South Bronx Hip Hop Culture

When looking at the culture of hip hop, one must delve into the history of the South Bronx and the notorious gang wars that emerged from the suffering wasteland. In the early 70s, gang violence ruled the streets of the South Bronx. With tensions high due to the lack of help from the government, violence was a common release of pent up frustration and anger. Death encircled the area, but in a way it brought upon a necessary change. With the death of a member from the Ghetto Brothers, a crew who spoke against violence and urged the people to join forces, gangs such as Savage Skulls, and other highly organized, Latino and black gangs nearly went to war with each other in 1971. Due to the courageous decision of Ghetto Brother president Benjamin Mendez, bloodshed was averted when the leaders of all the gangs met at a Bronx youth Center and settled on a peace treaty. As a result, a door was opened for hip hop. With the ability to meet and converse with different people, the youth of the South Bronx began experimenting with different ways to entertain themselves. This led to eventual start of block parties which included people from all over being able to come out and create/enjoy music.

Hip-hop's foundations were being made in the 1970s, brick by brick, by DJs in the South Bronx. It

The Golden Age of hip hop is often characterized by its diversity, quality, innovation and influence brought to American culture. There were elements of Black pride and political influence on minorities, while the music contained many eclectic sampling. The songs generally were shorter in length, usually to gain easier access to radio play. By 1986, the golden age hip hop artists with their releases began to establish the creation of albums as a fixture of the mainstream. Hip hop music became commercially successful, and is currently one of the leading genres seen