As a music historian with a focus on hip-hop, I can tell you that the question of who was the world's first rapper is a subject of much debate and has various perspectives. However, the figure often cited as one of the pioneers in the genre is Coke La Rock. He is recognized for his collaboration with DJ Kool Herc in 1973, which marked a significant moment in the early development of hip-hop culture. Together, they are considered by many as the original founding fathers of hip-hop.

Hip-hop, as a cultural movement, originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s. It was a response to the social and economic challenges faced by the African American and Latino communities at the time. The music that emerged from this movement was initially underground, with artists performing at block parties and community gatherings.

Coke La Rock's contribution to the genre was significant. He was one of the first to deliver rhymes over beats, a style that would later become the backbone of rap music. His partnership with DJ Kool Herc, who was known for his innovative turntablism and break-beat techniques, provided a new sound that resonated with the youth of the Bronx and beyond.

It's important to note that the evolution of rap music was a collective effort, with numerous artists contributing to its growth and development. While Coke La Rock and DJ Kool Herc were undoubtedly influential, there were other figures in the early hip-hop scene who also played crucial roles. For instance, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and the Sugarhill Gang were among the early pioneers who helped to popularize the genre.

The Sugarhill Gang's 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight" is often considered the first commercially successful rap song, which introduced rap to a wider audience. However, the roots of the genre go much deeper, with many artists laying the groundwork before the genre gained mainstream attention.

In terms of who the first rapper was, it's a complex question without a definitive answer. The art of rapping, as we understand it today, was shaped by a community of artists who each brought their own unique contributions to the table. Coke La Rock's early work with DJ Kool Herc certainly played a pivotal role in defining what rap music would become, but it was the collective efforts of many that truly established the genre.

In conclusion, while Coke La Rock is often credited as one of the first to spit rhymes in the context of hip-hop, it's essential to recognize the broader community of artists and the cultural movement that gave birth to rap music. The genre has since evolved into a global phenomenon, but its roots can be traced back to the pioneering work of individuals like Coke La Rock and DJ Kool Herc, who helped lay the foundation for what would become a transformative art form.

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Coke La Rock is known for being the first rapper to ever spit rhymes after teaming up with DJ Kool Herc in 1973 and both are recognized as the original founding fathers of Hip Hop. Rap music was originally underground.Sep 30, 2014read more >>