DJ Kool Herc, the father of hip-hop and a living legend whose real name is Clive Campbell, will host a star-studded celebration in Jamaica in December 2023 to honor the genre’s 50 illustrious years.
Some of the greatest names in hip hop and reggae/dancehall have been invited for this event, which is being organized by the Jamaican sibling combo Kool Herc and Cindy Campbell and is scheduled for December 29 and 30 at Plantation Cove in St. Ann.
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Together, they do not only intend to honor the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the globally beloved genre but also pay homage to its Jamaican roots, a release from Reggae Hip Hop Connection said.
The occasion will also mark Kool Herc and Missy Elliot’s entrance into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s class of 2023.
The first known instance of hip-hop may be found at a party Campbell threw at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx in 1973. Clive ‘DJ Kool Herc’ Campbell, her older brother, was operating the turntables.
The Jamaican government awarded DJ Kool Herc the coveted Order of Distinction Commander Class (CD) in appreciation of his accomplishments.
Numerous legendary artists have emerged from hip hop, including Jay Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, P Diddy, and Dr. Dre, who is a millionaire.
Busta Rhymes, a well-known rapper, has fervently emphasized the Jamaican origins of hip hop, hailing Kool Herc as “a true Jamaican” during the recent BET 50th Anniversary hip hop homage.
Additionally, DJ Kool Herc’s legacy has long been promoted by hip-hop producer and personality Swizz Beatz among the genre’s ardent followers.
The 50th anniversary of hip-hop was celebrated with a number of activities around the country, including a grand extravaganza at Yankee Stadium. One of the event’s organizers, Nas, invited a starry array of hip-hop greats.
According to the press release, it’s crucial to acknowledge that pioneers of contemporary Jamaican music like King Stitt, Count Machukie, U Roy, and Big Youth had a significant effect on the sound system techniques used in hip hop.
Campbell noted in a statement, “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.”
Kool Herc is looking forward to the big show in Jamaica, where it all started, and gives appreciation to the sound system operators from his time in locations like Franklyn Town.
“This is going to be huge,” he declared.
