Hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary on Aug. 11, and the genre has come a long way in those five decades.

Now regarded as one of the most popular styles of music around the world, hip-hop is ubiquitous and influential. This summer, CBC Music's 

 has been looking back and paying homage to the building blocks of the genre, sharing stories about the movers and shakers who&nbsp;laid the foundation.&nbsp;

20 songs that tell the story of Canadian hip-hop

On the genre's 50th anniversary, we look back at pivotal moments from across the decades.

Left to right: a graphic including Michie Mee, Dream Warriors and Haviah Mighty, with an orange gradient background. 

Hip-hop turns 50 this year, and CBC Music did a deep dive into the songs that highlight the genre's rise in Canada — including tracks by Michie Mee, Dream Warriors and Haviah Mighty. 

Michie Mee, Dream Warriors, Haviah Mighty

DJ Kool Herc developed a style that became the blueprint for hip-hop music, bringing his Jamaican flare to the Bronx. It all came together on Aug. 11, 1973, at a party his sister Cindy Campbell hosted — and the rest is history.&nbsp;

A government-funded youth job program led to the formation of one of the most influential groups of Canadian rappers, singers and producers:&nbsp;the Circle. It included Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, Director X and Choclair.&nbsp;

Made up of members&nbsp;Kid Kut, DJ KLC, C-Boogie and Single Foot, Baby Blue Soundcrew helped put Canadian hip-hop, R&amp;B and dancehall on the map —&nbsp;inside and outside of our borders.&nbsp;

The OG rapper-singer-producer&nbsp;Saukrates

Listen to the story of Saukrates's journey to becoming one of the most respected MCs and producers in the game, from his Juno-winning debut single to his work with Redman and Method Man.&nbsp;

When she was just 16, Wondagurl made a beat that Jay-Z used on his song&nbsp;"Crown." By the time she was 24, she became the first Black woman to win the Juno for producer of the year, in 2021.&nbsp;

The Block&nbsp;is counting down to hip-hop's anniversary by airing 50 stories over 50 days that focus on significant artists, events and moments in hip-hop history. The 50 stories will air nationwide each night on&nbsp;The Block&nbsp;on CBC Music until Aug. 11 to coincide with&nbsp;

Kardinal Offishall and Jully Black were 2 members of the Circle, a group of influential rappers, singers and producers from Toronto that shaped the sound of '90s hip-hop. 

5 iconic moments in hip-hop history

The birth of hip-hop

The creation of the Circle

The influence of Baby Blue Soundcrew

The OG rapper-singer-producer Saukrates

The rise of super producer Wondagurl

More Stories Like This