Kamala Harris hosted an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop at her official residence on Saturday. The Vice President welcomed numerous artists such as Common, D-Nice, Omarion, Jeezy, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, and more. She put on the event in collaboration with the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban.
“Hip hop is the ultimate American art form,” Harris said at the event. “Born at a back to school party in the Bronx, raised on the streets of Philadelphia, Chicago, Oakland and Atlanta, hip hop now shapes nearly every aspect of America’s popular culture and it reflects the incredible diversity and ingenuity of the American people.”
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 09: U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, at the Vice President’s residence on September 09, 2023 in Washington, DC. Harris held the event to celebrate hip hop and its contributions to the world and the Black community. Artists include Common, Jeezy, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante Lil Wayne and others performed to over 400 guests. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“To be clear, hip hop culture is America’s culture,” Harris further said, “It is music and melody and rhyme. Hip hop is also an ethos of strength and self-determination; of ambition and aspiration; of pride, power and purpose. Hip hop is a declaration of identity. It says I love who I am. I represent where I come from, and I know where I’m going.” Later in the day, Harris was seen dancing to Q-Tip’s “Vivrant Thing.” Check out a clip of that moment below.
Kamala Harris Dances To “Vivrant Thing”
Kamala Harris dancing to ‘Vivrant Thing’ by Q-Tip at her house party for the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop.
Several other politicians were in attendance as well including Rep. Steven Horsford, Rep. Cori Bush, and Sen. Raphael Warnock, as well as Maryland Gov. Wes Moore. At one point during the evening, comedian Deon Cole introduced Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason, Jr. “Every day, Vice President Harris is fighting for the people,” Mason, Jr. told the crowd. “She’s fighting for our people. Our vice president was rooted in hip-hop, and it’s essential to who she is.”
Big Daddy Kane recently appeared on the Drink Champs podcast, where he discussed Hip Hip 50, the importance of celebrating pioneers of the genre, going commercial, and more. The performer also shared his take on the origin of hip hop, claiming that it doesn’t have just one.
“Me as a student of hip hop, one thing I’ve always understood is that hip hop music has no origin,” he explains. “Grandmaster Caz said it best,” he continues, “hip hop didn’t invent anything, it reinvented everything.” Big Daddy Kane then went on to describe how hip hop is a conglomeration of various genres, pulling elements from jazz, rock, soul, and more. “That’s all I was doing, was incorporating elements that already been a part of hip hop,” he explains.
Big Daddy Kane then went on to discuss taking an experimental route to his beats early on, sharing why he chose to go a more commercial route with his sound. “I wanted to explore different things and try to open the mind frame of my fanbase, you know, to see a bigger picture,” he explained. “That’s what I was really trying to do. I just was a little too early with it.” He also adds that if he had waited a few years and done it through Bad Boy Records, he would have been a “bad motherf*cker.”
“I honestly don’t see what the problem is,” he says of going the commercial route. “I don’t have a problem with Hammer music, I didn’t have a problem with Fresh Prince music, because it was hip hop from a commercial standpoint. Everything don’t need to be thugged out.” Big Daddy Kane also describes feeling like there’s room for everyone to take whichever route they choose, regardless of backlash. He says that as long as artists are being themselves and speaking their own truth, nobody can hate on them. Leave your thoughts in the comments section, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Big Daddy Kane.
ESPN will premiere The Crossover on September 12. The latest episode of E: 60 will look at the intertwined histories of hip-hop and sports. Per ESPN, “Sports and Hip Hop are two pillars of Black culture that empowered a community to be heard and celebrated against the backdrop of cultural oppression and political persecution. As the 50th anniversary of the founding of Hip Hop is celebrated, a new ESPN special presentation examines the evolution of this defining culture and its relationship with sports. Soon, athletes and entertainers would step to the microphone and boldly become the sound of a new generation and an inspiration to their people. When the world looked to silence them, the culture found a way to speak louder than ever before. Muhammad Ali to Public Enemy, Jay-Z to Lebron James and beyond, the impact on sports has been indelible.”
Furthermore, the documentary will be narrated by Busta Rhymes. Rhymes is one of the most influential pillars of the hip-hop scene. This makes him the perfect voice for such a complex and nuanced documentary. The Crossover: 50 Years of Hip Hop and Sport will premiere at 7:30pm ET on September 12. Furthermore, it will be be available on demand via ESPN+ after airing.
“I knew I wanted to do something on it. But obviously, working for a sports platform, I thought, What angle can I approach to tell the story? And I thought I hadn’t seen anything on the connection of sports and hip hop. So that’s where the gist of it came from,” he said. “From there, I just started thinking about those connections. Then I started developing an idea and pitching it to the team,” director Julian Gooden said of The Crossover.
