The pioneers of hip-hop started to surface around the mid 70's. The different components to Hip-Hop were Dance, DJs, and MC's. Some say it originated in the Bronx, NY, with DJ's like GrandMaster Flash who invented different techniques on the mix board. He later joined up with a group of rappers call Furious Five and created hits like "The Roof is on Fire."
Another Influential Hip-Hop Artist includes Joseph Simmons and Darryl McDaniels, also known as Run and D.M.C. The combination of the two and Jam Master J created several of hits and paved the way for other artist. Infact Run's brother Russell Simmons went on to (Co-Found) Def Jam.
Public Enemy who was formed by Chuck D also helped pave the way for Hip-Hop today.