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50 Years of Hip-Hop

August 2023 marks a half-century since the genesis of hip-hop in 1973 at an end-of-summer party in the Bronx. Today, hip-hop isn’t just a music genre but a culture. It has impacted the way we talk and the trends we follow. All year long, the Cut will be celebrating the artists — especially the female artists — who have changed the game.

vmas 2023

MTV’s Hip-Hop Tribute Was for Legends Only

 Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, P. Diddy, and LL Cool J’s incredible biceps all celebrated the genre’s 50th anniversary. By Danielle Cohen

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  1. 50 years of hip hop
    A Video Vixen Looks BackVideo model K.D. Aubert on her memorable career moments.
    By Chinea Rodriguez
  2. red carpet derby
    The 2023 VMAs Red Carpet: All the LooksTaylor Swift, Nicki Minaj, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Shakira, Selena Gomez, and more!
    By Brooke LaMantia
  3. rules to live by
    We Can All Agree Angie Martinez’s Rap Era Was IconicThe Voice of New York is still celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary — with the many lessons and relationships she’s made along the way.
    By Faith Cummings
  4. 50 years of hip hop
    How Video Vixens Changed the Beauty StandardVideo model Melyssa Ford reflects on her career.
    By Chinea Rodriguez
  5. 50 years of hip-hop
    Hip-Hop and Fashion’s Fraught RelationshipA new book, Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion, advocates for Lil’ Kim to get her flowers.
    By Scarlett Newman
  6. 50 years of hip-hop
    June Ambrose Is Hip-Hop’s Favorite Multi-HyphenateThe acclaimed costume designer, creative director, and image architect is responsible for Diddy and Missy Elliott’s most iconic looks.
    By Hanna Flanagan
  7. 50 years of hip hop
    Misa Hylton Is (Still) the BlueprintThe stylist who helped define hip-hop fashion deserves her flowers.
    By Hanna Flanagan
  8. 50 years of hip hop
    The Hairstylist Whose Wigs Influenced a GenerationDionne Alexander will always be the blueprint.
    By Asia Milia Ware
  9. celebrity
    MC Lyte Is Big on Giving People Their FlowersThe hip-hop legend behind Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop always makes sure to pay it forward.
    By Faith Cummings
  10. culture
    What About the Women in Hip Hop?As the genre celebrates half a century of history-making, the industry owes its female creators more.
    By Shamira Ibrahim
  11. 50 years of hip hop
    Nzingha’s Hip-Hop’s Original Architect of MakeupThe iconic makeup artist is responsible for some of the most referenced looks of our time.
    By Maya Allen
  12. profile
    Cardi B Was Made to Be This FamousOnly in 2017 could this particular strip-club, reality-television, rap-fame fairy tale have come true. And maybe only for Cardi B.
    By Allison P. Davis
  13. profile
    Kimora Lee Simmons Wants the Revived Baby Phat to Be As Big As ChanelThe onetime model-mogul is relaunching the early-aughts brand that helped turn streetwear into a movement.
    By Allison P. Davis
  14. spring fashion
    The Cool Tang of Ice SpiceVisiting with New York’s princess of rap.
    By Danya Issawi
  15. spring fashion
    It’s Glo TimeGrammy nominee GloRilla is figuring out how to be famous while staying F-R-E-E.
    By Tirhakah Love
  16. cut covers
    Yung Miami Is an Open Book“I am who I am. I don’t like anyone talking for me.”
    By Danya Issawi
  17. art and soul
    50 Years of Being Fresh, Fly, and FabulousA new exhibit spotlights hip-hop’s impact on the style industry over the decades.
    By Amaya McDonald
  18. spring fashion
    The Hustle of Women in Hip-HopEditor-in-chief Lindsay Peoples on launching the celebration of 50 years of women in hip-hop who’ve changed the game.
    By Lindsay Peoples