(this section will eventually be expanded)

how did hip hop start?  without going into too much detail, we first need to define what hip hop is.  musically, hip hop revolves around the break beat; when a segment of any record is sampled and played over to give a continuous beat.  the rapping aspect of hip hop didn’t happen until years after break beats were being used by dj’s.  we mustn't forget, however, that the term ‘hip hop’ actually defines djing, rapping, street art/graffiti and breaking-dancing.

in the 1970’s the art of using a break beat to get crowd reaction was (allegedly) first used by dj kool herc.  he is probably best known for using the incredible bongo band's version of the shadow's 60s instrumental 'apache'.  at the time it was a much sort after break beat.  with all the funk records around at the time,  they had a huge part to play in how hip hop has evolved today.

there are far too many pioneers of hip hop to mention, but to name a few:

grandmaster flash and the furious five, melle mel, afrika bambaataa and the soul sonic force, jazzy jay, marley marl, eric b and rakim, pete rock and cl smooth, big daddy kane, krs one…..and not forgetting, public enemy, nwa, gang starr, wu-tang, cypress hill, mob deep, a tribe called quest.

last updated: 7th july 2003