New York
New York, also known as "The Big Apple," is a state that has been known for its popular music since the 1960's. The musical genres that are heavy in New York are hip-hop, jazz, blues, rock, salsa, classical, and rhythm and blues. New York is an important destination for salsa musicians because it is considered to be their "birthplace." Salsa music in New York was a way for Cubans, Dominicans, and Puerto Ricans to come together as one. Also, New York City is an eminent place for hip-hop music, and artists like Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, and the Sugarhill Gang allowed the musical genre to receive mainstream success. In the 80s, musical pioneer, Teddy Riley, introduced a term in music dubbed, "new jack swing," which incorporates hip-hop beats with contemporary R&B. Throughout the 90s, rappers like Nas, Jay-Z, The Notorious BIG, Junior Mafia, Ja Rule, DMX, and Lil' Kim showed their musical talents to the world. Several talented R&B artists are from New York such as Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Maxwell, Kelly Price, or the late Aaliyah. In addition, there are various musical venues that people visit when in New York, including Radio City Music Hall, Apollo Theater, BB King Blues Club & Grill, The Iridium, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, or S.O.B's. Tourists also can watch a Broadway musical/play to soak up NY’s musical culture.
