When the Beat Was Born: DJ Kool Herc and the Creation of Hip Hop
What’s inside...
In the early 1970s, DJ Kool Herc, a young Jamaican-American DJ, pioneered the sound of hip hop in the Bronx by extending breakbeats from funk and soul records using multiple turntables and a mixer. This innovative sound, paired with rapping and breakdancing, became a widespread cultural phenomenon. Laban Carrick Hill's book, When the Beat Was Born, chronicles the journey of DJ Kool Herc from the Jamaican sound systems to mainstream success, featuring vibrant illustrations by Theodore Taylor III. Before there was hip hop, there was DJ Kool Herc. On a hot day at the end of summer in 1973 Cindy Campbell threw a back-to-school party at a park in the South Bronx. Her brother, Clive Campbell, spun the records. He had a new way of playing the music to make the breaks—the musical interludes between verses—longer for dancing. He called himself DJ Kool Herc and this is When the Beat Was Born. From his childhood in Jamaica to his youth in the Bronx, here's how Kool Herc came to be a DJ, how kids in gangs stopped fighting in order to breakdance, and how the music he invented went on to define a culture and transform the world.
Discussion points
How did DJ Kool Herc's creativity lead to the birth of hip hop?
What challenges do you think DJ Kool Herc faced while creating a new music style?
Why do you think community and gatherings were important in the spread of hip hop?
How can music influence society and bring people together?
If you could create a new music genre, what would it be like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite music genre and ask your child about theirs. It sets a relaxed atmosphere.
While reading, pause at significant moments in DJ Kool Herc's journey to ask your child how they feel about the events.
Encourage your child to think about how music affects their own life and mood, linking it back to the book's themes.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and creativity, as demonstrated by DJ Kool Herc, and relate them to real-life scenarios that your child might face.
Engage in a creative activity, like trying to make your own music or lyrics, inspired by the book to deepen the connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: The story showcases DJ Kool Herc's creation of a new music style, demonstrating the impact of innovative thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore unique ways of expressing themselves, whether through music, art, or other creative outlets.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: DJ Kool Herc faced challenges but persisted in his passion for music, leading to the birth of hip hop.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, despite obstacles they may encounter.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book delves into the roots of hip hop music within the Bronx, highlighting cultural influences.
Real-World Application: Promotes understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds and their contributions to society.
Example Lesson: Influence of Community
Explanation: Illustrates how the community played a role in the spread and acceptance of hip hop.
Real-World Application: Enhances a child’s appreciation for community involvement and shows how communal support can help cultivate innovative ideas.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite various setbacks, Kool Herc's determination led to a cultural movement, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to adapt to changes and setbacks, developing resilience in their own pursuits and interactions.