Interesting Facts About Hip-Hop: Culture, Dance & History

Hip-hop is not just music or dance; it's a whole subculture and lifestyle that began in the early 70s in America.

Those who live it daily also combine other art forms like graffiti and streetball. Immersing themselves in hip-hop, many spend years in this vibrant style, honing their skills on dance floors and at battles.

Hip-hop is unique because it replaced street fights. Many African-American gangs of that time started to realize that settling disputes could be done in a more cultured environment than knife fights. It expresses all the negative energy accumulated in a person and allows it to be released through dance and music.

One of the most unique facts about hip-hop is the combination of image and style of those who live it. Typically, it's loose-fitting, brightly colored clothing, long hair or dreadlocks, adorned with large chains and various symbols like skulls, stars, and bones.

At the end of the 20th century, Eminem was the only white hip-hop artist and the most popular rapper. Today, almost the entire world knows him across generations. He won the first Grammy in hip-hop, awarded in 2004 for Best Song. As a result, rap gained official status and recognition as a new direction within hip-hop.

Reggae, a style within hip-hop, also received awards and worldwide recognition. It was added to UNESCO's lists in 2018. This style came to us from Jamaica in the 1950s and achieved great heights over 68 years.

In the 1980s, soul music in street music became very popular thanks to Michael Jackson and Prince. They made it hugely popular, with young people eagerly dancing and mastering the solo style. It rose to become a commercial standard of modern R&B.

Soul blends with funk, and sometimes they are inseparable as distinct directions in hip-hop. Famous soul singers include Whitney Houston, as well as in some songs by David Bowie and Elton John.

Interestingly, soul was called "brown-eyed soul" when performed by Latinos in the US, and "blue-eyed soul" for white performers, ironically referencing their origins.

Jazz in hip-hop was first recorded on vinyl in New Orleans between 1917 and 1920, making it popular and danced everywhere: in venues, dance floors, street battles, and festivals. This period was called the Jazz Age, capturing its charm, musicality, and new wave of popularity.

The Recording Academy (Grammy) annually awards prizes to R&B performers, such as Best Female Vocal and Best Male Vocal.

The most expensive hip-hop album was released by Wu-Tang Clan in a single copy and sold at auction for a couple million dollars. The owner can only show it for free, distribute songs, or host mass listening sessions. Only in 2103 will they be able to profit from it.

In 1977, an extreme upheaval occurred in the hip-hop industry. During a massive blackout in New York, all hip-hoppers rushed to music stores and committed numerous thefts of electronic and percussion instruments, including speakers. After that, many musicians and dancers had a great opportunity to promote themselves and their skills.