The Birth of Hip Hop - with Technics

The Technics SL-1100 became the turntable of choice for DJ Kool Herc, the founding father of Hip Hop, during block parties.

The first-generation Technics SL-1200 was packed features that DJs craved; it's successor, the SL-1200MK2 was the first turntable to incorporate DJ functions into the design.

DJ's dubbed the Technics turntable as a musical instrument and it became the standard instrument for DJ's worldwide.

A commemorative SL-1200 edition was released, celebrating two million turntables sold.

DJ battles became mainstream, and turntablists began actively creating music using their turntable techniques, with Technics right there in step.

Technics celebrates 50 years since the birth of the brand's DJ turntable with a limited run of 7 colors of the SL-1200MK7 Turntables.

As the go-to choice of DJs the world over, the SL-1200 Series has long been a dominant presence on the global music scene. Today the brand continues to set the industry standard as the direct drive turntable par excellence.

Going back to our roots, Technics is proud to sponsor the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's 50 Years of Hip Hip exhibit, HOLLA IF YA HEAR ME.