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Turn the Beat Around: The Story of the Hit Song and the Transformation of Hip-Hop

Albert Reed

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Published in Turn The Beat Around: The Secret History Of Disco

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The Origins of "Turn the Beat Around"

"Turn the Beat Around" was born out of a chance encounter between Vicky D and DJ Barry B. In 1979, D was a struggling singer who was trying to make a name for herself in the New York City music scene. She met B, a DJ who was known for his innovative mixing skills, and the two began to collaborate.

The Rise to Fame

In the summer of 1980, "Turn the Beat Around" was released on the Sutra Records label. The song quickly became a hit, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also sold millions of copies worldwide, making it one of the biggest-selling singles of the year.

The success of "Turn the Beat Around" was a major breakthrough for hip-hop. It was the first time that a hip-hop song had achieved crossover success on the pop charts. The song's success showed that hip-hop was not just a fad, but a legitimate genre with staying power.

Turn the Beat Around: The Secret History of Disco

by Peter Shapiro

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	841 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	471 pages

The Lasting Impact

"Turn the Beat Around" has had a lasting impact on popular culture. The song has been sampled by numerous artists, including LL Cool J, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. It has also been featured in several films and television shows.

In addition to its musical impact, "Turn the Beat Around" has also had a social impact. The song's lyrics, which are about a woman who is trying to get her man to dance, have been interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle for women's empowerment. The song has been used by feminists and other activists to promote gender equality.

"Turn the Beat Around" is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that has inspired, uplifted, and empowered people all over the world. The song's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you have a dream and you are willing to work hard to achieve it.

Turn the Beat Around: The Secret History of Disco

by Peter Shapiro

4.5 out of 5