Hip hop originated in the South Bronx in the 1970s and is characterized by four elements: rap music, turntablism, breaking, and graffiti art. It began as a reactionary outlet for expressing the violence and poverty of urban environments. Key figures like DJ Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa established pillars of hip hop culture. Hip hop music emerged with DJs looping breaks and was accompanied by rapping. The culture has since spread globally while retaining its ability to challenge social issues.