About this episode
Over half a century, hip-hop has grown into a globally dominant musical and cultural force while remaining stubbornly, vitally local. When DJ Kool Herc spun records at a small party in the Bronx in August of 1973, no one would have predicted his unique style would give birth to the most influential and dominant music in the world: hip-hop. In this special episode, NPR Music editors Daoud Tyler-Ameen and Sheldon Pearce are joined by contributor Christina Lee to look at how and why the music has managed to remain a local phenomenon, even as it's taken hold of the world. Note: This episode original ran in Aug. 2023 for our special coverage of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy