50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Celebrated in New York City
NEW YORK CITY (WABC) — The vibrant and groundbreaking culture of Hip Hop is being celebrated throughout New York City on Friday, marking the 50th anniversary of its inception.
The commemoration began with a sensational concert on “Good Morning America” in Central Park, featuring three iconic Hip Hop legends: Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and Busta Rhymes. These artists, all hailing from New York, the birthplace of Hip Hop, paid tribute to the genre that has left an indelible mark on music and American culture.
The celebration continued with a star-studded lineup of performers at a massive concert held at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx on Friday night. Some of the artists who graced the stage during the “Good Morning America” concert were also set to perform, ensuring a night of electrifying entertainment for Hip Hop enthusiasts.
However, the real essence of Hip Hop was celebrated at a block party in the Bronx in the afternoon, paying homage to the genesis of this cultural movement. It was fifty years ago that DJ Kool Herc organized back-to-school parties in the rec room at the Sedgewick Houses in 1973, where young Black kids in the South Bronx experimented with a new sound that would revolutionize American culture forever.
In an interview with Eyewitness News, Hip Hop pioneer Krs-One reminisced about his youth, stating, “August 11, 1973, I was one of the many kids running up and down the block. We had no idea we were starting Hip Hop. And I look around now and say, ‘Man, look how far we’ve actually come over a 50-year period.’ 50 years of Hip Hop proves that you can do anything with your mind.”
To explore the rich history and impact of Hip Hop, tune in to the half-hour special, “The Bronx and Beyond: 50 years of Hip Hop,” airing on Eyewitness News at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, August 11. For an extended look, don’t miss the one-hour version on Channel 7 at 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 13. Both editions will also be available for streaming on-demand at ABC7NY.com and the ABC7NY app, accessible on Roku, FireTV, Apple TV, and Android TV.
In addition to the festivities, a tour group is sharing the rich history of Hip Hop in New York City with global fans, deepening their understanding and appreciation for this influential culture.
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As Hip Hop celebrates its golden anniversary, New York City is alive with the energy and creativity that this genre has brought to the world stage. Let us honor the pioneers, artists, and fans who have made Hip Hop an enduring force for the past five decades.