Kamala Harris says hip-hop is ‘the ultimate American art form’ as she hosts a 50th anniversary party

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris has hosted a celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, with appearances by some of the music genre’s pioneers and stars. Common, Jeezy, MC Lyte and Roxanne Shante were among the hip-hop artists invited to join Harris for the party Saturday at the vice president’s residence. Hip-hop’s 50th birthday has inspired a host of anniversary events this year. Harris told the crowd that hip-hop is “the ultimate American art form” that “shapes every aspect of America’s popular culture.” She said that “hip-hop culture is American culture.” Saturday’s celebration was a collaboration with Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and Live Nation Urban.