Hip hop turned 50 this year! As celebrations are happening all throughout the year, in this episode I take a moment to reflect. Born and raised in the South Bronx, the birthplace of hip hop, it’s no surprise that I became an emcee. First as a solo artist (Harryowell 😂), then as part of a group with my brother and a neighborhood friend (The Bad Brother 3- 😂), and eventually returning as a solo gospel artist (Bomani). Officially, I unplugged the mic in 2008 (but an emcee never really retires – though we probably should😉).
Hip hop is a prime example of how African Americans, up from slavery, Jim Crow, poverty and our continued struggle for diversity, equity, and inclusion, infuse creativity into the resources available to them. Making lemonade out of lemons. In this case, turning it into a 16 billion dollar industry.
It’s truly incredible to witness the evolution of hip hop. It has permeated nearly every aspect of our global culture.
Hats off to all of the artists that survived the birth of hip hop and navigated the parasitic nature of heads of record companies and agents to carve out some of the profits for themselves. Salute to the titans and legends who have parlayed their hip hop career into multimillion dollar and multiple product line entities.
The beauty of hip hop is that it has evolved so much so that among the names mentioned as the best in the business is one artist who is not even African American.
Hip hop is not only rapping, it is also about break dancing, DJs, graffiti, and fashion. It’s even more than that. It is the refusal to stay down and out.
The 50th anniversary of hip hop is a momentous occasion that warrants the year long celebration. From its humble beginnings in the South Bronx to becoming a global phenomenon. It has transformed lives, broken barriers, and is part of the fabric of my childhood. At the same time, it has inspired countless individuals and remains a testament to the resilience and creativity of African Americans.
Photos:
• MC Harryowell (circa 1982)
• Rod at Beatstro Restaurant Bronx, NY (2023)
#hiphop50 #guardyourgates #Bronx #emcee #Bomani #hiphopculture #Leadership #Insurance #DEI
Guard Your Gates 