Kool Herc is widely considered to be the founder of rap. Born Clive Campbell in Jamaica in 1955, Kool Herc moved to the Bronx in 1967. It was here that he began to develop the sound that would become rap.
Kool Herc was an avid fan of Jamaican music, particularly the sound of the “toasting” DJs who would rap over the music. He began to emulate this style at the block parties he attended, playing two turntables by hand and manipulating the sound to create an entirely new sound. He would rap the lyrics from the song he was playing, and this is considered to be the first rap song.
Kool Herc’s style of rap was heavily influenced by Jamaican music, and he often used the “breakbeat” technique of playing two copies of the same record at the same time, allowing him to extend the break and create a longer, more rhythmic sound. This technique became known as “breakdancing” and was an important part of the early rap sound.
Kool Herc’s influence on rap was immense. He is credited with introducing the use of the turntable as an instrument, and his breakbeat technique was adopted by many of the early rap pioneers. He also helped to popularize rap music, as his block parties were attended by many of the most influential figures in the early rap scene.
Kool Herc’s influence on rap is still felt today. His breakbeat technique is still used by many modern DJs, and his influence can be heard in the music of many of today’s most popular rap artists. He is widely considered to be the founder of rap, and his legacy will continue to be felt for many years to come.
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