With the 50th anniversary of hip-hop coming up on Aug. 11, the Recording Academy has been celebrating one of music's most popular genres all year long. This past week, the U.S. Congress honored this important anniversary with resolutions in both the House and Senate officially recognizing the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.
In the Senate, Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced and passed a resolution that will designate August 11th as "Hip-Hop Celebration Day," the month of August as "Hip-Hop Recognition Month" and the month of November as "Hip-Hop History Month."
After the passage of the Senate resolution, Leader Schumer celebrated by speaking on the Senate floor.
He stated, "Over the decades, hip hop has transcended language, race, age, both geographic and socioeconomic barriers. Many people can attest to the fact that hip-hop actually changed their lives for the better, gave them purpose and meaning. I know many of them myself, many of whom are New York City and Bronx residents. So, hip-hop is great. It's a uniquely American art form that quickly blossomed into a global movement and we are proud, proud, proud, proud today that this resolution, honoring the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, has passed."
Along with Leader Schumer, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) also co-sponsored the Senate resolution. The pair of senators have a long history of supporting music creators and were recently honored at the Recording Academy's GRAMMYs on the Hill in April for their dedication to the music community.
Just days later, on July 26th, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) spearheaded the introduction of a House resolution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop and its contribution to American art and culture. In addition to Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL), Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Rep. Nikema Williams (D-GA), Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), and Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) were original co-sponsors of the resolution.
ICYMI, Senate Majority Leader @SenSchumer's resolution honoring Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary and the genre's impact passed the Senate, meaning
Aug. 11 = Hip-Hop Celebration Day
Aug. = Hip-Hop Recognition Month
Nov. = Hip-Hop History Month📲 Learn more. https://t.co/6wOZpkJZqf
— GRAMMY Advocacy (@GRAMMYAdvocacy) July 25, 2023
Upon introduction of the resolution, Rep. Kamlager-Dove released the following statement: "I'm a child of hip-hop, and for the past 50 years, we have seen hip-hop infuse itself into American culture through music, art, fashion, and film. Hip-hop has been used as a tool of resistance and storytelling. Through this genre, Black people have been able to speak truth to the ways they have been marginalized or forgotten. From the crack epidemic to mass incarceration to feeling the weight of systemic oppression, hip-hop has been the voice of the Black struggle movement in so many ways. We need to remember that and celebrate how liberating this genre has been for so many."
"California's own artists, like Tupac and Nipsey Hussle, have played critical roles in the vibrancy of the Los Angeles music scene. We must continue to support the artists whose lyrics foster freedom of expression, creativity, and storytelling," she continued. "On hip-hop's golden anniversary, I honor how the Black community has used hip-hop as a tool of unity during some of the most harrowing parts of our nation's history, and I hope that this resolution sends a message against those who try to erase us, demonize us, or call us out of our name. I also hope this resolution empowers each of us to see the special way hip-hop has manifested in our lives."
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries also weighed in on the resolution stating, "Hip-hop is not just music, but a way of life that has changed America. It is culture, art, heart, soul, swagger, form of dress, language and the way we think about issues. It's a testament to the impact of hip-hop on all segments of society that it is being celebrated in the halls of Congress in such a phenomenal way. I thank Reps. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Robin Kelly, Jamaal Bowman, Nikema Williams, Summer Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee, Hank Johnson and Troy Carter for leading this important effort in the House."
Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason jr., also released the following statement on the resolutions: "Hip-hop is more than a musical style — it's a global movement that has shaped culture and provided a voice for generations. The Recording Academy is grateful that Congress is championing the genre and memorializing its 50th anniversary this August 11. Hip-hop's impact on society is undeniable, and this official celebration is incredibly deserved."
The House and Senate resolutions affirm the importance of hip-hop, not only as a genre of music, but as a part of American culture and history. The Recording Academy will continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop throughout the entire month of August. More information can be found on RecordingAcademy.com.
