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DJ Kool Herc and the Birth of the Breakbeat DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of the DJ breakbeat, part of the foundation of modern hip-hop. He also wrote the introduction to the recent history of hip-hop, Can't Stop Won't Stop. Kool Herc kicks off Fresh Air's Hip-Hop Week. (This interview originally aired March 30, 2005.)
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The History of Hip-Hop

Fresh Air features interviews with some of the greatest names in hip-hop history.

DJ Kool Herc and the Birth of the Breakbeat

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Fresh Air

DJ Kool Herc and the Birth of the Breakbeat

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Scott Gries/Getty Images

DJ Kool Herc.

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DJ Kool Herc is known as the father of the DJ breakbeat — isolating and repeating breaks, the most danceable portions of songs that form part of the foundation of modern hip-hop. He also wrote the introduction to the recent book Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation by Jeff Chang.

Kool Herc kicks off Fresh Air's Hip-Hop Week, featuring interviews with the greatest names in rap. (This interview originally aired March 30, 2005.)

Special Series

The History of Hip-Hop

Fresh Air features interviews with some of the greatest names in hip-hop history.