Hip-hop originated in the Bronx borough of New York City in the early 1970s [2][4]. It emerged as a cultural movement and art form in response to the social and economic conditions of the time, particularly in communities affected by poverty and urban decay. The birthplace of hip-hop is widely recognized as 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, where DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican immigrant, held a historic party [5][6].

DJ Kool Herc, often referred to as the founding father of hip-hop, played a crucial role in the development of the genre. In 1973, he and his sister organized the "Back to School Jam" in the recreation room of their Bronx apartment building at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue [6]. This event marked a significant milestone in hip-hop's history and is considered the birthplace of the genre.

Hip-hop quickly gained popularity and spread beyond its birthplace in the Bronx. It became a cultural movement that incorporated various elements, including music, dance (such as breakdancing), graffiti art, and fashion [1][4]. The music aspect of hip-hop, known as rap, is characterized by rhythmic and rhyming speech [1].

Over the years, hip-hop has evolved and diversified, reflecting the experiences and perspectives of different communities. It has become a global phenomenon and the world's biggest music genre [3]. Despite its humble beginnings, hip-hop has had a lasting and influential impact on music, art, and culture worldwide.

In summary, hip-hop started in the Bronx, New York City, in the early 1970s, with DJ Kool Herc's pioneering contributions and the historic "Back to School Jam" at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. It has since grown into a global cultural movement and the most popular music genre in the world [2][4][5][6].