Northern Parkway Elementary School third-grade teachers Lisa Stutts, Keith Hinnant, Xiomara Flowers, Emely Sosa and Erica Heyward presented “Hip-Hop in the ’90s” in February celebrating the beats, rhymes and culture of 53 years of hip-hop as part of a Black History Month program.
Heyward and Flowers voiced rhymes inspired by the 1979 hit “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang. Decorations with New York City themes were displayed throughout the school, including Metropolitan Transportation Authority logos and subway station stops reflecting hip-hop’s origins in the Bronx.
Hip-hop began in the Bronx in 1973, primarily among Black and Latino youth. It developed as a creative outlet in neighborhoods facing poverty, underfunded schools and limited resources, giving young people a way to express their experiences and identity.
Like earlier musical traditions such as blues, jazz and soul, hip-hop often tells stories about life, struggle, resilience and community. Many artists have used lyrics to address social issues, discrimination and inequality.
Through performances and classroom activities, students reflected on how hip-hop has influenced music, art and storytelling across generations.
