Bring Out the Sound System: The West Indian Roots of Hip Hop

Saturday, Feb 28th, 3-6pm

The Point CDC, 940 Garrison Ave in the Bronx

FREE

Hip Hop came from the Bronx.  But hip hop’s Bronx pioneers came from the West Indies, and the Jamaican sound system tradition of “toasting.”

Dr. Natasha Lightfoot of the Bronx African-American Oral History Project, will lead a discussion featuring Hip Hop pioneers and legends including DJ Kool Herc, Kool DJ Red Alert, Ralph McDaniels (Video Music Box) and VP Records co-founder, and Patricia Chin.  

The discussion will be followed by a demonstration on Jamaican and hip hop sound systems from the 1970s by DJ Kool Herc and Brother Vincent. The evening concludes with a reception, where audience members can view From Mambo to Hip Hop: The Exhibit, a photo exhibit which complements City Lore’s award-winning documentary directed by Henry Chalfant, From Mambo to Hip Hop: A South Bronx Tale; dance to the music of DJ Just Ice; and purchase West Indian fare provided by Bascom Catering with delicious roti, jerk and curry chicken, and salt fish.

Then ride to Brooklyn for Arthurdesh!