“I definitely feel like I learned a lot. I wouldn’t call myself an aficionado, but I grew up listening to hip hop. That’s what my connection to it was, living in the culture. We talk about the culture in the film a lot, and that’s the culture that I grew up listening to and watching. My heroes are Jay-Z and Diddy – these are the guys I looked up to, and that’s where my passion comes from. I want to tell stories that reflect the Black experience. This is a dream project because I lived it,” he continued.
21 Savage has taken his talents beyond the music industry, now entering the realm of gaming as a playable character in the renowned franchise Call of Duty. The popular game unveiled this exciting addition, allowing players to step into the shoes of the artist and engage in virtual combat. Call Of Duty Welcomes 21 Savage […]
After the success of Nicki Minaj’s implementation into Call of Duty, fans were hyped to see what Activision had done with 21 Savage. Savage was the last of the Hip-Hop 50 skins being added to the came, along with Snoop and Nicki. However, now that Savage is available, fans aren’t on board. “Why they got the man looking like 50 savage lol,” one person commented while another noted, “They made him buff!” Unlike Nicki’s impressive rendering, 21 Savage looks like a strange blend between himself and 50 Cent which was then run through a program to make it legally distinct.
However, not everyone was a hater. “Salute to all the Def Jam rappers who got taken advantage of back in the day using their name, image, and likeness in Def Jam Vendetta and never received the money due to them,” one fan wrote. “This new generation of artists like 21 Savage have their business in order.” The Hip-Hop 50 bundle is the latest pop culture addition to Call of Duty. Last month, the game introduced a bundle based on Prime Video’s The Boys. However, clearly, some aspects have been implemented than others.
However, the criticism continued. “This how you know they know nothing bout hip hop. They playing deadprez while showcasing 21 savage,” one person argued. Furthermore, many people pointed out that the devs missed a golden opportunity to name the bundle’s melee weapon “Issa Knife”. Instead, the weapon is simply called the “Slaughter King”.
“The community will never get actual character skins we actually want.. like #johnwick or #tylerrake or something related to actual combat. Nobody wanted superheroes with super powers and assault rifles… or Godzilla and King Kong… WTF was that about?!?! ,” one particularly commenter lamented. Meanwhile, many people simply said they were going to stick with the Nicki skin. While each bundle is only around $20, it was certainly a choice to stagger the releases. Regardless, it appears that this is more of a miss than anything else for the ever-popular military shooter. What do you think of the skin? Let us know below.
Big Daddy Kane took the stage at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town over the weekend, as part of a major Hip Hop 50 celebration. Another rapper joined him during the show, however, he was proven to be an unwelcome guest. The New York artist had to put the performance on pause to call out the masked man. In a clip of the incident, Big Daddy Kane is seen getting pretty heated, but luckily the man was escorted off the stage before things escalated.
As Big Daddy Kane performs, a man in a ski mask sneaks his way on, standing at the front of the stage. “You’re doing too much playboy,” Big Daddy Kane then tells him. “I need the stage, you’re doing too much.” Various members of the rapper’s crew are then seen heading for the man, asking him to leave. The man then says something that cannot be made out to the rapper, who didn’t take to it kindly. “That ain’t my f*cking problem,” he shouts back. The 54-year-old then begins to take off his jacket, when a crew member urges him to stay back.
Eventually, someone was able to get the man off the stage and Big Daddy Kane finished his set. The man in question was later discovered to be Kamanchi Sly, a UK rapper from the group Hijack. According to chatter online, his group’s performance kept getting pushed back, and he wasn’t happy about it.
The group shared a clip of the incident on social media the following day, airing their grievances with the set-up. “As per usual the DJs and Promoters of the show LICKED THE ARSE OF THE AMERICANS and disrespected UK side of the culture (HIJACK) by not letting us perform! You were always unprofessional CLOWNS,” they wrote. “So we walked on Kane’s set and he and they didn’t like it!” Keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Big Daddy Kane.
Nicki Minaj has officially debuted in the gaming world as a playable character in Call of Duty. This exciting news has generated immense buzz among her fans, who are eagerly diving into the game to take on the persona of their favorite artist. With her unique skins, powerful weapons, and extraordinary abilities, Nicki’s presence in […]
Many publications are rolling out content all year celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and Pitchfork is no different. The publication teamed up with legendary rapper Black Thought from The Roots to discuss hip-hop albums that inspired him. After identifying some certified classics like The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill and Outkast’s Speakerboxxx / The Love Below he shouted out a more recent project from A$AP Rocky. “This album ushered in a new era of New York hip-hop. It’s so braggadocious, it’s so macho, it’s so Harlem,” Black Thought said of Rocky’s 2013 album LongLiveA$AP. It wasn’t the only praise he had for the project either.
