Hip hop originated in African American and Latino communities in the South Bronx of New York City during the 1970s. It began as a form of expression for marginalized youth, incorporating elements of African and African American music, dance, and culture. DJ Kool Herc is often credited as the founding father of hip hop and is known for creating breakbeats, looping sections of songs that emphasized the drum breaks to create a continuous groove for dancers. MCing, or rapping, soon became an integral part of hip hop culture, with artists using their lyrics to address social issues and personal struggles. The popularity of hip hop grew throughout the 1980s and 1990s, eventually becoming a global cultural phenomenon. Today, hip hop continues to evolve and influence popular music and culture around the world.