2. Block Parties
Started in the mid-to-late 70s in New
York, block parties became part of the
culture of the young black population in
areas like the Bronx.
Using big speaker stack and powerful
amps used to play loud dance music.
DJs played stripped down instrumental
dance records with an MC (Master of
Ceremonies) chatting on a microphone,
similar to toasting used by reggae sound
systems.
Often held outside where power for the
DJs sound system was taken illegally from
streetlights.
3. Break Dancing
In 1969, James Brown released his big
hit “Get on the Good Foot,” when he
performed his hit he did a kind of
high energy, almost acrobatic dance.
By the time the Good Foot became
the new dance style, the tradition of
dance battle was well established.
Dancers would gather at places like
Harlem World on 116th Street in
Harlem and Battle-dance wise.
Dancers created a style called
Breakdancing – a combination of
gymnastics and dance.
James Brown, “Get on
Good Foot”
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=yBLUSmFN2i8
4. Cultural background to Hip hop
Rap didn’t have much commercial success in the
early 1980s, though some did become
international hits. The sound influenced pop music
using beats pieced together using sampled loops
and scratching.
Run-D.M.C. and the Beastie Boys were some of the
first to gain consistent chart success. This era
became know as the Golden Age of rap
Many songs dealt with social situation of African
Americans and political issues.
Gangsta Rap promotes violence against enemies
and society in general and a criminal gang lifestyle.
Women are treated as objects to be bought and
sold and pimping is promoted and glorified. Acts
like N.W.A. were forerunners of this approach and
made West Coast Hip hop.
