Hip Hop is global. It became ubiquitous about a quarter-century ago. With that explosion and mass appeal came the story of its birth and development, and then eventual adoption into pop culture. However, what’s been lost for those who learned about Hip Hop through decades’ long games of telephone, is that Hispanics were among the architects of the culture, sound, aesthetic, and genesis of the movement. NPR’s Latino USA delves into this lesser told story of what seems to be everyone’s favorite genre.
As a first generation Puerto Rican who came up in The Bronx during the ’70s and ’80s, I want to offer a huge kudos to Latino USA for putting a spotlight on a part of history that has been glossed over far too often. As well, much respect goes out to all of those kids, regardless of heritage, who so many years ago created a powerful and positive force that continues to resonate with humans globally. -I. Vasquetelle
