1st Edition
The City of Hip-Hop New York City, The Bronx, and a Peace Meeting
The City of Hip-Hop positions a unique conceptualization of the history of Hip-Hop, that it was political, economic, and social forces that produced the environment for Hip-Hop to specifically grow in the geographies of New York City and its boroughs. This book argues it was the political forces of the 1970s combined with economic forces of free market capitalism and privatization of public services, neoliberalism, and the deindustrialization of major cities, that led the cultural creation of the “Boogie Down” Bronx. The City of Hip-Hop shows how Hip-Hop is a socio-political reaction which creates an alternate reality with a geographic specificity, and it is this interplay with those forces that nurtured it to become a culture force. Once those of us as fans of the culture zoom out to see such a bigger picture, a needed criticism and retelling of the culture and art of Hip-Hop emerges.
This book is essential for students, scholars, and general readers interested in urban planning, urban design, urban geography, place-making, American Studies, Cultural Studies, Black Studies, and Latin American Studies.
Foreword 1: Thoughts on a City of Hip-Hop – Thoughts from Chuck D
Foreword 2: New York, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and the Hard Truths of America – Thoughts from Dan Charnas
Element One: Graffiti
Chapter One: A Genesis
Element Two: MCing
Chapter Two: A Cultural Commodity
Element Three: DJing
Chapter Three: A Transformation
Element Four: Breakin’
Chapter Four: A Transmogrification
Element Five: Knowledge
Chapter Five: A Crossroads
Epilogue: To Raida and Hip-Hop, From Rob
Biography
Rob Swift, a DJ par excellence, stands out for his unique contributions to the art and more incredible hip-hop culture. His first crowning achievement was winning the DMC East Coast title in 1992. As a founding member of the X-Ecutioners DJ crew, he played a pivotal role in shaping the DJ culture. Beyond his solo success, he is a global educator, sharing his passion for hip-hop history and the art of DJing.
Rasul A. Mowatt is a critical urban geographer and House Music DJ, who focuses on the production and articulation of power through a city. He is the author of The Geographies of Threat and the Production of Violences and Laundering Black Rage. He is also a professor and educator on Race, gender, class struggles, cities, colonialism, and violence.
"In The City of Hip-Hop, DJ Rob Swift and Rasul Mowatt detail the complicated history of Hip-Hop—a culture that is not only in the zeitgeist but drives it. Using key historical points, they paint a panoramic portrait that leaves readers thinking long after the book is finished. Their passion for the subject matter is felt with every word and is a necessary addition to any conversations surrounding Hip-Hop, from library to lecture hall."
kathy iandoli, author of God Save The Queens: The Essential History of Women In Hip-Hop
"Hip-Hop has been the most important cultural phenomenon in the world for many years, and yet, somehow, the story is never given the intellectual deep dive that it deserves. Rob Swift and Rasul Mowatt take that dive in The City of Hip-Hop as they recount the history and origin story of this amazing culture that has changed the world."
Peter Rosenberg, Hot 97
"When I decided to become a DJ/Artist/Producer, as a fan, I was already studying the elements of graffiti because my mother taught Art when I was in high school. She played vinyl while painting at home. Breaking and Emceeing added to sneaking into house parties that my older sister went to. I knew this was the profession I wanted to be in. Becoming GREAT requires every bit of your heart and soul mentally, physically, and spiritually. In particular, DJ Rob Swift embodies all of it. The culture is safely guarded on his and Rasul's watch. Now, turn the page."
DJ Premier, Gang Starr
"There is a current aura around Hip-Hop that it is only gangsta fueled, sex-obsessed and money hungry, yet Rob Swift and Rasul Mowatt's The City of Hip-Hop counter this notion and detail the glorious origins of the transformative culture of the music lead by the elements that created the multi-billion dollar genre. Knowing that the inner city of New York's core ghettos birthed the diamonds that changed the landscape of international relations and inspirations, Swift and Mowatt conduct the work of passion defending and explaining the complexities of our beloved culture."
Datwon Thomas, Hip-Hop Journalist/Producer
"In the face of those who seek to overwrite the true history of the origins and evolution of Hip-Hop culture, The City of Hip-Hop offers a detailed breakdown of the numerous factors that resulted in its creation. It also details the ways the immigrant communities of New York, who hail from all across the African Diaspora, contributed to what is now the most prominent youth culture globally as well as a billion-dollar industry."
Dart Adams, Journalist, Historian and Author
