The document discusses the history and background of the hip-hop genre. It outlines how hip-hop originated in the Bronx in the 1970s among African American and Latino communities, with elements like rapping, DJing, breaking and graffiti. It then discusses some of the most famous historic hip-hop artists like Biggie Smalls, Tupac, Eminem and 50 Cent. It also discusses influential hip-hop groups like D12 and G-Unit. Finally, it lists some current important innovators in the hip-hop genre like Akon, Lil Wayne, Kanye West and others who keep the genre popular and evolving.