Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary: Celebrate With New Punch Tracks & Mitt Drills

August 11, 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of hip hop, a cultural movement that started in the 1970s and evolved into a global phenomenon that influences music, fashion, language, dance, art, and more. And you can bet that artists around the globe are showing up to honor and celebrate this golden anniversary and the impact hip hop has had—and continues to have—on the world.

At Litesport, we're taking the party to the ring, boxing and working out to the iconic beats of hip hop legends. Join us as we dive into the history of hip hop and share the exciting new content we're launching in our app this month to celebrate and honor this milestone. 

A Brief History of Hip Hop

Hip hop is more than a music genre, it’s a dynamic and multifaceted cultural movement. Born in the vibrant Bronx of New York City in the early 1970s, hip hop offers an outlet for marginalized voices and a celebration of diverse cultures. It’s also a vehicle for challenging stereotypes and advocating for social change. 

But how did it get its start? Let's take a trip through hip hop history:

• 1960s-1970s: In those early years, DJs played a crucial role in the launch of the genre, mixing and blending records in clubs and block parties in New York City. DJ Kool Herc, often referred to as the "father of hip hop," is credited with inventing breakbeats and looping drum sections that had everyone hitting the dance floor. This laid the groundwork for what hip hop would become.
• 1970s-1980s: DJs like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa refined techniques like scratching and beat juggling. Breaking or breakdancing, a dynamic dance style, also gained popularity, with crews like Rock Steady Crew and New York City Breakers leading the way. Meanwhile, rap, or emceeing, also became super prominent, with the iconic "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang making waves as the first commercially successful rap song. And artists like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy continued to popularize rap music. 
• 1980s-1990s: This golden era of hip hop saw the emergence of influential artists and groups like N.W.A., Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, the Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur. The art of storytelling and intricate wordplay became hallmarks of this era with styles like gangsta rap taking center stage. 
• 1990s-2000s: Hip hop continued to evolve during this decade, diversifying in style and content. Eminem, Jay-Z, and OutKast rose to fame, expanding hip hop's global influence. Regional scenes grew worldwide, making hip hop a universal language.
• 2010s-2020s: The 2010s brought us subgenres like trap, mumble rap, and alternative hip hop. We also saw the rise of superstars like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and Cardi B who achieved (and continue to achieve!) massive commercial success as they dominate the charts. Hip hop's social and political commentary remains strong, addressing important issues like racial inequality and police brutality.

Throughout its history, hip hop has remained a cultural force, influencing fashion, language, and popular culture. It has also sparked important discussions about social issues, race, and identity, making it a powerful means of self-expression and a reflection of the times. Plus, it’s arguably one of the best genres for a boxing workout… 

Celebrating Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary With Brand New Classes & Tracks

At Litesport, we’re celebrating 50 years of hip hop in the only way we know how: boxing and working out to the beat of some iconic hip hop legends! It’s time to throw on your gloves, turn up the volume, and join us for a hip hop workout journey with brand new Punch Tracks and Mitt Drill workouts: 

Punch Tracks

To honor its history, we’re re-releasing some of our most iconic hip hop tracks from across the decades. With Punch Tracks, you can find your flow with the latest charting music as you choreograph your punches to the beat of a single song. They’re perfect if you’re short on time and want to sneak in a workout or if you just want to lose yourself in the music. Here are three new tracks live in the app starting this month:

• "Still D.R.E." by Dr. Dre Feat. Snoop Dogg
• "In Da Club" by 50 Cent
• "Ruff Ryders Anthem" by DMX

Mitt Drills

We also launched some brand new Mitt Drill workouts in Litesport featuring artists like Dr. Dre, Eve, Warren G, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and more. Mitt Drills mimic pad or focus mitt training with your trainer right there in front of you guiding your punches and coaching you on correct form as you box to the beat. It’s the next best thing to a trainer in the room with you. 

4 Song Mitt Drill 50 Years Of Hip Hop with Aliyah (released on 8/10)

Trainer Aliyah was raised in a heavy hip hop household, so it’s safe to say she’s a fan. And this 4 song workout is her way of honoring the artists she grew up listening to in the 90s and early 2000s. Get ready to bring your energy levels sky-high as you box to the beat of Lil Wayne, Eve, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg. Throughout the class, Aliyah encourages you to start slow to learn each combo before adding on and bringing it all together for one non-stop workout. She wants you to keep your guard up, add more power, and wear out those arms so you can finish strong and celebrate big. 

3 Song Mitt Drill 50 Years Of Hip Hop with GW (released on 8/14)

This 3-song Mitt Drill workout with GW is a great way to get in a quick sweat and practice those boxing combos. You’ll use all 6 targets on the Liteshield as you get those arms working and muscles pumping. And the beat of some of the top names in the game will keep you going with tracks “Regulate” by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg, “I Ain’t No Joke” by Eric B. & Rakim, and “Check Yo Self” by Ice Cube. Get ready to bring the heat in your punches, rack up those points, and show GW your best combos.

Join the 50th-anniversary celebration by tagging us in your videos as you work out to the beat of these influential hip hop artists and brand-new tracks. And don’t forget to join us on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and our blog for even more release updates and announcements.