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Grandmaster Flash, the pioneering DJ and founding father of hip-hop, returned to Columbia College to discuss his innovative techniques that revolutionized music. Flash, who views himself as a scientist first and a DJ second, emphasized the importance of pushing boundaries.
The Birth of a Movement
In 1982, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five released ‘The Message,’ a gritty depiction of New York City’s failed institutions that resonated with listeners during a time of financial crisis. This song is considered the beginning of political hip-hop in the US.
The track’s success coincided with the rise of Ronald Reagan and his neoliberal economic policies, which created a marginalized class in inner cities, disproportionately affecting African Americans and Latinos. The raw, unfiltered lyrics of ‘The Message’ struck a chord with listeners, reflecting their struggles and giving voice to the voiceless.
A Blueprint for Modern Rap Records
Grandmaster Flash is credited with enhancing DJ Kool Herc’s ‘looping’ method and creating the blueprint for modern rap records with his group, The Furious 5. By extending the break in a song to allow for more dancing and MCing, Flash revolutionized music and laid the foundation for the genre’s growth.
Flash’s innovative techniques also included the use of backspin, punch phrasing, and scratching, which added layers of complexity and depth to hip-hop music. These groundbreaking methods cemented Flash’s status as a pioneering figure in the genre and set the stage for future artists to build upon his legacy.
The Roots of Hip-Hop
The roots of hip-hop can be traced back to DJ Kool Herc’s back-to-school party in the Bronx in 1973. It was at this event that Herc played funk music instead of disco, laying the foundation for the genre’s growth.
From its inception, hip-hop has served as a countercultural movement, providing a platform for marginalized voices to express their frustrations and aspirations. ‘The Message’ by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five played a significant role in establishing hip-hop as a powerful force for social change.
As Flash continues to inspire future generations of artists and DJs, his legacy as a trailblazer in hip-hop remains firmly intact. By pushing the boundaries of music and using his platform to address societal issues, Grandmaster Flash has left an indelible mark on the genre and its evolution.
Today, the echoes of ‘The Message’ can still be heard in the music of artists who continue to use their voices to speak truth to power and shed light on the struggles of marginalized communities. As hip-hop continues to evolve and grow, the foundation laid by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five will remain a vital part of its DNA.
