Hip-Hop History

In Hip-Hop is History, legendary artist and cultural historian Questlove takes us on a rhythmic, year-by-year journey through the evolution of hip-hop—one song at a time. From the explosive birth of breakbeats at a Bronx house party on August 11, 1973—hosted by Jamaican-born Clive Campbell, aka DJ Kool Herc—to the genre’s modern-day impact, Questlove breaks down the sound, soul, and significance of each era.

Blending personal insight with sharp cultural analysis, Questlove dives into the conditions that shaped each track, exploring its lyrics, production, and its influence on both hip-hop and the broader story of Black American history. As someone who witnessed the birth of the genre and continues to shape its future, Questlove is the ideal guide—thoughtful, honest, and endlessly passionate.

This is more than a music history—it’s a love letter to hip-hop’s roots, its rise, and its ongoing revolution.