Hip Hop 50 - The Cut
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50 Years of Hip-Hop

August 2023 marks a half-century since the genesis of hip-hop in 1973 at an end-of-summer party in the Bronx. Today, hip-hop isn’t just a music genre but a culture. It has impacted the way we talk and the trends we follow. All year long, the Cut will be celebrating the artists — especially the female artists — who have changed the game.

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more to read this way…

  1. vmas 2023
    Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Brought Their Bongos to the VMAsFor a drum- and tassel-heavy performance.
    By Danielle Cohen
  2. 2000s
    This Is the Only Early-Aughts Revival We NeedNelly and Ashanti are really back together.
    By Tariro Mzezewa
  3. 50 years of hip hop
    A Video Vixen Looks BackVideo model K.D. Aubert on her memorable career moments.
    By Chinea Rodriguez
  4. red carpet derby
    The 2023 VMAs Red Carpet: All the LooksTaylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Shakira, Selena Gomez, and more!
    By Brooke LaMantia
  5. culture
    We Can All Agree Angie Martinez’s Rap Era Was IconicThe Voice of New York is still celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary — with the many lessons and relationships she’s made along the way.
    By Faith Cummings
  6. 50 years of hip hop
    How Video Vixens Changed the Beauty StandardVideo model Melyssa Ford reflects on her career.
    By Chinea Rodriguez
  7. 50 years of hip-hop
    Hip-Hop and Fashion’s Fraught RelationshipA new book, Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion, advocates for Lil’ Kim to get her flowers.
    By Scarlett Newman
  8. 50 years of hip-hop
    June Ambrose Is Hip-Hop’s Favorite Multi-HyphenateThe acclaimed costume designer, creative director, and image architect is responsible for Diddy and Missy Elliott’s most iconic looks.
    By Hanna Flanagan
  9. 50 years of hip hop
    Misa Hylton Is (Still) the BlueprintThe stylist who helped define hip-hop fashion deserves her flowers.
    By Hanna Flanagan
  10. 50 years of hip hop
    The Hairstylist Whose Wigs Influenced a GenerationDionne Alexander will always be the blueprint.
    By Asia Milia Ware
  11. celebrity
    MC Lyte Is Big on Giving People Their FlowersThe hip-hop legend behind Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop always makes sure to pay it forward.
    By Faith Cummings
  12. culture
    What About the Women in Hip Hop?As the genre celebrates half a century of history-making, the industry owes its female creators more.
    By Shamira Ibrahim
  13. 50 years of hip hop
    Nzingha’s Hip-Hop’s Original Architect of MakeupThe iconic makeup artist is responsible for some of the most referenced looks of our time.
    By Maya Allen
  14. profile
    Cardi B Was Made to Be This FamousOnly in 2017 could this particular strip-club, reality-television, rap-fame fairy tale have come true. And maybe only for Cardi B.
    By Allison P. Davis
  15. profile
    Kimora Lee Simmons Wants the Revived Baby Phat to Be As Big As ChanelThe onetime model-mogul is relaunching the early-aughts brand that helped turn streetwear into a movement.
    By Allison P. Davis
  16. cut covers
    Yung Miami Is an Open Book“I am who I am. I don’t like anyone talking for me.”
    By Danya Issawi
  17. art and soul
    50 Years of Being Fresh, Fly, and FabulousA new exhibit spotlights hip-hop’s impact on the style industry over the decades.
    By Amaya McDonald
  18. spring fashion
    The Hustle of Women in Hip-HopEditor-in-chief Lindsay Peoples on launching the celebration of 50 years of women in hip-hop who’ve changed the game.
    By Lindsay Peoples