November’s exhibit celebrates National Hip-Hop Month.  The origins of hip-hop culture can be traced to a dance party in August 1973 in the Bronx.  DJ Kool Herc used a technique of toggling twin turntables to extend percussion breaks in songs, which attracted more dancers to the floor.  This technique quickly caught on by other DJs.  Using existing material (such as this technique) to make something new, breaking (hip-hop dance), rapping and competition are all major defining components of Hip-Hop and the Hip-Hop movement.

History and Concept of Hip-Hop Dance

Elements of Style, Volume 1, Episode 1, Urban Wear: Hip Hop Hooray

Safi Thomas: The History and Structure of Hip Hop

Be the Music in Hip Hop

Hip-Hop Storm = 街舞狂潮