CONTENTS A LETTER FROM DUCHESS 4 CHAPTER ONE It Started with a Party 6 CHAPTER TWO The Rise of Hip Hop 14 CHAPTER THREE Hip Hop's Message 22 CHAPTER FOUR Hip Hop's Legacy 32 Fast Facts 42 Stop and Think 44 Glossary 45 Online Resources 46 Learn More 46 About the Authors 47 Index 48
A LETTER FROM DUCHESS When I was ten years old I saved enough money to buy my first album It was a hip hop album by the Sugarhill Gang called Rapper's Delight At such a young age I did not have the language to express why I liked it so much but I enjoyed the fact that my parents did not think it was real music This is a common occurrence in American culture Young people often create music that breaks away from the traditions of the previous generation Hip hop music is very different from other musical styles The hip hop movement began in the 1970s It included music and other forms of self expression Hip hop music has evolved since then The hip hop music that my children listen to is different from Rapper's Delight But it has similar themes and messages It is still a way for Black people and minorities to express themselves It continues to bring attention to social issues such as discrimination and poverty It has the power to inspire change Please join me in exploring the history and evolution of hip hop Duchess harris 4
5 Salt N Pepa was one of the first all female hip hop groups
