The Last Poets, a collective of spoken word artists release their debut album. Their work is considered a predecessor to rap music as it is part of the Black Arts Movement.

DJ Kool Herc (Clive Campbell) hosts what is considered the first hip hop party on Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx.

Graffitti tagging spreads throughout the boroughs of New York City. Taggers would write their name followed by their street number.

(Example Taki 183)

Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash and Grandmaster Caz are all influenced by DJ Kool Herc. They all begin DJing at parties throughout the Bronx.

Bambaata establishes the Zulu Nation—a group of graffiti artists and breakdancers.

Grandmaster Flash invents a new method of DJing. His method connects two songs during their beat breaks.

Mcing, which came from shouting during DJ sets is formed Coke La Rock and Clark Kent. This art

DJ Grand Wizard Theodore developed a further method of DJing—scratching a record under the needle.

Hip hop culture continues to spread throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

The Rock Steady Crew is formed by break dancers Jojo and Jimmy D.

Graffiti artist Lee Quinones begins painting murals on basketball/handball courts and subway trains.

Entrepreneur and record label owner records the Sugar Hill Gang. The group is the first to record a commercial song, known as “Rapper’s Delight.”

Rapper Kurtis Blow becomes the first hip hop artist to sign to a major label, releasing “Christmas Rappin” on Mercury Records.

New Jersey radio station WHBI airs Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack on Saturday evenings. The late night radio show is considered one of the factors that led hip hop to become mainstream.

“To the Beat Y’All” is released by Wendy Clark also known as Lady B. She is considered on of the first female hip hop rap artists.

Kurtis Blow’s album “The Breaks” is released. He is the first rapper to appear on national television.

“Rapture” is recorded infusing rap music with pop art.

“Gigolo Rap” is released by Captain Rapp and Disco Daddy. This is considered the first

BlackFacts Details

New Jersey opens public schools for black children.

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