1981 SPECIAL REPORT: "HIP-HOP..VERBAL GUNPOWDER" скачать в хорошем качестве

1981 SPECIAL REPORT: "HIP-HOP..VERBAL GUNPOWDER"

In 1981, hip hop was still an emerging genre, deeply rooted in the Bronx but starting to ripple outward. It was a pivotal year where the culture—music, breakdancing, graffiti, and DJing—began solidifying its identity while facing resistance from mainstream gatekeepers. Here’s a concise breakdown: Music Releases: 1981 saw early hip hop records gaining traction. Grandmaster Flash’s “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” was a groundbreaking track, showcasing turntablism with intricate scratching and mixing. It was one of the first records to capture the live DJ experience. Other notable releases included Afrika Bambaataa’s “Jazzy Sensation” (with the Jazzy 5) and Funky Four Plus One’s “That’s the Joint,” both raw and funky, blending rap with disco and funk influences. Live Performances: Hip hop was still primarily a live art form, with block parties and club performances in New York City driving the culture. Venues like the Roxy and Harlem World hosted legendary battles and shows, where DJs like Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa, alongside MCs, hyped crowds. Cultural Spread: The scene began reaching beyond the Bronx. The film Wild Style (released later but in production around this time) started documenting the culture, capturing its raw energy. Meanwhile, hip hop’s influence crept into downtown Manhattan’s art scene, with graffiti artists like Fab 5 Freddy bridging street culture and galleries. Sound and Style Production: Tracks relied heavily on live instrumentation or sampled funk and disco breaks, played by DJs using two turntables. Drum machines like the Roland TR-808 were just starting to appear, setting the stage for future innovations. Lyrical Themes: MCs focused on party rhymes, braggadocio, and social commentary. Lyrics were often freestyled or written for live crowds, emphasizing rhythm and crowd interaction over complex narratives. Fashion and Dance: B-boys and b-girls were defining breakdancing moves like the windmill and headspin. Fashion included Adidas tracksuits, Kangol hats, and Cazal glasses, reflecting street swagger. Challenges Mainstream Resistance: Hip hop faced skepticism from the music industry, often dismissed as a fad. Radio play was limited, and labels were hesitant to sign rap acts beyond novelty hits like “Rapper’s Delight” (1979). Socioeconomic Context: The Bronx’s economic struggles—poverty, gang violence, and urban decay—shaped hip hop’s raw edge and rebellious spirit. It was music born from resilience. Notable Figures Grandmaster Flash: Innovated DJ techniques, pushing turntablism forward. Afrika Bambaataa: Expanded hip hop’s reach through the Zulu Nation, blending music with social activism. Kool Moe Dee, Melle Mel, and others: Early MCs who set the standard for lyrical delivery. Impact 1981 was a year of laying foundations. Hip hop was still underground, but its energy was infectious, setting the stage for its explosion in the mid-80s with acts like Run-D.M.C. and the rise of Def Jam. It was raw, communal, and defiantly creative. #americanhistory #blackhistory #hiphophistory #oldschoolhiphop