and to address the environment they live in and the injustices they endure.
by Janice Myint
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