Hip hop

Artist: Luveight Studio, Indonesia

Hip hop is a cultural movement that emerged in the African-American communities of the Bronx in New York City in the early 1970s . It includes four main elements: MCing (rap), DJing (music production), breakdancing (dance), and graffiti (visual art).

Hip hop's roots lie in social and economic challenges, especially in New York's neglected neighborhoods. DJs like Kool Herc began extending breaks (instrumental or percussive musical sections) from funk and soul songs at block parties, allowing dancers to show off their breakdancing skills. MCs began talking and later rapping over these breaks to entertain and motivate the audience.

Hip hop quickly spread throughout the United States and then around the world, evolving both musically and culturally. It became a medium for social expression and political protest, evident in lyrics that often address injustice and urban experiences. Today, hip hop is one of the most influential and commercially successful music genres worldwide.