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DJ Kool Herc's Back-to-School Jam
Considered the birth of hip hop, DJ Kool Herc hosted a party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, introducing the "breakbeat" DJing style -
Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight" Released
The first commercially successful hip hop single, bringing the genre to mainstream audience -
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five Release "The Message"
A seminal track highlighting social issues, showcasing hip hop's potential for storytelling and social commentary. -
Run-D.M.C. and Aerosmith Collaborate on "Walk This Way"
A groundbreaking fusion of rock and hip hop, breaking genre barriers and expanding hip hop's audience. -
Dr. Dre Releases "The Chronic"
A defining album for West Coast hip hop, introducing the G-funk style and launching Snoop Dogg's career. -
Tupac Shakur's Death
A pivotal moment in hip hop history, highlighting the East Coast-West Coast rivalry and impacting the genre's direction. -
Eminem Wins Academy Award for "Lose Yourself"
Marking hip hop's recognition in mainstream culture, Eminem's track from "8 Mile" wins Best Original Song. -
Hip Hop Becomes Most Popular Music Genre in the U.S.
Reflecting its global influence, hip hop surpasses rock in total consumption, according to Nielsen Music.