DJing, MCing, Breaking, Graffiti Art, and Beatbox are the creative outlets of Hip-Hop culture. Like punk and the blues, these arts allowed people to make a statement, whether political or emotional. This practices spread globally around the 1980s as fans could "make it their own" and express themselves in new and creative ways. Hip Hop got one of its big boosts during the Harlem Renaissance with the increased promotion of African American culture.
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JDL at Skatin’ Palace, 1981. © Joe Conzo |
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Almighty KG of the Cold Crush Brothers at Harlem World, 1981. © Joe Conzo |
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Charlie Chase of the Cold Crush Brothers at Norman Thomas High School, 1981. © Joe Conzo |
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Little Crazy Legs strikes an impromptu pose during Wild Style shoot, Riverside Park, Manhattan, 1983. © Martha Cooper |
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High Times Crew breaking outside transit police station, Washington Heights, Manhattan, 1980. © Martha Cooper |
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Afrika Bambaata, Bronx, 1983. © Janette Beckman |
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LL Cool J with Cut Creator, E-Love, and B-Rock, 1986. © Janette Beckman |
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Chuck D. of Public Enemy, 1987. © Janette Beckman |
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EPMD, 1989. © Janette Beckman and Jester |
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Slick Rick, 1989. © Janette Beckman and Morning Breath |
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Salt-N-Pepa, 1987. © Janette Beckman and Claw Money |
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Stetsasonic, 1988. © Janette Beckman and Chino |
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JDL and Grandmaster Caz at Club Negril, 1981. © Joe Conzo |
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Busta Rhymes from Leaders of the New School, 1990. © Janette Beckman |