Hip-hop history is hidden in plain sight, all over New York City – from street signs to nondescript storefronts – if you know where to look.
On Aug. 11, hip-hop, which was born in the Big Apple, marks its 50th anniversary.
Leroy McCarthy, a location scout for film and TV, has advocated for the city to honor hip-hop pioneers. He’s also worked for streets to be named after prominent figures in hip-hop.
“It shouldn’t take 50 years for New York City to embrace hip-hop,” he said. “Hip-hop comes from New York, and it makes billions of dollars a year around the world. It’s like an ambassador for New York City.”
Whether you’re a dedicated hip-hop head or you’re just getting into the history of the genre, below is a list of important hip-hop spaces around the city, curated by McCarthy and the Gothamist team.
The Bronx
Fifty years ago, hip-hop was born at a party in this apartment building’s rec room.
Al Pereira / Getty
The Birthplace of Hip-Hop
1520 Sedgwick Avenue
This address is widely considered to be the “Birthplace of Hip-Hop.” On Aug. 11, 1973, Cindy Campbell and her brother DJ Kool Herc threw a back-to-school party in the recreation room of this multistory apartment building. Herc figured out how to find the most danceable parts of songs and extend them by playing the same record on two turntables and repeating the sample. Over 300 people showed up to the party, and the building soon became known as where hip-hop was born.
A sign honors musician Kurtis Blow in the Bronx.
DON EMMERT / Getty
The Bronx Walk of Fame
This 23-block stretch along the Grand Concourse, known as the Bronx Walk of Fame, is where more than 125 Bronxites are honored for their noteworthy achievements in the form of street signs. Some recognizable names from hip-hop include Remy Ma, Kid Capri, Swizz Beats, and Funkmaster Flex.
Brooklyn
Notorious B.I.G.’s childhood home
Before making his huge impact in hip-hop and across music, Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace lived at 226 St. James…
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