DJ Kool Herc Hosts Party
Building in New York City known as the birthplace of Hip Hop
What was DJ Kool Herc Hosts Party?
1520 Sedgwick Avenue is a 102-unit apartment building in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx in New York City. Described in The New York Times as a long-time "haven for working class families", it has been historically accepted as the birthplace of hip hop. The first mortgages for units at 1520 Sedgwick were made in 1967. Following a long period of neglect and shady dealings in the 1990s and 2000s, observers described the building as a symbol of the city's affordable housing crisis.
How the event took shape
On August 11, 1973, DJ Kool Herc hosted a house party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in The Bronx, New York, an event widely considered to mark the birthplace of hip-hop culture and music. The party was held in the recreation room of the apartment building, where DJ Kool Herc demonstrated a new technique of beat juggling, and Coke La Rock performed a new style of vocal performance called rapping. This event brought together various elements of music, dance, and self-expression. The party was organized by DJ Kool Herc, who is credited with helping to start hip hop and rap music. The event was attended by people from the local community, who were drawn to the unique sound and style of the music.