We examine the foundational elements of the genre ... Laurieann Gibson: The four main pillars of hip-hop are the DJ, the commander of the music, the MC, which is now the rapper, breakdancing ...

The single sampled a break from Chic’s “Good Times.” At the same time, other elements of what would become known as hip-hop were also coalescing in New York City. DJing, MCing, breakdancing ...

Hip-hop originated in the Bronx area of New York ... The beat was almost always in 4/4 time, and the music often included drum machines and synthesizers.

Revolution was in the air and, as with many revolutions, there was a soundtrack - hip hop. Four years after the start of the Arab Spring, music journalist Jackson Allers met local MCs to ask ...