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How Hip-Hop Brought Self-Pride and Esteem to the Hollers of West Virginia.

The article recounts Eric "Monstalung" Jordan's introduction to hip-hop culture in 1970s West Virginia hollers via Bronx cousins teaching him MCing, breakdancing, graffiti, and DJing, inspired by mixtapes, local radio, and films like Beat Street that ignited his lifelong passion. He later formed the...

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Published in:Appalachian Journal Vol. 53; no. 3; pp. 316 - 321
Main Author: JORDAN, ERIC "MONSTALUNG"
Format: Article
Published: University of North Carolina Press Spring2026
Subjects:
Hip-hop culture
Local culture
Self-confidence
Youth development
Dance
Rap music
Graffiti
Bronx (New York, N.Y.)
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Summary:The article recounts Eric "Monstalung" Jordan's introduction to hip-hop culture in 1970s West Virginia hollers via Bronx cousins teaching him MCing, breakdancing, graffiti, and DJing, inspired by mixtapes, local radio, and films like Beat Street that ignited his lifelong passion. He later formed the 304 Reconz group to instill pride in local youth through music celebrating Appalachian life, sparking a statewide hip-hop movement with collaborations and tattoos.