August 11, 1973, is a date that will always be cherished, and rightfully so! It was on that date 50 years ago in the Bronx, that an artform became an official rite of passage for urban creatives. Known as the “Sacred-ground”, the 1520 Community Center, located at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue became known as the official ‘Birthplace of Hip Hop.’
The art form of expression known as hip-hop was made whole on that Saturday evening. A “Back-to-School” Jam, hosted and organized by DJ Kool Herc in lieu of request by his sister Cindy Campbell, gave birth to a culture, which influences society today. The jam incorporated breakin’, Emceeing’, graffiti artists’, and DJ Kool Herc’s “merry-go-round” style of deejaying. The technique involved extending an instrumental and breaking the beats to allow people to dance longer while he MC’d through the set. The rest is History! Today, the 1520 Community Center is an official Historical Landmark, and the birthplace of hip-hop.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Hip-hop, pioneer and social activist for the art, KRS-One and his team are commemorating the day with a series on hip-hop and its origins. The birthplaceofhiphop.nyc is the official web address where fans and hip-hop enthusiasts can share in event series featuring community-based programs, and Hip-hop masterclasses curated and hosted by KRS-One, himself. In addition, the site also features videos, pictures, commentary, and history on the origins of hip-hop.
the birthplaceofhiphop.nyc cordially invites the general public to join Online from August 11th 2023 Onward as they Honor and Celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary with a Private Showings Of A Mind-Blowing 1520 Community Center “Exhibit” explaining the history and significance of the 1520 Community Center and its lasting impact on Hip Hop * August 11th is a Online Event Only! The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Block Festival is open to the Public
“The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop is a global movement that speaks to the grit, voice, and power of how it came to be in the first place – we used our voices when they tried to silence us. We used our creativity when they tried to stifle us. We created the culture because we wanted to stand out and stand up for our artistry. Hip Hop is the people’s movement. I am excited to showcase this to the world in the space where it all began at 1520 Sedgwick in the Community Center. It feels right to be here, where it all began.” KRS-One
THE HIP HOP 50 YEARS BLOCK FESTIVAL (AUGUST 12, 2023)
