Hip hop first became a part of the mainstream music industry in the early 1980s, when major record labels released albums from such accessible groups as Run DMC and the Sugarhill Gang. But the true origins of one of the most powerful pop-cultural influences in the world are in the spontaneous, progressive musical culture that grew out of tough Bronx neighborhoods of the 1970s and led to a renaissance of poetry, music, and fashion.Through years of research, writer and curator Johan Kugelberg has pulled together the scattered remains of a movement that never had its eye on posterity. The book includes the improvisational artwork of previously unpublished street flyers of the era, Polaroids buried for decades in basements across the Bronx, and testimonials from influential figures such as Tony Tone, LA Sunshine, and Charlie Chase. Through the work of pioneering hip-hop photographer Jow Conzo–the man The New York Times calls “the chronicler who took hip hop’s baby pictures”–Born in the Bronx presents a unique introduction to an explosive and experimental period in music history.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Born in the Bronx is a fascinating chronicle of the early days when the beats were more important than the bling." -- Nov 2007 FILTER MAGAZINE
"Born in the Bronx takes it back to 1977, when NYC shutterbug Joe Conzo began snapping urgent, candid pictures of local shows, where a revolutionary new sound could be heard." -- Nov 2007 **ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
"tells the story of hip-hop's pre-80s "baby steps" through the work of photographer Joe Conzo and party flyer-designer Buddy Esquire...edited, curiously, by punk historian Johan Kugelberg..." -- XLR8R Sept 2007
"And before you put away your cardboard breakdancing mat, you might want to pick up Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip-Hop, a new book edited by Johan Kugelberg and featuring photos by hip-hop chronicler Joe Conzo, as well as a wealth of info from the era, from flyers by Buddy Esquire to essays from folks who were there." -- Nov 07 *E! ONLINE
"Through Conzo' lens, hip hop was about style, new voices, and most importantly, getting into the club for free." -- Oct 07 FADER MAGAZINE
"Born in the Bronx takes it back to 1977, when NYC shutterbug Joe Conzo began snapping urgent, candid pictures of local shows, where a revolutionary new sound could be heard." -- Nov 2007 **ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
"tells the story of hip-hop's pre-80s "baby steps" through the work of photographer Joe Conzo and party flyer-designer Buddy Esquire...edited, curiously, by punk historian Johan Kugelberg..." -- XLR8R Sept 2007
"And before you put away your cardboard breakdancing mat, you might want to pick up Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip-Hop, a new book edited by Johan Kugelberg and featuring photos by hip-hop chronicler Joe Conzo, as well as a wealth of info from the era, from flyers by Buddy Esquire to essays from folks who were there." -- Nov 07 *E! ONLINE
"Through Conzo' lens, hip hop was about style, new voices, and most importantly, getting into the club for free." -- Oct 07 FADER MAGAZINE
About the Author
Johan Kugelberg is a writer and the curator of the exhibition of Joe Conzo’s photographs Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip-Hop. Joe Conzo grew up in the Bronx and is considered hip-hop’s first photographer. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the founding fathers of hip hop culture and the creator of the Zulu Nation. Jeff Chang is the bestselling author of the award-winning Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The best part of this book is the way is was edited. The flyers are cool and the text is ok. The photos are so-so--more valued because they are a record of--not a collection of great images. If you're a fan of hip-hop--this is it.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is very similar in content as " Yes Yes Y'all" especially the pictures within the book. The next best thing to time travel to the Boogie Down Bronx to see hip hop's genesis.
By devans723
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is where it all begun. Thirty years ago, the birth of hip hop occurred, spread at house parties and dancehalls throughout the Bronx. "Born in the Bronx" is primarily a catalog of party flies designed by Buddy Esquire, a renowned graphic artist during the late 1970's and early 1980's. " Born in the Bronx" also displays photos from the parties that these fliers advertised, many of theme were parties where the Cold Crush Four and the Furious Five. For those who appreciate hip hop history, it's a must have.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE BEST VISUAL RECORD OF HIP HOP AVAILABLE!
An absolute must for any Hip Hop Hed! The best recordings available of the beginnings of Hip Hop visually is all found right here in this book!
Published on January 7, 2010 by L. Kerehi
2.0 out of 5 stars
Born in the Bronx:A visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop
Its not what i expected but if you like hip hop then you would enjoy the book
Published on October 5, 2009 by Edward Pabellon
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