When it comes to hip hop, there’s no denying that summers hold a special place in our hearts.

From the beginning, this art form has been intertwined with the year’s warmest season. Whether it’s the historic blackout of 1977 that gave birth to hip hop, or the countless barbecues, block parties, and festivals that take place every year, summer is the time when hip hop truly thrives.

Some of my earliest memories of summers are of fire hydrants being opened to create impromptu parties that lasted all day long. I remember the feeling of the water spraying over us, as we danced, laughed, and soaked up the sun. And of course, there were the unforgettable block parties that brought together entire neighborhoods, with music blasting from speakers and people dancing in the streets.

But it wasn’t just about the parties and the festivals – it was also about the incredible performances that I witnessed firsthand. Some of the greatest rappers of all time got their start performing in these outdoor venues, honing their skills and perfecting their craft. It was a magical time, and it helped to shape the future of hip hop as we know it today.

So in this episode, I’m going to take you on a journey through the summers of hip hop – how they changed the perspective of this art form and helped to make it what it is today. We’ll look at the historical events that shaped hip hop’s early days, and we’ll explore how summers have been a time of celebration, creativity, and community in the hip hop world.

But most importantly, we’ll see how hip hop has always been about more than just music – it’s a way of life that brings people together and creates a sense of belonging. So come along with me as we dive deep into the summers of hip hop and explore the rich history and culture surrounding this incredible art form. View my episode below on Hip Hop Summers, How the summer changed the hip hop landscape and subscribe to my youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@RiddimAndPoetry