Another thing: culture needs language.
African Americans do not use African language, therefore their culture can not be defined as African, but only as American. One can not say that “black” American culture derives from Africa, because the African language is dead in that (”black”) culture.

the roots of hip-hop trace back millenia with the African oral traditions of the Griots.

much scientific evidence informs us that Africa was probably the first region on Earth to bear human life so it is quite probable that the practice of rhythmically recited poetry in Africa far precedes anything Caucasian (eg Balkan) in origin.

btw, i only came across this site cause i’ve just named my newborn son Truden. I thought i had made up the name but it looks like someone got there first!

haven’t read your other blogs yet but based on the tone of this one, im hoping you’re not a redneck.

as you say hip-hop as a ’style’ of music came out in the early 70’s. that doesn’t mean it’s constituent parts were not already extant, does it?

i’m sure some Balkan music contains Singing but you wouldn’t expect someone to dispute the authenticity of it by asserting that other Singing occured prior to Balkan folk music ?

Congratulations for the Truden name of your son.
May God give him long life and happiness.

Truden in Bulgarian language means “difficult” and also “pregnant” (old usage).
My real name is Nikolay, but “Truden” came very naturally as my nickname.

Hope I’ll see you around :)

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Uhai Bade (Maria Tănase)