Thought elaborated on his love for the album. “It’s also genre-transcendent. He was able to blur the line between the New York hip-hop aesthetic—which was trending less at the time—and the aesthetic that was beginning to trend more: classic UGK, 8Ball, and MJG. He was the bridge between dope and trill in a way that was very necessary.” The rapper also dug into many of the reasons he sees parallels between himself and Rocky. “I see elements of myself in A$AP Rocky, and later on I’d find out we share a birthday. He’s named after Rakim, who’s a huge influence of mine. He’s mellow. But he’s also one of those people I admire for his ability to continue to innovate.”
Black Thought himself has been an influential force in rap for decades and that hasn’t slowed down in recent years. Earlier this year he teamed up with El Michels Affair for a critically acclaimed new collaborative album Glorious Game. The album features KIRBY, Son Little, and Brainstory.
That album served as a follow-up to another acclaimed collaboration last year. Black Thought teamed up with Danger Mouse on an album called Cheat Codes that managed to really live up to its name. What do you think of Black Thought’s praise of A$AP Rocky and his debut album? Let us know in the comment section below.
The pioneers of Hip Hop are responsible for the growth of the genre since the early 70s. The genre has enjoyed longevity and established many great talents as icons and legends in the music industry. Moreover, there are many Hip Hop pioneers who have continued to maintain media relevancy and constantly receive their flowers. Still, there are many other legacy acts that have been swept under the radar. Nonetheless, these icons have contributed greatly to the mainstream genre we know today.
Whether they have faded into obscurity, or have received way less love than they should be getting, it’s important to award them their due recognition. Before the big stars of this current generation of Hip Hop artists, these pioneers were pacesetters who set the stage for what Hip Hop has grown to become. Furthermore, they deserve to have their names immortalized in the halls of Hip Hop history.
Coke La Rock
US rapper Coke La Rock poses during the 50 years of Hip-Hop Grandmaster Flash and friends “Birth of a Culture: The Four Elements Block Party” at Capital One City Parks Foundation Summer Stage on August 4, 2023 in New York. As a teenager Grandmaster Flash began pioneering the turntable-as-instrument, playing the now iconic Bronx block parties that gave birth to hip-hop and revolutionized music.
Tonight, he was back home, commemorating 50 years of the genre with a performance that had New Yorkers born in the mid-20th century reliving their youth — and hip-hop’s. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
Coke La Rock holds a significant place in Hip Hop history as one of its earliest pioneers. The rapper is often credited as the first MC in Hip Hop culture and played a crucial role in the early days of Hip Hop as a result of his contributions. During the 1970s, when the genre was first taking shape in the Bronx, New York, he was at the forefront of the movement. He collaborated closely with DJ Kool Herc, another Hip Hop pioneer known for his creative DJing techniques. Together, they are credited with helping to create the foundation of what would eventually become Hip Hop music and culture.
This all-female Hip Hop trio was formed in 1979, and made significant contributions to the early development of the genre. The group was composed of three members: Angie “Angie B” Brown Stone, Cheryl “Cheryl the Pearl” Cook, and Gwendolyn “Blondie” Chisolm. The Sequence is recognized as one of the earliest female Hip Hop acts. Furthermore, the pioneers broke barriers in a male-dominated genre, challenging gender norms in Hip Hop. Their 1979 single, “Funk You Up,” was the first rap single released by a female group. Additionally, the group’s blend of rap, R&B, and funk had a lasting impact on subsequent generations of artists. Their contributions helped shape the direction of Hip Hop and its integration with other musical genres.
American rapper Schoolly D (Jesse Weaver) poses in front of a graffiti tagged wall on Harrow Road, London, UK, 1986. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)
During the early years of rap, this MC’s influential contributions helped to nurture the genre and push it forward. Schoolly D emerged in the mid-1980s as a rapper and producer. He quickly made a name for himself, pioneering the infamous “gangsta rap” subgenre. While he may not be able to take full credit for being the sole originator of gangsta rap, he is definitely one of the most significant contributors to the development of the subgenre. His gritty lyrics and unapologetic storytelling style set the stage for other gangsta rap artists like N.W.A. and Ice-T.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–FEBRUARY 24: Rapper Tone Loc (aka Anthony Terrell Smith) performs at the Copacabana on February 24, 1989 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The deep-voiced MC Tone Loc gained fame in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. The rapper and producer is known for his signature raspy voice and laid-back, humorous style. However, one little-known fact about the California native is that he is the first rapper to have a rap single certified platinum. The smash hit, “Wild Thing,” from his 1989 debut album Loc-ed After Dark was an instant classic upon its release. The song redefined what mainstream and commercial success could be in Hip Hop. More importantly, he changed the game in a distinctive way. Tone Loc was a key figure in the late ‘80s rap scene. Even today, his songs remain iconic examples of party rap.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–June 20–Rapper MC Lyte (aka Lana Moorer) appears in a portrait taken on June 20, 1991 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives).
