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Life as a hip hop fan in 1980s London captured in newly-released throwback snaps

Written by James White — 0 Views

AMAZING pictures tell the story of the British hip hop scene in the 1980s in all its beat-boxing and break-dancing glory.

Artists and fans in London during the genre's golden decade have been brought into focus once again in these newly-found photos.

Break-dancers busting moves and blowing minds in 1983

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Break-dancers busting moves and blowing minds in 1983Credit: Getty - Contributor
A DJ at one of the legendary UK Fresh Hip Hop events at the old Wembley Arena in 1986

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A DJ at one of the legendary UK Fresh Hip Hop events at the old Wembley Arena in 1986Credit: Getty - Contributor
Outside Wembley Arena at the UK Fresh Hip Hop show in 1986, a fan rocks up with his own ghetto blaster

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Outside Wembley Arena at the UK Fresh Hip Hop show in 1986, a fan rocks up with his own ghetto blasterCredit: Getty - Contributor

UK hip hop or 'Brit-hop' grew out of dancehall music brought to London by Jamaican migrants arriving in the 60s and 70s.

American rappers also had a huge influence on the genre, with the States being responsible for the graffiti culture that became a big part of the scene.

DJs David Pearce, John Peel and Tim Westwood are often credited with taking UK hip hop to the masses through their trailblazing broadcasting careers.

More recently, the British hip hop scene has passed the torch to grime in London as the leading urban music genre of the capital.

Pioneer MC Duke came from London's East End, pictured here in the 1980s

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Pioneer MC Duke came from London's East End, pictured here in the 1980sCredit: Getty - Contributor
Phase 1 performing at the Limelight club for the launch of the StreetSounds record label in 1986

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Phase 1 performing at the Limelight club for the launch of the StreetSounds record label in 1986Credit: Getty - Contributor
Body-popping break-dancers in London in 1983

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Body-popping break-dancers in London in 1983Credit: Getty - Contributor
Man with absolutely outrageous shades at the Notting Hill Carnival

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Man with absolutely outrageous shades at the Notting Hill CarnivalCredit: Getty - Contributor
Whistling ladies partying in London in 1986

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Whistling ladies partying in London in 1986Credit: Getty - Contributor
MC Duke became just 'Duke' later in his career

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MC Duke became just 'Duke' later in his careerCredit: Getty - Contributor
An American rapper in London with blinding bling

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An American rapper in London with blinding blingCredit: Getty - Contributor
B Boy with double vision at a show in London

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B Boy with double vision at a show in LondonCredit: Getty - Contributor
Notting Hill Carnival DJs posing on Portobello Road

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Notting Hill Carnival DJs posing on Portobello RoadCredit: This content is subject to copyright.
Break-dancers decked out in US sportswear ahead of a huge event in the capital

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Break-dancers decked out in US sportswear ahead of a huge event in the capitalCredit: Getty - Contributor
Camden Town Hall hosting young hip hop fans in the mid-80s

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Camden Town Hall hosting young hip hop fans in the mid-80sCredit: Getty - Contributor
These hip hop fans red up before the gig

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These hip hop fans red up before the gigCredit: Getty - Contributor
Two teens in matching Adidas tracksuits near Wembley

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Two teens in matching Adidas tracksuits near WembleyCredit: Getty - Contributor
Hip hop fan holding a customised boombox in 86

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Hip hop fan holding a customised boombox in 86Credit: Getty - Contributor
Hip hop artists on top of a car park near Tottenham

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Hip hop artists on top of a car park near TottenhamCredit: Getty - Contributor
Break-dancers strike a pose for a mid-80s photo

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Break-dancers strike a pose for a mid-80s photoCredit: Getty - Contributor
Break-dancers Colin and Venal in front of graffiti - a key part of the hip hop scene

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Break-dancers Colin and Venal in front of graffiti - a key part of the hip hop sceneCredit: Getty - Contributor
Pretty in pink and a peak cap

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Pretty in pink and a peak capCredit: Getty - Contributor
Fans in brown bucket hats at the UK Fresh event

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Fans in brown bucket hats at the UK Fresh eventCredit: Getty - Contributor

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