Greg Dimitriadis

In this history of hip—hop culture, Greg Dimitriadis traces how the genre started in New York as a performance—based art form. Young rappers, breakdancers, and graffiti writers from areas like the South Bronx and Harlem spread the word about parties in parks, tenement basements, and clubs. These events of the late 1970s and early 1980s emphasized improvisation and interaction. DJs, or rappers, would spin loose and fluid performances using boasts and brags, narratives, and call—and—response chants to engage the crowd. It was not until the breakout success of groups like Run—D.M.C. that rap became more streamlined and self—contained. Music producers and rap artists shaped songs to accommodate commercial recordings rather than live performances. The popularity of rap skyrocketed, spreading to Los Angeles to inspire a unique...