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
CHAPTER ONE 6
IT STARTED WITH A PARTY In 1973 Cindy Campbell wanted to buy some new clothes It was almost time to head back to school in New York City She did not want to show up in the same outfits that all her friends would be wearing She wanted to shop at fancy clothing stores But the clothes these stores sold were expensive With her birthday coming up Cindy got an idea She would throw a huge party She designed a flyer to invite many people She charged them admission to get into her party Cindy knew her party had to be great to attract many people Cindy asked her older brother Clive to be the disc jockey DJ Clive Campbell also known as DJ Kool Herc looks through his records as he DJs at a party in England 7
