Juano
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From: john_schauer
Cc: acid-jazz
Subject: Re: Origins of Rap
Date: Monday, February 19, 1996 2:46PM
It's always silly to argue origins, but..... This seems like a simple test
to
see whether rap was brought whole-cloth from Jamaica.
1) Are there any pre-1980 Jamaican recordings that most people today would
recognize as "rap"? No
2) Are there any pre-1980 American recordings that most people today would
recognize as "rap"? There are dozens including Jimmy Spicer, the Sugarhill
Gang,
etc.
"Rap" as we know it, existed in America before it existed in Jamaica. In
order
to be "brought to the South Bronx, NYC by Jamaican immigrants" it would have
to
exist in Jamaica first, unless the immigrants created the art form in
transit.
Influence does not equal "invention." Most "rock and roll" can trace it's
roots
to early blues, that does not mean Robert Johnson invented or played "heavy
metal." The organ was first played in Europe. That does not mean that
organ
jazz was played or created by 19th century Europeans!
In the same way, hip hop was greatly influenced by Jamaican sound systems,
dj's
etc. (and their interaction with American music and performance) but what
was
created in NY was a new, American, art form.
>I like to add to "DJ Shadow article from Chris Hilker from SF Weekly"
e-mail
>that Rap, the musical form associated with the Hip Hop culture, does not
>have its origins in NYC as most people believe. They believe wrong. This
>honor belongs to a tropical island called Jamaica. The Rap form has its
>origins in Jamaica as toasting which has its origins way back to the late
>'50s. It was brought to the South Bronx, NYC by Janaican immigrants.
>Understanding your history is important.
>
> Juano