What is Hip-Hop?

"There are many levels to understanding Hip-Hop as a culture. The most common explanation of Hip-Hop is by explaining its core elements. These elements are known as DJing, emceeing, break dancing, and graffiti. To sum it up, I would say Hip-Hop was a school of thought, giving its practitioners a variety of ways to express his or her self and instilling an artistic mindset focused on originality.

On a much larger scale, Hip-Hop has become something much bigger than originally expected. The reason is that Hip-Hop has acted as a type of reincarnation of native cultures, allowing people the chance to move forward while still connecting to their roots.

From the tribal drums and the rhythm of tapping stones, to the drum kits and bass lines that are so prevalent in our music. From the chants of our elders and spiritual leaders, to the Emcee interpreting the essence (spirit) within the beats. From the war dances and the movements used to honor our gods and ancestors, to the B-Boys and B-Girls rocking in their sacred circles. From the hieroglyphics and calligraphy of forgotten artists to the tags and pieces of the Graffiti Writer. Even the idea of sampling, is one that allows us to connect to the past through our music.

We came together in a world, where we were lost. With little sense of history and/or connection to our native culture, and in turn we created Hip-Hop. This is OUR native culture, and I am dedicated to upholding these traditions and keeping them pure. It's not something that I do to live, its something I live to do. The U.S. has no traditions that are not endorsed by businesses as a way to make money. We have nothing pure that defines us. All we have is money and ignorance. We are taught to ignore our past and look to the future, but Hip-Hop allows us to do both.

I find myself in Hip-Hop. I am past, present and future."

- DEF!NiTiON (President and Founder)