The Birth of Breakdancing: Remembering 'Jam On It' at 40 Years Old

In 1983, when hip-hop culture first burst onto mainstream consciousness, few could have predicted that one song would become an enduring anthem for generations to come. That song was Newcleus's infectious and frenetic 'Jam on It,' a track so influential in the birth of breakdancing that its beat still echoes through dance floors worldwide today.

Released during a pivotal moment in music history when hip-hop fusion was exploding onto club playlists everywhere, 'Jam on it' quickly became an underground phenomenon. Its driving beats and infectious samples captured something primal within young people - a sense of rebellion, freedom from societal norms, and above all else: pure unbridled energy.

For those fortunate enough to experience the golden age of breakdancing firsthand, memories of 'Jam On It's' thunderous drop still reverberate through their minds. The song was more than just background noise; it provided the sonic canvas upon which crews like New York City's legendary B-boys would showcase their intricate moves - headspins, windmills and 360s executed with precision and finesse.

But beyond its role as a defining track for this underground dance movement lies another story altogether. 'Jam on It' represents something much deeper still: an expression of black pride during times of racial tension and social unrest that would define America throughout the late '70s and early '80s.

Newcleus themselves were no exception to these themes, their music often serving as a powerful vehicle for addressing issues such as police brutality, unemployment, poverty - all pressing concerns within predominantly African American communities at the time. In this sense then 'Jam on It' can be seen not just another piece of dance floor filler but rather an authentic representation of life itself - raw, honest and unflinching in its portrayal.

As we approach four decades since that fateful day when Newcleus's now-iconic single first hit the airwaves once again let us remember why 'Jam on It' continues to hold such a special place within our collective cultural consciousness. For beyond being simply 'just another old school hip hop track', it remains an enduring testament - both visually and sonically alike, of course! - to what happens when art meets passion; creativity meet rebellion.

So grab your turntables kids (or better yet, dust off that ol' boombox), crank up the volume nice & loud because tonight we're gonna Jam on It once more...

Newcleus jam on it come out