origins · Bronx

The Birth of Hip Hop | History Honors 250

HISTORY · Aug 29, 2025 · published to YouTube

On August 11, 1973, 18-year-old DJ Kool Herc plays his first New York City party in the Bronx. Herc and the partygoers don’t know it yet, but this event will go down in history as the birth of one of the most popular musical genres to date—hip hop. #HISTORYHonors250 Discover more American history on our site: https://www.history.com/250 Celebrating 250 years of America’s history, we reflect on its journey from independence in 1776 to global influence. Through resilience and progress, the U.S. has faced challenges, fought for equality, and shaped a diverse nation, committed to liberty, justice, and unity. Join us on this exciting journey through 250 years of progress and keep visiting HISTORY.com for more stories of breakthrough innovations, major achievements, and unsung heroes that have shaped the nation. Don't miss a video! Subscribe NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@HISTORY?sub_confi

Video is hosted and played by YouTube and published by HISTORY. CULTUR indexes metadata and context; it does not host, re-upload or strip advertising. Indexed via the CULTUR manifest entry “Bronx hip hop origins documentary 1973”.