This year we celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop. Born at a birthday party in the rec room of an apartment building in The Bronx, New York City on August 11, 1973 -- Hip-Hop's cultural impact is still growing and rising to new heights as one of the most influential musical art forms.
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As part of the celebration of Hip-Hop’s journey through the years, artists, cities, events, and stories, were asking artists, actors and anyone who’s willing, to share some of their firsts when it comes to the influential and trailblazing genre and culture that is Hip-Hop.
Joining in on the celebration and conversation, Wu-Tang Clan de facto founder and legend RZA shared about the moment that made him go “this is Hip-Hop,” as well as what song first made him fall in love with the genre.
“When I heard the music and seen kids breakdancing and felt the spirit that jolted my whole body, I knew that this was Hip Hop and it was what I’m gonna do,” RZA expressed. As for his favorite song, that RZA admitted he “got from the streets.”
“I learned Hip Hop from the parks of New York, watching DJs in the streets just freestylin and I just fell in love with it,” RZA recalled. “It was like 1976, and they didn’t put it on the radio until 3 years later, 1979, and that’s when I heard Sugarhill Gang 'Rapper’s Delight,' and from that moment I knew my calling.”
Stay tuned as Audacy continues to celebrate the birth and trailblazing influence of Hip-Hop. Check out audacy.com/hiphopmade all through 2023 for more. And listen to your favorite music on Audacy's Hip Hop Made suite of stations, as well as Conscious Hip Hop, Hip Hop Uncut, Women of Hip Hop, and more -- plus check out our talent-hosted Ed Lover's Timeless Throwbacks and Greg Street's Dirty South Hip Hop!
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