Reimagining the Origins of Hip-Hop: Beyond the Stereotypes
Throughout the past 50 years, there have been endless clichés and assumptions about hip-hop. One of the most monotonous notions is that hip-hop originates solely from the streets, with limited authenticity depending on where it comes from. However, the truth is that hip-hop is primarily cultivated by individuals who choose to stay indoors. Behind all the bravado and showmanship displayed at park gatherings, parties, live performances, and visually captivating album covers and music videos, lie countless hours spent in solitary or collaborative practice sessions. Nestled in these rooms, filled with stacks of records, hip-hop artists delve into an ocean of experimentation and study.
The Vital Role of Records in Shaping Hip-Hop
The significance of records cannot be overstated in the story of hip-hop’s evolution. From the earliest days of the culture, the first rappers or M.C.s introduced listeners to the D.J.: actively saying, “Listen to what he’s doing.” Armed with two turntables and a mixer, the D.J. crafted compositions in real-time, utilizing a continuously growing library of beats and sounds that would later become the bedrock of hip-hop. This diverse collection of records would eventually dominate the pop music landscape in the ’90s and early 2000s, with musicians and producers consistently drawing inspiration from it.
Preserving the Essence of the First Hip-Hop Generation
The records themselves encapsulate the spirit of the original hip-hop generation. Growing up in 1970s and ’80s New York, primarily in African American or Caribbean households, these individuals held records as cherished possessions within music-filled homes. These records were proudly displayed and handled with utmost care. This generation coincided with the peak influence of records, with D.J.s such as Frankie Crocker serving as revered figures in popular culture. Their access to specific records, both on the airwaves and in discotheques (meaning “record library” in French), created an aura of mystique and power.
The Natural Evolution of Hip-Hop’s D.J.s
It should come as no surprise that the new wave of D.J.s responsible for the creation of hip-hop, including iconic figures like Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa, became avid collectors. Records transformed into more than just a medium for reproduction, taking on the role of instruments in the hands of these D.J.s. They approached record-playing as a form of actual play, turning D.J.ing into a sport that required breaking the boundaries set by their parents. By using records as instruments and manipulating performances, D.J.s seamlessly melded with traditional musicians.
The Thrill of the Hunt and Hip-Hop’s Evolutionary Process
The pursuit of records became an essential part of the hip-hop culture. However, it wasn’t merely about finding complete songs but rather the individual components that made them remarkable. D.J.s sought out drum breaks that could be extended by utilizing two copies and turntables (or a paused cassette deck). They also hunted for powerful horn hits and captivating snippets of vocals. While these records held immense value, it had little to do with the reasons their parents cherished them. In fact, record store managers in New York City were puzzled by the influx of kids seeking vintage vinyl rather than the latest releases on their shelves.
Evolving from D.J.s to Producers: A New Era
In the early 1980s, as hip-hop compositions began appearing on records, D.J.s transitioned into the role of producers and beat makers. Armed with tools like multitrack recorders and digital samplers, artists now had the power to craft entire songs using pre-recorded sound. The collection of break records expanded exponentially, thanks in large part to the efforts of renowned collectors like “Breakbeat Lou” Flores and Lenny Roberts. They painstakingly created compilation albums that showcased the most elusive tracks. One prominent example is the beloved series “Ultimate Breaks and Beats,” which made its way to small record stores across the United States and eventually the world. These nearly 200 songs became the universal language of hip-hop.
Unearthing the Hidden Influences: Connecting the Dots
You may be unaware of your familiarity with these records. The Honeydrippers and their song “Impeach the President” might be foreign to you, yet its first two measures influenced hits by Janet Jackson and Alanis Morissette. If you enjoyed Hanson’s “MMMBop,” Justin Bieber’s “Die in Your Arms,” or Travis Scott’s recent hit “HYAENA,” it’s because a D.J. once dug deep and unearthed two copies of Melvin Bliss’s “Synthetic Substitution.” It’s remarkable that all these pivotal break records were released 50 years ago, in 1973. These trace elements of hip-hop’s inception still resonate within our musical DNA.
The Infinite Potential of Hip-Hop: An Ever-Growing Collection
As D.J. Rob Swift points out, the true power of hip-hop lies in its capacity to accumulate and incorporate anything, be it songs, TV commercials, or movies. This absorption only amplifies its influence. With the advent of digital samplers, hip-hop’s collection expanded dramatically. Collectives like A Tribe Called Quest and prolific producers such as Prince Paul, Pete Rock, and Premier broadened their search beyond drums, venturing into the realm of harmonic and melodic material. Suddenly, parents’ record libraries filled with jazz, soul, rock, and salsa became intriguing sources of inspiration. Mr. Swift himself recalls the moment he found Los Angeles Negros’ “El Rey y Yo” in his Colombian immigrant father’s collection, realizing that his dad’s musical preferences had already been certified as hip-hop through songs by Biz Markie and KMD.