THIS DAY IN HIP-HOP... NEW YORK CITY BLACKOUT '77

On this day in Hip-Hop history, the New York City blackout of 1977 birthed a generation of new DJs.

​On this day in 1977, New York City experienced a major blackout which resulted in widespread looting and arson in many of the poorer neighborhoods around the city.  Hip-hop pioneers DJ Kool Herc and Grandmaster Caz both attributed the rise of an entire generation of DJs and hip-hop artists due to the mass looting of equipment like turntables, mixers, and speakers.

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Also on this day...

1985 - Run-D.M.C. performed at Live Aid at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

1993 - Milwaukee's Gumbo released their debut album Droppin' Soulful H20 On the Fiber on Chrysalis.

1993 - Ice Cube released the hit single "Check Yo Self" on Priority.

1999 - Gang Starr released their compilation album Full Clip: A Decade of Gang Starr on 7 Grand Records.

2004 - The Roots released the album The Tipping Point on Geffen.

2012 - Nas released his eleventh studio album Life Is Good on Def Jam.