Fifty years ago, in a rec room at an apartment building in New York City, hip hop was born. In the half-century since, the music, dance, and art of hip hop has become a global phenomenon. It’s now the most American dominant music genre worldwide, with regions around the country developing their own distinct styles and identities.
On August 3, On Point host Meghna Chakrabarti (she/her) talks with curator/historian Tyree Boyd-Pates (he/him) and original Soul Train dancer and hip hop pioneer Damita Jo Freeman (she/her) about the origins of West Coast hip hop and its lasting legacy. After the show, DJ R-Tistic (he/him) will take us on a journey from the beginnings of West Coast hip hop to what’s hot now. Artist Man One (he/him) will create graffiti art live onsite, starting at 6:00 p.m. Come early, grab a drink, and watch the magic happen!
On Point is produced by WBUR, and distributed by APM. It can be heard on over 290 stations, including LAist 89.3, weekdays at 2:00 p.m.