If you’re familiar with the evolution of hip-hop, then you know Bronx legend Clive Campbell (better known as DJ Kool Herc, the genre's credited founding father) is integral to the conversation. What many don’t know is how important Jamaican music is to the genre.

The island's impact was brought to light at the Jamaica Music Conference held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in Kingston from Feb. 13-16. It was assembled by Sharon Burke, CEO of Solid Agency, dancehall and reggae’s top booking, promotion and production agency in Jamaica. Kool Herc and his sister Cindy Campbell -- the self-proclaimed "First Lady of Hip-Hop" whose Bronx birthday party in 1973 was deemed the genre's debut -- as well reggae legend Shaggy were among the artists in attendance.

The trio -- along with executives Jason Kpana, svp of artist & label relations at TIDAL; Diego Herrera, Reggae/Caribbean/World curator and music programmer for Pandora Music; and Tuma Basa, director of urban music at YouTube -- plunged deep into discussions about the crippling state of the Jamaican music industry, the foundation of hip-hop, and the genre’s direct correlation to Jamaican music culture.

After stopping by their old childhood home at 11 ½ York Street in Kingston’s Franklyn Town for the first time in more than 30 years, Herc and Cindy discussed aspirations to bring a hip-hop museum to the bubbling capital. They explained how the efforts would support the music ecosystem and add credit to the country as a potential world music capital.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT BILLBOARD