Music History

Here’s who you can trace an 80s hip-hop beat back to–wait for it–1910

Back in 1910, the popular music of the day was classic, marching music (think John Philip Sousa), religious music (including Negro spirituals) and various flavours of folk. Rock’n’roll was still more than 40 years in the future. Hell, jazz hadn’t even coalesced into anything recognizable yet.

Yet as this video shows, you can trace an 80s hip-hop beat all the way back to this era. Let’s break things down. (Via ReCode)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39317 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

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