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MTV played a crucial role in catapulting hip-hop into mainstream consciousness. The collaboration between Run-DMC and Aerosmith on "Walk This Way" was a defining moment, introducing the genre to Middle America and establishing its viability as an important musical genre. As hip-hop gained traction in the United States, it also spread internationally, influencing cultures as far-reaching as those in Japan, Brazil, and South Africa.
Hip-hop thus became a global phenomenon, transcending language barriers. The music resonated with youth worldwide, who could connect through its rhythmic narratives and shared experiences—even when they did not speak English.