DJ Kool Herc to Celebrate Hip Hop's 50th in Jamaica with Star-Studded Event.
- dancehallleaguejm
- Oct 24, 2023
- 2 min read
**"50 Years of Hip Hop: A Jamaican Celebration with DJ Kool Herc"**
In a momentous commemoration of half a century of hip hop, the legendary DJ Kool Herc is set to host a star-studded event in Jamaica, scheduled for December 29 and 30, 2023, at Plantation Cove in St Ann.
The driving forces behind this grand affair are none other than DJ Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell, a dynamic Jamaican sibling duo. Their vision goes beyond mere celebration; it seeks to honor the global phenomenon that is hip hop while paying tribute to its Jamaican roots, according to a statement from Reggae Hip Hop Connection.
This event will also double as a jubilant celebration of the induction of DJ Kool Herc and the illustrious Missy Elliot into the 2023 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Hip hop's story dates back to a fateful party hosted by Campbell in 1973 at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx. Her elder brother, Clive 'DJ Kool Herc' Campbell, was the maestro behind the turntables. His contributions have earned him the esteemed Order of Distinction Commander Class (CD) from the Jamaican Government.
The impact of hip hop on the global music landscape is immeasurable, with luminaries like Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, P Diddy, and Dr. Dre attaining billionaire status.
Notably, Busta Rhymes, the renowned rapper, has passionately emphasized the Jamaican origins of hip hop, lauding Kool Herc as "a true Jamaican" during the recent BET 50th Anniversary hip hop tribute. Hip hop producer and personality Swizz Beatz has long been an advocate for recognizing DJ Kool Herc's significance within the hip hop community and among its devoted fans.
Across the United States, a series of events have marked the 50th anniversary of hip hop, including a spectacular gathering at Yankee Stadium. Nas, one of the event's organizers, welcomed a constellation of hip hop luminaries.
The release also underlines the significance of acknowledging that hip hop's sound system techniques were heavily influenced by trailblazing figures of modern Jamaican music, including King Stitt, Count Machukie, U Roy, and Big Youth.
Cindy Campbell expressed, "We are inviting the very best, both past and present, from the realms of hip hop and Jamaican music. We are immensely proud of our Jamaican heritage and want the world to share in our pride."
As for DJ Kool Herc, he eagerly anticipates the grand finale in Jamaica, where it all began, crediting the sound system operators from his time in places like Franklyn Town as a crucial part of his journey. This monumental event promises to be an unforgettable blend of history, music, and celebration.
