DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy threw a party in the Bronx on August 11, 1973. That party is widely considered to be the birthplace of hip-hop — 50 years ago.

The worldwide influence of hip-hop is unmistakable, and we’re giving it a proper tribute. Every week starting February 1, KEXP’s editorial team and DJs are bringing you personal reflections, iconic tracks and albums, and conversations about how it all began.

Introducing: 50 Years of Hip-Hop from listener-powered KEXP. 

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Larry Mizell Jr. kicks off the series in 1994 with "Stress" by Organized Konfusion. The lyrics convey an epigenetic phenomenon, which many Black people experience to this day. 

Written by Larry Mizell Jr.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Read the full transcript on KEXP.org

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Martin Douglas revisits 2018 with “Vindaloo” by Armand Hammer. ELUCID and billy woods approach rap from two very different creative workflows—and that actually works in their favor to create their own unique flavor.

Written by Martin Douglas.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Read the full transcript on KEXP.org

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Gabriel Teodros revisits 1987 with “Paid in Full” by Eric B. and Rakim, whose style of rhyming left an unmistakable mark on the rhythm and flow of rap that came after them. 

Written by Gabriel Teodros.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Read the full transcript on KEXP.org

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Dusty Henry revisits 2002 with the track “Work It” by Missy Elliott. That song helped define the turn of the millennium, and Missy’s career paved the way for a new generation of artists, including KEXP's very own Stas THEE Boss. 

Written by Dusty Henry.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Special thanks to Stas THEE Boss.

Read the full transcript on KEXP.org

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To kick off the series, host Larry Mizell Jr sits down with KEXP DJs Reverend Dollars, Vitamin D, and Gabriel Teodros to discuss the idea of hip-hop being born on one particular day. They talk about the broader origins and inspirations of hip-hop as an art form.

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Larry Mizell Jr. revisits 1975 with the track “Let’s Take It to the Stage” by Funkadelic, which featured rap before “Rapper’s Delight.” He'll also give a lesson in etymology that you won’t soon forget.

Written by Larry Mizell Jr.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Read the full transcript on KEXP.org

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Dusty Henry revisits 1977 when Grand Wizzard Theodore debuted a revolutionary DJing technique: scratching. He quite literally stumbled into it when he was just 12 years old. 

Written by Dusty Henry.

Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.

Read the full transcript on KEXP.org

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.