2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop music. Explore influential figures in Indianapolis' hip-hop history, from the 1970s to today, including Reggie Griffin who created beats for early rap classics including “The Message,” WSYW 801 A.M.’s rap radio format co-originator B-Boy Chilly T, Hit Makers Showcase host Paul Middlebrook, Mudkids’ co-founder Rusty Redenbacher, and Patrice 2 Fine, one of the first female rappers in Indianapolis to appear on record. Plus more from Rickie Clark, Grover Wilcher, Steve Weakley, N.A.P. and B.M.W.

Listen to words and music from artists including:

Reggie Griffin — He created the beats for many early rap classics at Sugar Hill Records, including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message”.

B-Boy Chilly T — In 1991 he helped launch Indianapolis’ first radio station dedicated exclusively to rap music, WSYW 810 A.M., better known as “Yo! Eight-One-Oh!”.

Paul Middlebrook — During the 1980s he created and hosted “Hit Makers Showcase”, a public access cable program that documented early Indianapolis hip-hop culture. 

Rusty Redenbacher — Co-founder of the The Mudkids, one of Indianapolis’ most influential underground hip-hop groups.