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Hip-hop is a genre of music that emerged during the early 1970s. This genre consists of drumbeats with rapping. Hip-hop music developed from the hip-hop genre, which holds 4 key elements that help define it (DJing/turntablism, MCing/rapping, B-boying/breaking, and visual/graffiti art). The development of this genre is largely attributed to African Americans, Latino Americans, and Caribbean Americans. The term "hip-hop" is commonly used interchangeably with "rap." The origin of hip-hop can be traced to block parties that took place in the Bronx. The block parties were held by aspiring DJs who would bring their equipment to parks, schoolyards, or street corners and illegally tap the city's power to get their parties going.

Pioneers of Hip-hop
Largely regarded as the founding fathers of the hip-hop genre, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa are held to high regard. Grandmaster is widely considered to be the inventor of the fundamental techniques used by DJs to create sound. Born Joseph Saddler on January 1, 1958, Flash's family immigrated to the South Bronx at an early age. Studying electronics at high school, Flash would regularly attend block parties that were hosted by DJ Kool Herc. He was inspired by the music he heard and quickly developed new turntable techniques that he could call his own.

Born Clive Campbell on April 16, 1955, in Kingston, Jamaica, DJ Kool Herc was surrounded by music. His father owned many records from various genres of music. At the age of twelve, Herc's family immigrated to the Bronx. He became interested in sound systems when his mother allowed him to join her at local block parties. DJ Kool Herc became a prominent DJ who used funk and disco records to create breakbeats. Herc would verbally accompany the music by rhyming, pioneering MCing, or rapping.

Lance Taylor, professionally known as Afrika Bambaataa, was born on April 17, 1957. He grew up in the Bronx and was raised by his immigrant parents. His mother and uncle were well-known activists in their community. At a young age, Taylor joined the Black Spades street gang, becoming immersed in gang life. Taylor longed for peace and wanted to find a way out. He used music as a tool. Being exposed to music through his mother's record collection helped him gain an ear for music. He knew how to play multiple instruments. Using his notoriety in the community to his advantage, Taylor held parties and drew large crowds wherever he went. He would regularly DJ at these parties. As a producer, Afrika Bambaataa popularized sampling beats from various genres of music. He is well known for his use of drum machines and electronic sounds to create the subgenre of electro-funk.

Technology
The technology used by DJs to produce music was essential to the development of the hip-hop genre. One of the most important pieces of technology was the drum machine. The most recognizable model of the drum machine was the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. Noted for its affordability and distinctive bass drum sound, the Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer was deemed a commercial failure. However, the drum machine developed an underground following. This specific model is credited with the rise of hip-hop in the early 1980s.