When it comes to the Hip-Hop elements, Rapping or MCing is at the forefront of the culture. Rap music is the number 1 grossing genre of music and has made Hip-Hop a multi-Billion-dollar machine. It has also birthed self-made billionaires such as Jay-Z and Kanye West. Without the DJ, there is no Hip-Hop. DJ Kool Herc is credited as the father of Hip-Hop with his “Back to School Jam” in the Bronx on August 11, 1973, serving as the birthdate and birthplace of the genre. Break Dancing serves as the movement of the culture. Thousands of Kids use the breakbeat and infuse movements from the Caribbean, Latin America, and Africa with the sound. And you can’t forget Graffiti. It is the visual art of Hip-Hop. From bridges, walls, and trains across the country, Graffiti is to Hip-Hop like hieroglyphics are to Egypt.
Hip-Hop and its elements: Rap, DJing, Breakdancing, and Graffiti. But don’t forget about Beatboxing.
Known as the fifth element, Beatboxing has been a staple of the culture since the beginning, When Drum machines were not available, people would mimic the sound of a beat with their mouths.” vocal percussion” has been a practice used in music for years. From Doo-Wop/Barbershop quartets, Jazz singers Bobby McFerrin and Al Jarreau used their mouths to the tune of their music and vocals. By the time the 80s are around, human beatbox, Doug E. Fresh gave us “La Di Da Di.” Wise, The Human Mix Machine created his own style with the group “Stetsasonic” and “The Human BeatBox” Buffy helped bring the style to the mainstream as one of the first Rap groups to go pop. Buffy along with Prince Markie Dee and Kool Rock Ski of The Fat Boys would star in the films “Krush Groove” and “Disorderlies.”
Beatboxing would also light shine on it in the comedy scene. Comedian Michael Winslow is most known for his performance as Officer Larvell Jones in the Police Academy series where he would use his style of Beatboxing tin hijinks in the film. Winslow also would perform sound effects using his mouth in the 1987 movie “Spaceballs.”
We would also meet one of the pioneers of not only beatboxing but the Hip-Hop genre, the late Biz Markie. Markie released his debut album Goin’ Off in 1988 which featured the track “Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz” Markie would use his talents in film including the movie “Men In Black II” and the kid’s television series “Yo Gabba Gabba.”
While Beatboxing would sort of take a back seat to Rap and DJing in the 90s, one rapper would use his mouth to create a whole album. Beatboxer and member of the Rap Band “The Roots,” Rahzel gained notoriety by being able to rap or sing while simultaneously beatboxing. This would lead to his debut album “Make The Music 2000.”
The artform now has its own lane in the culture. Artists like Adam Rupp, MC Squared, and Tom Thum have taken the style to new heights. Legends like Michael Jackson, Timbaland, and Justin Timberlake have used the artform in classic tunes. There is a full documentary “Breath Control: The History of the Human Beatbox” to watch. Father-Daughter duo Ed Cage and Nicole Paris have had viral moments and a Ted Talk. Did you know there was a Beatbox Battle World Championship? With artists across the world competing in numerous categories including Crew and Tag Team?
Yea, beatboxing will always be a part of the culture. It is a staple and a foundation for Hip-Hop and a connector to all of the elements of the culture.
Respect The Beatboxer.
Hip-Hop History Month: Respect The Beatboxer was originally published on ioneblackamericaweb.staging.go.ione.nyc
