DJ Kool Herc, "The Father of Hip-Hop" on SOUNDS with Tom Needham

SOUNDS

DJ Kool Herc, born in Jamaica and raised in the Bronx, is widely regarded as the "Father of Hip-Hop." In 1973, he revolutionized the sound of New York's streets by isolating the "break" — the instrumental portion of a funk record that emphasized the drumbeat — and extending it through the use of two turntables. This groundbreaking technique, known as "breakbeat DJing," laid the foundation for hip-hop music and became a central element of his parties, where b-boys and b-girls would showcase their moves. Herc's innovative use of funk tracks, such as James Brown's "Give It Up or Turnit a Loose" and "Bongo Rock" by The Incredible Bongo Band, created a new rhythm and energy that would soon define a movement.

Unlike many of his contemporaries, Herc never transitioned into the commercial hip-hop scene, but his influence remains undeniable. His style, particularly the "Merry-Go-Round" technique of switching between breaks to sustain the energy of the party, became a blueprint for future DJs like Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash. Beyond his technical contributions, Herc also shaped the vocal style of hip-hop by punctuating his sets with rhythmic slang and crowd calls, energizing dancers and setting the stage for what would later evolve into rapping. In November 2023, DJ Kool Herc was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his enduring impact on music and culture.