September 29, 2008 16:08

'Birthplace of hip-hop' to be sold?

Historic tower block scheduled to be sold today (September 29)

A tower block in New York that is widely considered to be the birthplace of hip-hop is set to be sold today (September 29) to real estate developer Mark Karasick.

An apartment in the Bronx-based block, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, played host to what would become known as an historic house party in August 1973. The event, hosted by DJ Kool Herc, is where historians of hip-hop believe an early form of the genre was showcased.

WENN reports that Kool Herc, real name Clive Campell, was involved in a legal battle to save the building up until last week. His lawsuit was dismissed by the State Supreme Court on Friday (September 26).

Campbell is not giving up hope, however. He is trying to enlist the help of both P Diddy and 50 Cent in order to raise enough money to buy the building.

Residents had previously been offered an opportunity to buy the building for a total of $14 million, but they could only manage to raise around $11.5 million.