At 17 years old, MC Lyte released her debut studio album in 1988 — a monumental feat that made her the first female rapper to release a solo rap album. The rapper and DJ is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of women in Hip Hop, and rightfully so. Lyte As A Rock, released to critical acclaim, was the first of its kind in the Hip Hop scene. Throughout her musical career, MC Lyte focused on positive and empowering themes in her lyrics. Through this, she earned respect as a conscious and thought-provoking artist. She is a trailblazer, and made impactful contributions to Hip Hop music, especially for female MCs.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–SEPTEMBER 19: Rap group Public Enemy (Flavor Flav (aka William Jonathan Drayton Jr.); Chuck D (aka Carlton Douglas Ridenhour) and Terminator X ( aka Norman Rogers)) appears on the “Public Enemy Week” segment of “Yo! MTV Raps” with hosts Doctor Dre’ (aka Andre Brown) and Ed Lover (aka James Roberts) on September 19, 1991 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Public Enemy is a pioneering rap group known for their politically charged lyrics, inventive production techniques, and sonic experimentation. The group was formed in Long Island, New York, and gained prominence in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Furthermore, their music served as a voice for marginalized communities, and a call to action against injustice. Public Enemy’s lyrics addressed issues of racial inequality, systemic oppression, and social justice, topics that were not often addressed in mainstream music at the time. Their confrontational and dauntless style helped cement them as pioneers in Hip Hop culture.
American rap group Run DMC pose at the Grammy Awards, 1980s. (L-R): Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell), Joe ‘Run’ Simmons and Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This legendary rap group consists of pioneers who played a pivotal role in shaping the Hip Hop genre’s mainstream acceptance. The group was formed in 1981, and was composed of rappers Joseph “Run” Simmons, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and DJ Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell. Run-D.M.C. is credited with revolutionizing Hip Hop, and was one of the first Hip Hop pioneers to emphasize the importance of the MC and DJ relationship. The group gained attention with their first single. Still, they enjoyed mainstream success as well after collaborating with Aerosmith on a remake of their song, “Walk This Way.” However, it was Run-D.M.C.’s third album, Raising Hell,that catapulted them to superstardom. Overall, their impact extends beyond music, and they have built a legacy for themselves in the Hip Hop scene and beyond.
Jermaine Dupri seemed to rub folks the wrong way with his tweet about brands not honoring Atlanta’s contributions during Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary. “no brands have done any dinners or get-togethers in Atlanta celebrating the 50 anniversary of Hip Hop,” he wrote on Friday (August 18). His comments sparked a firestorm of controversy as his tweet made its rounds on social media.
However, not a ton of folks seemed to agree with Jermaine Dupri. Since the post, he’s received an onslaught of criticism, with fans asking why doesn’t he do it himself. “Nigga ain’t YOU a brand from Atlanta?! Why YOU ain’t do nothing,” one person commented. Another fan wrote: “I’m not even trying to be rude. I consider you a legend. So I’m wondering why don’t you do one?’” Conversely, on Monday (August 21), Dupri returned to Twitter to address the negative feedback.
Jermaine Dupri Says He Has No Beef With Hip Hop 50 Events In New York
Its crazy! I see someone is trying to take my tweet and create the narrative that Im mad about what’s been happening in NY for #Hiphop50 compared to what’s been happening in Atlanta,lol that’s completely false, My statement was all buisness related
Dupri also made it clear that he has no beef with New York and that his sentiments were regarding business. “I see someone is trying to take my tweet and create the narrative that [I’m] mad about what’s been happening in NY for #HipHop50 compared to what’s been happening in Atlanta, lol that’s completely false,” he tweeted. “My statement was all [business] related.”
In other related news, Jermaine Dupri and Drake have teamed up for a docu-series about the iconic Atlanta club, Magic City. The series will detail the back story of the famous venue and its decades-long influence on rap. Charles Todd will serve as the director of Magic City: An American Fantasy. 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi, among others, will all be making appearances. “Magic City is a second home for me. It’s the one place where celebrities, hustlers, politicians, and Atlanta locals all come together. I’ve watched it evolve over the years from a local joint to an internationally recognized spot. It’s about time we tell this story the right way,” executive producer Dupri said in a statement.
