New Book, Third Coast, Says Hip-Hop Started In The South

Author Roni Sarig is releasing a new book that explores hip-hop’s origins in the South — Third Coast: OutKast, Timbaland, and How Hip-Hop Became a Southern Thing. But don’t fret hip-hop fans. Sarig isn’t saying the Bronx isn’t the birthplace of modern day hip-hop. In his book, he explores the history of rap, stating it goes back to the oral tradition of slaves in the South, field hollers and the blues and gospel. Sarig says this connects the dots to early 20th century African American radio announcers who “rhymed, testified and signified.” Hosts like Jacko Henderson, Daddy-O and Poppa Stoppa actually spoke in rhyme. Their radio shows, in turn, would “influence Jamaica’s earliest toasters such as U-Roy and Sir Lord Comic to perform their rhythmic rhymes over reggae dubs.” It was these “toasters” who would then influence DJ Kool Herc, the father of hip-hop. Besides hip-hop’s roots, Third Coast also explores the current rise of southern hip-hop. The book features interviews with artists such as Bun B, T.I., Trick Daddy, The Clipse, Lil Jon and more.