5 iconic moments in hip-hop history
The Block’s Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe tells us about the people who shaped the genre
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 The Block has been looking back and paying homage to the building blocks of the genre, sharing stories about the movers and shakers who laid the foundation.
Discover five such stories below.
The birth of hip-hop
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.
The creation of the Circle
A government-funded youth job program led to the formation of one of the most influential groups of Canadian rappers, singers and producers: the Circle. It included Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, Director X and Choclair.
The influence of Baby Blue Soundcrew
Made up of members Kid Kut, DJ KLC, C-Boogie and Single Foot, Baby Blue Soundcrew helped put Canadian hip-hop, R&B and dancehall on the map — inside and outside of our borders.
The OG rapper-singer-producer 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.
The rise of super producer Wondagurl
When she was just 16, Wondagurl made a beat that Jay-Z used on his song "Crown." By the time she was 24, she became the first Black woman to win the Juno for producer of the year, in 2021.
The Block 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 The Block on CBC Music until Aug. 11 to coincide with The Block Party.