Hip-hop has a rich culture that swept across all art forms. The movement’s origins came about in the Bronx borough of New York City in the 1970s. During this time, large groups of people would host block parties. These gatherings became a centerplace for creative inspiration and allowed hip-hop’s influence to spread into music, poetry, visual art, fashion, and even philosophy.
Although hip-hop culture is wide-reaching, its foundation can be broken into these five elements – MCing, DJing, breakdancing, graffitiing, and the knowledge of self.
What are the 5 Elements/Characteristics of Hip-Hop?
1. MCing
MCing is a term associated with the person hosting a staged event or entertainment performance. MC stands for Master of Ceremonies and describes an individual who introduces performers and entertains the audience. In music, the MC, or rapper, performs rhythmically spoken or sung vocals overtop original lyrics. During live events, the MC’s job is to use rhyming verses (pre-written or freestyled) to introduce and support the DJ, keep the audience engaged, and promote their own selves.
2. DJing
DJing is short for disc jockeying. It is the act of making new music from preexisting, recorded tracks for a live audience. The preexisting, recorded tracks can come from cassettes, digital files, a controller, a laptop, vinyl records, or other audio sources.
The DJ was the center of attention when hip-hop entered New York City’s clubs and block parties in the 70s. The most popular and successful DJs were able to draw a large following and entertain massive crowds of people.
3. Breakdance
Breakdancing is the physical, dance element of hip-hop, and is also referred to as “breaking” or “b-boying”. It is an energetic and athletic form of dance that incorporates stylized moves that can be broken into four categories – toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes. Break dancing requires a lot of improvisation that focuses on portraying energy, creativity, humor, and risk to the audience.
The term “break” comes from the continuous dance beats of hip-hop DJs, which would be played repeatedly to allow space for b-boys to perform. DJ Kool Herc is credited with pioneering the song breaks and encouraging b-boys to fill the space with break-dancers’ signature gymnastic moves.
4. Graffiti
Graffiti is the visual element of hip-hop. It is an art form that expresses an act of rebellion as well as resistance through questioning what art is and looks like. Graffiti can be defined as any type of writing or drawing put illicitly on a wall or surface in a public space.
This art form can be traced back to ancient Rome, but the urban interpretation of graffiti (involving spray paint and stylized images) began in New York City in the late 60s to early 70s. It is believed that urban graffiti was born in subway trains by Taki 183 who would ride the trains and write his name in permanent marker everywhere he went. Over the next decade, an interview with Taki 183 by the New York Times exploded this art form into a cultural expression of style, creativity, and resistance.
5. Knowledge of Self
Knowledge of self references “the Afro-diasporic mix of spiritual and political consciousness designed to empower members of oppressed groups” (Louay Chakroun). Knowledge is the glue that holds the above-mentioned artistic expressions within the context of hip-hop culture. It honors the ways that hip-hop stands apart from mainstream society and encourages individuals to embrace their differences and express themselves in ways that the world can witness.
What is the History of These Elements?
Hip-hop’s roots can be traced back to the late 60s and early 70s in the Bronx borough of New York City. The culture’s richness started as a collaboration among Black, Latinx, and Caribbean Americans. The communities would have gatherings called block parties where DJs would play a blend of soul and funk music.
On August 11th, 1973, DJ Kool Herc hosted a block party called “Back to School Jam” at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. This party is accredited with turning the switch and unleashing the sea of creativity and innovation that became hip-hop culture.
DJ Kool Herc began spinning the same record on twin turntables and extending the percussion breaks to give space for a continuous dance beat. Dancers began filling the floor, showing off these impressively athletic moves that energized the audience. The night was invigorating and inspired a competition amongst DJs in the Bronx. Everyone was out to beat Kool Herc’s innovation and entertainment.
The dance parties facilitated by the DJs during this time became a magnet for other art forms to unfold. Soon dancers would fill the song’s percussion breakdowns with new moves that would become known as breakdancing. The MCs would rap lyrics over the DJs tracks, introduce the dancers, and ensure the crowd is entertained. Graffiti artists would take the newness of these creative spaces and use them to inspire their rebellion against classically accepted art. Then, the knowledge and awareness of their individuality and differences started to inform the philosophy of hip-hop culture.
Who are Kool Herc and Kurtis Blow?
Kool Herc is a Jamaican American DJ who is accredited as the originator of hip-hop music in the Bronx, New York City. His creation of the breakbeat became the foundation of hip-hop music.
Kurtis Blow was the first commercially successful rap artist. He was the first rap artist to sign with a major label and go on an international tour. He is accredited as the first widely known rap artist to secure a far reaching and marketable audience.
Why are These Elements Important?
Hip-Hop Culture vs. Elements
The elements of hip-hop are important because they are the fundamental pieces of the overall culture within which hip-hop exists. Hip-hop originated among the predominantly, economically depressed Black, Latinx, and Caribbean Americans of the Bronx. It was a movement born out of society’s margins, giving space for the richness of these groups’ voices.
The elements of hip-hop are the avenue through which expressions of resistance, creativity, and innovation could be witnessed, and, for that reason, should be understood within the consideration of the larger message hip-hop’s culture is portraying.
Are There Other Elements to Hip-Hop?
Among the five elements listed above, some hip-hop artists and scholars would also include beatboxing. Beatboxing is where individuals use their mouths to create vocal tracts mimicking percussion sounds.
Beatboxing goes back centuries, all the way to North Indian music where table bols were used to mimic tabla drums. From there, this art form’s evolution could be found in African spiritual music, the scatting in jazz, and the bass hums of blues. Mainstream beatboxing arose in New York City in the 70s alongside hip-hop culture and gave artists a platform for accompanying MCs and DJs in their music.
Further Reading
Many hip-hop artists were great dancers without formal training. In the spirit of this, you may also enjoy reading our article Can Anybody Dance?: Factors, evidence, and tips, where you can get even more information on the nature of the legendary world of hip-hop dance.