Prehistory

Vocal imitation of percussion sounds has existed for a very long time. One tradition is thought to have originated in India several thousand years ago: the tradition of bol, and the Chinese developed Kouji, a type of vocal performing arts. These had little relation with hip hop, however, and have no direct connection to modern Eastern Hip Hop. Some African traditions use performers' bodies (clapping, stomping) to make musical sounds to maintain a steady musical pace. They made sounds using their mouths by loudly breathing in and out, which is done in beatboxing today.

Pink Floyd's 1967 album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn contains vocal percussion in its 5th track, Pow R. Toc H.. Some modern commentators have described this as beatboxing . However, his "beatboxing" was quite different from what is currently known as beatboxing with its origins deriving mostly from hip hop.

Hip Hop Origins

Beatboxing in hip hop originated in 1980s. Its early pioneers include Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, and Buffy from the Fat Boys. Credits of the three include Doug E. Fresh for being the first "human beatbox,", Barry B for coining the term, and Buffy perfecting the art. The term "beatboxing" is derived from the mimicry of the first generation of drum machines, then known as beatboxes.

Modern Beatboxing

Beatboxing's current popularity is thanks in part to the likes of artists like Rahzel and Kenny Muhammad, who have promoted the art form across the world.

In 2005 the world championship of beatboxing was organised in Leipzig, Germany. The participants came from all over the world, and included Tom Thumb, Roxorloops, Poizunus, Joel Turner and Faith SFX. After some hardcore beatbox battles, the final between Roxorloops (Belgium) and Joel Turner (Australia) was decided. The five judges had a difficult time picking a winner and called for an extra round after which Joel Turner won the world championship.