What kind of essay is Before Hip-Hop was Hip-Hop?

"Before Hip-Hop was Hip-Hop" is a historical essay that traces the origins and evolution of hip-hop music and culture. The essay provides a comprehensive overview of the various elements that contributed to the development of hip-hop, including the influence of African American, Caribbean, and Latin American music, as well as the social and political conditions of the time. The essay also discusses the key figures and events that shaped the early hip-hop scene, such as the emergence of DJ Kool Herc, the birth of breakdancing, and the rise of graffiti art.