The History of Hip Hop

"Boombox Echoes: The Definitive Hip-Hop Journey of the 80s"

*** Author of "Rapper's Delight" essay currently archived at the Library of Congress ***

*** Guest speaker of BBC2 Radio "Rapper's Delight 40th Anniversary" by DJ Trevor Nelson - September 2019 ***

Immerse yourself in a time of lyrical innovation, funky beats, and social commentary with Eric Reese's "History of Hip Hop: Volume 2". This pivotal decade propelled hip-hop from urban streets into the global consciousness, becoming an unstoppable force in the world of music.

Embark on a journey from the birth of iconic hip-hop groups like Public Enemy, N.W.A., and Run-D.M.C., to the rise of the 'Golden Age of Hip Hop'. Discover the unique blend of social critique and storytelling which defined this era, as well as the emergence of beatboxing and lyrical innovation that continues to influence modern hip-hop.

Beyond just music, Reese explores the social and cultural impact of hip-hop, including its influence on fashion, cinema, and its role in highlighting racial and social issues. The 80s saw hip-hop evolve from a nascent movement into a culture-shaping phenomenon.

In this insightful guide, you'll dive into:

Old School vs New School: The defining elements and key artists of each sub-genreThe Birth of Gangsta Rap: How N.W.A. and Ice-T pioneered a controversial sub-genreThe Breakdance Revolution: The impact of hip-hop on dance cultureFrom Vinyl to MTV: The role of media and technology in promoting hip-hopHip-Hop Activism: The genre's influence on socio-political discussionsEast Coast vs West Coast: The geographical influences shaping hip-hop's evolution"History of Hip Hop: Volume 2" provides an in-depth look at a decade when hip-hop found its voice and used it to challenge the status quo. This was the era when hip-hop boomed from every boombox, narrating the struggles and victories of urban life.

Experience the decade where hip-hop found its rhythm, shook the world, and proved it was here to stay. Embrace the echoes of the boombox era and delve into a decade that changed the musical landscape forever.