The origins of hip-hop share provenance with clog dancing as a street dance art form. Clogging was brought to the US in the mid-nineteenth century and local performers refined the steps into tap. Tap dancing was originally performed as an accompaniment to song and the percussive and rhythmic patterns produced by the snags heightened effectiveness. The movement grew larger as rhythms grew more intricate and greater emphasis was placed on elements of dance composition and design. Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, refined the minstrel tradition, and Fred Astaire made ‘hoofing’ a modern art form and the cornerstone of Hip Hop.

N.W.A (an abbreviation of Niggaz Wit Attitudes) was an American hip hop group from Compton, California, widely considered one of the seminal acts of the gangsta rap and west coast hip hop subgenres, sometimes credited as the most important group in the history of rap music

In the late 1980s Public Enemy were the biggest rap group on the planet. Their mission: to raise the consciousness of a generation. With a rebellious attitude to match their militant image they sold millions of records preaching pro-black politics to fans of all races, all done through a groundbreaking wall of noise that changed the sound of hip hop. White, middle Americans were outraged, but their kids loved it.

A factual report about unsung DJ's who contributed to the foundational principals of the music known today as Hip Hop. This documentary transports you to a journey back to the early underground disco days of the streets and parks throughout New York City.

© Words – Matteo Sedazzari

What he said must be spoken quickly, for most of them had no patience. What he said must be put strongly, more acted than spoken, for they had to be hooked to stand and hear.
The Warriors - Sol Yurick

Today sees the UK release of Alicia Keys's Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down, but you'll already know the song. Jay-Z's original version appeared on The Blueprint 3 last year (as Empire State of Mind, featuring Alicia Keys) and I've been addicted to it ever since. Who wouldn't be? With its huge hook, grandiose orchestration and shout-out to New York, the song isn't just an instant hip-hop classic, it's one of the best pop songs of the last 10 years.

Brothers and sisters, I don't know what this world is coming to.  It might just be a sign of getting old, but I can't abide listening to Radio 1 anymore.  I try and stay as 'hip' as I can, so along with the thirty-somethings favourites of Radio 2 and 6 music, I still can't resist to hear what's happening on 1.  Apart from that Tory droning tosser Jeremy Clarkson,