Well Hip-Hop was born in NYC in the mid-to-late 70's, nearing the tail end of the Black Power movement that had a huge influence on the Black youth of the city. The Black Power movement coexisted and was direct continuation of the Civil-Right's movement of the 50's and 60's. One of the main groups during that era was the Nation of Islam who's influence can be seen in the works of prominent authors and intellectuals such as Malcolm X. Clarence 13X, the founder of the Nation of Gods and Earths (a.k.a. the Five-Percenters), was deeply influenced by the NoI. He spread his message in the hoods of NYC, telling the youth that they were powerful and were truly gods on this earth, a message that resonated strongly with the impovershed youth in the city. Not to simplify it too much, but Hip Hop and the Five Percenters were growing in popularity at the same time. The youth was able to express themselves and they felt like they had some sort of power in this cruel world.