Rap music is one of the most popular and influential genres of music in the world today. But who was responsible for its creation? While a number of people were influential in the creation of hip-hop, much credit is given to Kool Herc (Clive Campbell), a Jamaican immigrant who was the first major hip-hop disc jockey.

Kool Herc was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1955 and moved to the Bronx, New York in 1967. He was exposed to a variety of music, including reggae, calypso, and funk, which all had an influence on his own style. He was also influenced by the Jamaican tradition of toasting, a form of vocal improvisation over a rhythm.

Kool Herc began DJing parties in the Bronx in the early 1970s. He was one of the first DJs to use two turntables to extend the instrumental breaks of records. He would play the same record on both turntables, alternating between them to extend the break. This technique was known as “the breakbeat” and is considered to be the foundation of hip-hop.

Kool Herc also developed the technique of “rapping” over the breakbeat. He would speak or chant rhymes over the music, which was known as “MCing” or “rapping”. This was the first time that rapping was used in a musical context.

Kool Herc’s influence extended beyond the Bronx. He began to play at clubs in Manhattan and was soon joined by other DJs such as Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa. These DJs began to incorporate other elements into their music, such as sampling and scratching.

The popularity of hip-hop spread throughout the United States and around the world. It has since become one of the most popular genres of music, with artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Drake achieving international fame.

Kool Herc is widely regarded as the “father of hip-hop” and is credited with pioneering the genre. He has been honored with numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He continues to be an influential figure in the hip-hop community and is credited with laying the foundation for the genre.

Kool Herc’s influence on hip-hop cannot be overstated. He was the first major hip-hop DJ and his innovations laid the groundwork for the genre. His use of the breakbeat and rapping over the music were revolutionary and have had a lasting impact on hip-hop culture. He is truly the “father of hip-hop” and is responsible for its creation.