RAW 1985 Bronx RAP Contest:" When Hip-Hop Was Still Local"

Filmed in 1985, this rare archival tape takes you straight to the birthplace of Hip-Hop: The Bronx, New York. ​This raw footage captures a neighborhood rap contest, offering an unfiltered look at the culture, fashion, and lyrical styles of the mid-1980s. Long before multi-million dollar record deals and arena tours, Hip-Hop was about local bragging rights, community businesses, and rocking the crowd at the park or the community center. ​Highlights of the Tape: ​01:24 – The Royalty Ladies: A female rap duo breaks down their crew name ("R is for our raps that aren't repeated..."), showing the strong presence of women in early Hip-Hop. ​03:12 – The "Conscious" Rap: One MC delivers a surprisingly educational verse about Black History, shouting out Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and Benjamin Banneker ("He invented the very first clock ever to be made from American parts"). ​05:48 – The BBC (Bronx Bicycle Center) Anthem: "Mighty T" takes the mic to drop a promotional freestyle for the local bike shop ("Short and satisfied as soon as you enter there..."), highlighting how local businesses supported the culture. ​08:46 – Advice to the Ladies: "Princess C" drops a verse warning young women about the manipulative nature of boys ("They will love you and treat you like toys..."). ​🎞️ Video Specifications: ​Date: 1985 ​Location: The Bronx, NYC ​Subject: Local Rap Contest / Hip-Hop Culture ​Key MCs: The Royalty Ladies, Mighty T, Princess C, Queen Larice. ​Source: Hezakya Newz & Films Archives ​Duration: 09:21 ​This film documents: ​The transition of Hip-Hop from block parties to structured local contests. ​The specific flow, cadence, and breath control of 1985 MCs. ​The heavy integration of beatboxing and crowd participation. ​The mid-80s NYC aesthetic (tracksuits, gold chains, specific slang). ​#HipHopHistory #TheBronx #1985 #GoldenAgeHipHop #OldSchoolHipHop #RapContest #NYC #BlackHistory #HezakyaNewz #ClassicHipHop