Hip hop began in the 1970s in New York and consists of three main elements - rap, breakdancing, and graffiti. Rap music became commercially successful in the 1980s. The early 1990s saw the rise of gangsta rap and a split between East Coast and West Coast styles, fueling rivalries between artists like Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. who were both shot and killed in 1996-1997. Despite these tragic events, hip hop remains popular today with major artists like 50 Cent, Eminem, and Kanye West continuing its legacy worldwide.

1. Hip Hop A brief lesson in the culture and history

2. What is Hip Hop?

7. When did rap begin?

8. It started in New York in the 1970’s with DJ Kool Herc

10. Recognize the man on the right? DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince won rap’s first Grammy Award in 1987.

13. West Coast Tupac Shakur holds the Guiness record for most rap albums sold ever. He was the leading and most respected artist on the West coast in the 90’s Tupac gained respect for his messages of racial equality and the respect of women. In September of 1996 he was shot and died seven days later. He was believed to have had gang affiliations and accused East coast rapper Notorious B.I.G. of having him shot.

18. 50 cent

19. Eminem

20. Kanye West