Part 3/8:
The Role of DJs and the Birth of MCing
Kool Herc, often heralded as the father of hip-hop, was pivotal in this early scene—his parties became the places to experience a new energy through music. By seamlessly blending one drum break into another, he fostered a unique atmosphere, where dancers (known as B-boys and B-girls) could showcase their moves during the "break" of a track.
As DJs pulled together these sounds, MCs evolved to narrate the experience, turning simple party announcements into rhythmic verses. This progression transformed basic party talk into the complex forms of rhyming that define contemporary rap music today. The dance, beats, and words interwove, solidifying the social fabric of hip-hop culture.