Described in The New York Times as a long-time "haven for working class families", it has been historically accepted as the birthplace of hip hop.

Following a long period of neglect and shady dealings in the 1990s and 2000s, observers described the building as a symbol of the city's affordable housing crisis.

[6][7] DJ Kool Herc is credited with helping to start hip hop and rap music at a house concert at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue on August 11, 1973.

[13] The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recognized the building as the "birthplace of hip hop" on July 5, 2007.

However, after the United States housing bubble burst, a period of neglect and threats of forced evictions daunted residents,[17] and despite promises to the opposite, the building fell into decline.

John Crotty of Workforce Housing Advisors told the New York Times that his group intends to renovate the distressed building and work with tenants to recognize its importance.