Born in the Bronx: Grammys celebrate 50th anniversary of hip-hop

Herc Holdings

06/02/2023 05:19

By Danielle Broadway
       LOS ANGELES, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The 65th annual Grammys
celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip-hop on Sunday with
performances from some of the genre's top names, including
Grandmaster Flash, Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne and Salt-N-Pepa. 
    Questlove of the Roots curated the tribute performance and
served as producer and musical director. 
    LL Cool J began the tribute with a dedication to hip-hop. 
    He said they were unable to go through all the genre’s
history from 1973 to 2023, but told the audience they were in
for three major chapters that chronicled the evolution of the
genre.  
    Taking viewers through hip-hop history, each performance
explored the legacy of hip-hop style, choreography and tone.  
    The music, known for a quick beat and a raw sound, was born
in the Bronx and reflected the struggle of urban life,
predominantly in Black, Latino and Caribbean neighborhoods. It
eventually went on to become a global sensation.  
    From dance, deejaying, rapping and soul, hip-hop expresses
issues of social injustice, the joy of dance, and the importance
of community.  
    The genre emerged when DJ Kool Herc, whose real name is
Clive Campbell, hosted a back-to-school party in the Bronx and
was dubbed the “father of hip-hop."  
 (Reporting by Danielle Broadway;
Editing by Mary Milliken and Gerry Doyle)
 ((Danielle.Broadway@thomsonreuters.com;))