Fab 5 Freddy on how hip-hop evolved into the most dominant genre in the world
The visual artist, filmmaker and hip-hop historian discusses the movement's early beginnings
Originally published on July 16, 2019.
In the 1980s, Fab 5 Freddy had a vision of hip-hop as a multi-dimensional thing — a kaleidoscope of rap, graffiti, breakdancing, beatboxing and deejaying. The visual artist, filmmaker and hip-hop historian also hosted a show called Yo! MTV Raps and was instrumental in bringing hip-hop into the public consciousness.
Freddy has watched hip-hop evolve into a huge cultural influence and he's still exploring its many intersections today. His new Netflix show, Grass is Greener, is all about the place where race, hip-hop and marijuana culture meet.
He joined Q's Tom Power for a chat about the movement's early beginnings and the role he played in its evolution.
Freddy has just donated a portion of his personal collection of hip-hop memorabilia to the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture at the New York Public Library. His new Netflix series, Grass is Greener, is out now.
The full interview with Fab 5 Freddy is available on our podcast, Q with Tom Power. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Interview produced by Tyrone Callender.
For more stories about the 50th anniversary of hip-hop — including Tom Power's conversations with some of the artists who witnessed and shaped the genre — check out Hip-Hop at 50 here.
