Hip-hop is a cultural movement that originated in the South Bronx, New York in the early 1970s. The predominantly African-American and Puerto Rican residents of the region are the originators of this uniquely American musical genre and culture which, over the past four decades, has become a global sensation impacting the formation of youth culture across the world. The South Bronx was a whirlwind of political, social, and economic upheaval in the years before hip-hop's creation. In the early 1970s, many African American and Hispanic communities were desperate for relief from the epidemics of poverty, drugs and crime that were ravaging gang-dominated neighborhoods. Hip-hop proved successful both as a creative means of expressing the struggles of life amidst prevailing crime and violence, as well as as a cheap and enjoyable form of recreation. Hip-hop's longevity as a cultural movement can be directly attributed to its humble roots. For several generations of young people, hip-hop directly reflects the political, economic and social realities of their lives. Widely considered the "father" of hip-hop, Afrika Bambaataa named the cultural movement and defined its four fundamental elements, namely disc jockeying, break dancing, graffiti and rap. Since its inception, hip-hop has always been a cultural movement. Defined as much more than just a style of music, Hip-Hop influences the fashion, vernacular, philosophy, and aesthetic sensibilities of a large portion of the youth population (Homolka 2010). Although it has absolutely nothing to do with the four elements of Hip-Hop -Hop as defined by Afrika Bambaataa, the most influential person in the creative world......olka, Petr Bc. and Jeffrey Alan Vanderziel. “Black or White: Commercial Rap Music and Authenticity.” Masaryk University Faculty of Arts, Department of English and American Studies. (2010): 7-21. Web. Jones, Jill. “The South Bronx on the Rise: The Rise, Fall, and Resurrection of an American City.” New York: Fordham University Press. (1986).LaBoskey, Sara. “Going Down: Representations of Masculinity in Hip-Hop Dance in Cinema.” » Journal of Dance Research. 33.2 (2001). 112-120. Price, Emmett III. “Hip Hop Culture”. Saint Barbara. (2006). Rhodes, Henry A. “The Evolution of Rap Music in the United States.” Yale New Haven Teachers Institute. (2003) Samuels, David. "Rap about rap: black music that isn't either." The New Republic. (November 11, 1991). Simpson, Janice C., “Time.” " Hey ! Rap is coming on the map; Led by groups like Public Enemy. (FEBRUARY 5, 1990).