The early days of hip hop were dominated by block parties. These were large street gatherings where DJs would set up their turntables and play records. People would dance, rap, and breakdance to the music, and the atmosphere was always electric.
One of the most important early hip hop artists was DJ Kool Herc. Herc is credited with inventing the breakbeat, which is a technique of isolating the drum break from a record and then repeating it over and over again. This technique created a new sound that was perfect for dancing, and it quickly became a staple of hip hop music.
Another important early hip hop artist was Grandmaster Flash. Flash was known for his innovative DJing techniques, and he is credited with inventing the scratch. The scratch is a technique of moving the record back and forth under the needle to create a distinctive sound. Flash also used his DJing skills to create extended dance mixes of popular songs, which helped to popularise hip hop music.
In the early 1980s, hip hop began to move from the streets into the mainstream. This was due in part to the rise of hip hop record labels, such as Sugar Hill Records and Def Jam Recordings. These labels released hip hop albums that were widely distributed and sold, and they helped to bring hip hop music to a wider audience.
By the mid-1980s, hip hop had become a major force in popular music. Artists such as Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and the Beastie Boys were all enjoying mainstream success, and hip hop was being played on radio stations and in clubs all over the world.
Hip hop has continued to evolve and grow over the years, and it is now one of the most popular genres of music in the world. Hip hop artists have won Grammy Awards, and their music has been featured in films and television shows. Hip hop has also had a major impact on fashion, language, and culture.