Dusty Henry takes us back to 1980 to pay homage to rap’s first superstar, Kurtis Blow, and his legendary hit “The Breaks.”  Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 Years of Hip-Hop

1980: "The Breaks" by Kurtis Blow

We’re going back to 1983 with the release of the kung-fu film "Shaolin and Wu Tang" and its influence on the iconic New York hip-hop collective, Wu-Tang Clan.  KEXP’s Janice Headley leads a roundtable discussion with content producer Martin Douglas, DJs Gabriel Teodros, Mike Ramos, and Larry Mizell Jr., as well as two special guests: Jeff Chang, author of the award-winning book “Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation”; and Sophia Chang (no relation), widely regarded as the “first Asian woman in hip-hop" and author of the memoir “The Baddest Bitch in the Room.”  Written and produced by Janice Headley. Mixed and mastered by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1983: The Wu-Tang Clan and Asian Influences in Hip-Hop

Dusty Henry takes us back to 2005 with the track “luv(sic) pt 3” by the late, legendary Japanese producer Nujabes. We’ll also hear from the rapper Shing02, a frequent collaborator with Nujabes. He reflects on his friend's legacy and the luv(sic) hexalogy they created together.  Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2005: “luv(sic) pt 3” by Nujabes

Rachel Stevens takes us back to 2021 with the track “Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X. His debut sparked controversy, which led to a loud and proud declaration of his Blackness and queer identity within the rap community.  Written by Rachel Stevens.  Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021: "Industry Baby" by Lil Nas X

Jasmine Albertson revisits 2016 with the track “Caroline” by Aminé. This rapper from Portland helped provide the soundtrack for a somber transition in U.S. politics.  Written by Jasmine Albertson.  Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Listen to a conversation with Aminé on KEXP’s Sound & Vision podcast: https://www.kexp.org/podcasts/sound-vision/2020/8/27/amines-love-hate-relationship-portland-and-its-backdoor-racism/  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2016: "Caroline" by Aminé

Martin Douglas revisits 2001 to unpack the legendary rivalry between Jay-Z and Nas, a story that starts with an empty throne for the king of New York hip-hop.  Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2001: The Rivalry Between Jay-Z and Nas

Dusty Henry revisits 2012 with the track “Oldie” by Odd Future. The posse cut led to the rise of one of the most influential groups of the last decade.  Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2012: "Oldie" by Odd Future

Roddy Nikpour revisits 1986 with the track “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” from the Beastie Boys’ debut album, Licensed to Ill. A couple of young white guys from New York entered the growing hip-hop scene with two signature elements: quick rhymes shared between the MCs and beats that paved the way for rap rock.  Written and produced by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1986: "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" by The Beastie Boys

Dusty Henry revisits 2000 with a look at the legendary Soulquarian collective. They showed the power of real collaboration and letting inspiration light the way.  Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop  Read the full transcript on KEXP.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2000: The Soulquarians

Become our newest amplifier today at kexp.org/50hiphop.  This week is KEXP's Spring Drive. As a public radio station and arts organization, we depend on listener support to continue experimenting with storytelling that's varied, voracious, and vulnerable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support 50 Years of Hip-Hop During KEXP's Spring Drive!

Martin Douglas revisits 2006 with the track “Mr. Me Too” by The Clipse. The Neptunes saved their weirdest compositions for a couple of longtime collaborators from their home state of Virginia. Written by Martin Douglas. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour.  Support the podcast: kexp.org/50hiphop  Read the full transcript on KEXP.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2006: "Mr. Me Too" by The Clipse

Eva Walker speaks with Vin Rock of Naughty by Nature about the legacy of their track “Hip Hop Hooray.”  Edited and produced by Emily Fox.  Mastered by Roddy Nikpour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1993: "Hip Hop Hooray" by Naughty by Nature

Roddy Nikpour revisits 2010 with the track "Zodiac Shit" by Flying Lotus. His short yet spastic instrumentals double down on experimentation with electronic sounds, which defined the sonic brand of the TV network Adult Swim.  Written and produced by Roddy Nikpour.  Edited by Emily Fox. Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2010: "Zodiac Shit" by Flying Lotus

Larry Mizell Jr. talks about the art of DJing with fellow KEXP DJs Supreme La Rock and Vitamin D, along with hip-hop scholar Dr. Daudi Abe, DJ Lady Love, and a special appearance from the man who invented scratching, Grand Wizzard Theodore. After he tells the history of how he invented scratching and the needle drop, the panelists share some of their favorite scratch DJs past and present.Support the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scratching and the Art of DJing

Dusty Henry revisits 1977 when Grand Wizzard Theodore debuted a revolutionary DJing technique: scratching. He quite literally stumbled into it when he was just 12 years old.  Written by Dusty Henry. Audio production by Roddy Nikpour. Read the full transcript on KEXP.orgSupport the show: https://www.kexp.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1977: Grand Wizzard Theodore and the Invention of Scratching

A party in the Bronx on August 11th, 1973 is widely considered to be the birthplace of hip-hop. The art form has since touched every corner of our world and evolved into one of the most significant cultural forces today. 50 Years of Hip-Hop, hosted by KEXP’s Larry Mizell Jr, celebrates the anniversary by highlighting a different year of its history each week. Jumping around the timeline from 1973 to today, expect personal reflections, iconic tracks and albums, and conversations around the genesis of the culture. Episodes drop weekly starting February 1, 2023.

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50 Years of Hip-Hop

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