Hip Hop historians regard 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, a housing building, to be the official birthplace of the culture. It was here that DJ Kool Herc held some of his earliest parties, featuring the two turntables and cutting back and forth, prolonging breakbeats dating back to 1973, the official birth year of Hip Hop.
The address has remained an affordable housing complex within The Bronx since the ’70s, through the Mitchell-Lama Affordable Housing Program in New York. Eleven months ago, residents learned that 1520 Sedgwick was in danger of being removed from said list, forcing many residents to relocate. After some protesting through the Hip Hop community, the proposed new buyer offered to back out of purchasing the property, allowing residents the opportunity to stay or purchase their apartments.
In the latest news concerning the property, a press conference will be held today to officially determine the fate of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. Attendees include Senator Chuck Schumer and Kool Herc. HipHopDX will keep you updated.
