Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop

by Johan Kugelberg (Editor)

Hip hop first became a part of the mainstream music industry in the early 1980s, when major record labels released albums from such accessible groups as Run DMC and the Sugarhill Gang. But the true origins of one of the most powerful pop-cultural influences in the world are in the spontaneous, progressive musical culture that grew out of tough Bronx neighborhoods of the 1970s and led to a renaissance of poetry, music, and fashion.Through years of research, writer and curator Johan Kugelberg has pulled together the scattered remains of a movement that never had its eye on posterity. The book includes the improvisational artwork of previously unpublished street flyers of the era, Polaroids buried for decades in basements across the Bronx, and testimonials from influential figures such as Tony Tone, LA Sunshine, and Charlie Chase. Through the work of pioneering hip-hop photographer Jow Conzo–the man The New York Times calls “the chronicler who took hip hop’s baby pictures”– Born in the Bronx presents a unique introduction to an explosive and experimental period in music history.

Genres: Music, Photography, Hip Hop, Nonfiction, New York

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 6, 2007

Reviews

[David Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have even a passing intrest in the largest selling music in the world right now(HIP HOP) this is a must read.The most important point of this book fir me is ti show how the terrible modern mainstream "Hip Pop" (which sold out it's social commetary decades ago)is to show it's roots as a poor peoples music,people who used thier limited resources to create the most innovative music of it's time.Remember this book is telling & showing in some great and super rare photos of a cuture being born out of the rubble litraly of the mid-late 70s South Bronx into a modern worldwide culture.Like punk at around the same time in the U.K "real Hip Hop" has always been a rebel/outsiders music but unlike punk which nvr evolved hip hop lives on living underground(not since Public Enemy/De La Soul/Rakim & so on,has the true essance of hip hop been popular)that the real talent of the genre nvr gets on TV or radio with 1 or 2 exceptions,but it always comes at a price for example Eminem is without doubt one of the rare mainstream artists with obvious talent but his vocal prowess only gets comercial play because his beats are pop beats not hip hop & he has to do a cheesy chorus,Nas is the same but I digress.THIS BOOK IS THE HISTORY/ESSENCE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CULTURE IN MUSIC(breakdancing/MCing/DJing/graffit)THAT YOUNGSTERS WHO ARE INTO TRUE HIP HOP,SHOWS HOW IT CAME ABOUT,BY WHO & THE SOCIAL REASONS WHY!

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great shots, and the text provides excellent context. Probably one of the best visual representations of hiphop culture in print. Recommended for people who liked Wild Style and Scratch and just need more.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty interesting book about the early days of hip hop as it started in the bronx. It's mostly a pictorial history, with a lot of old concert posters and photos from shows, and I would've liked to see more interviews with the actual people involved, most of whom are now unknown or always have been. Worth looking at.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

nice pictures and even better, old flyers!

[Josh]

sounds interesting