What did D.J. Kool Herc contribute to hip hop?

D.J. Kool Herc is widely regarded as one of the founding figures of hip hop, primarily for his innovative use of turntables and breakbeats. He pioneered the technique of "breakbeat DJing," where he extended instrumental portions of songs, allowing dancers, known as "breakdancers," to showcase their skills. His parties in the Bronx during the early 1970s brought together diverse communities and laid the groundwork for the hip hop culture, influencing future generations of artists and DJs. Additionally, Herc's emphasis on rhythm and live performance helped shape the genre's distinctive sound and style.