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Revision as of 13:14, 16 February 2006 editAlex earlier account (talk | contribs)9,921 editsm besides hip hop, it was also associated with the punk scene; this will be mentioned← Previous edit Revision as of 18:40, 19 February 2006 edit undo200.118.203.149 (talk)No edit summaryNext edit →
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The word is ]ly inflammatory in some circumstances but has also been embraced as a term of black, urban pride — and, like many such terms, has been adopted by parts of the non-black American community. It is used as the name of at least one ] and one ], and is also a popular ] element typically associated with ], ] and ], ] culture, ] and ] culture, ] and even ] ]. The word is ]ly inflammatory in some circumstances but has also been embraced as a term of black, urban pride — and, like many such terms, has been adopted by parts of the non-black American community. It is used as the name of at least one ] and one ], and is also a popular ] element typically associated with ], ] and ], ] culture, ] and ] culture, ] and even ] ].


The ghettoblaster is seen as one of the stereotypical accessories of the ] (breakdancer), having been introduced to the mainstream conciousness through music videos, television and documentaries. It is also a phenomena often associated with ], ], the birthplace of ] culture, with b-boy, ] and Hip-Hop fan alike crowding around the beats eminating from this not-so-little machine. The ghettoblaster is seen as one of the stereotypical accessories of the ] (breakdancer), having been introduced to the mainstream conciousness through music videos, television and documentaries. It is also a phenomena often associated with ], ], the birthplace of ] culture, with b-boy, ] and Hip-Hop fan alike crowding around the beats eminating from this not-so-little machine.


In the ] film '']'', during the customary trip into Q's workshop, loud music is heard emanating from a large portable stereo carried on the shoulder of a technician. A missile then fires from the end of the stereo at a human dummy target, which is destroyed by the resulting explosion. Q replies by stating, 'It's something we're developing for the Americans. It's called a ghettoblaster'. In the ] film '']'', during the customary trip into Q's workshop, loud music is heard emanating from a large portable stereo carried on the shoulder of a technician. A missile then fires from the end of the stereo at a human dummy target, which is destroyed by the resulting explosion. Q replies by stating, 'It's something we're developing for the Americans. It's called a ghettoblaster'.
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*''']''' (known as ''']''' in ]) *''']''' (known as ''']''' in ])
*''']''' series *''']''' series
*''']''' series (This model included a ]!) *''']''' series (This model included a ])


The popularity of large portable stereos declined in the early ] and few models are currently manufactured. The popularity of large portable stereos declined in the early ] and few models are currently manufactured.

Revision as of 18:40, 19 February 2006

For the box set by No Doubt, see Boom Box (No Doubt box set).
File:1980s JVC Boombox.JPG
1980s JVC boombox

A boombox or boom-box is a portable stereo system capable of playing radio stations or recorded music (usually cassettes) at relatively high volume. Most have tone and balance controls. Higher-end models might have VU meters, graphic equalizers (4-bands being pretty standard), Lights, AUX-in, Audio-Out, Shoulder Straps and even TV and burglar alarms.

The synonym ghettoblaster or ghetto-blaster is a term that can be considered insulting or complimentary depending on the context. The word ghettoblaster originated in the U.S., apparently reflecting the belief that such systems are popular in poor inner-city neighborhoods (ghettos), especially those populated by black Americans, whether as a sign of economic power or simply to play some music/throw a party. Ghettoblaster rather than boom box became the common term in the UK and Australia for large portable stereos, perhaps because it carried less meaning.

The term carries a connotation of power and disregard of social rules, shown in the ability to blast music to overwhelm those around you, as portrayed in the film Do the Right Thing by director Spike Lee. Dispute over a ghettoblaster was a central role in that movie's culminating riot.

Sony boombox circa 2005

The word is racially inflammatory in some circumstances but has also been embraced as a term of black, urban pride — and, like many such terms, has been adopted by parts of the non-black American community. It is used as the name of at least one magazine and one recording company, and is also a popular stereotype element typically associated with funk, hip-hop and rap, African American culture, 1970s and 1980s culture, breakdancing and even racist jokes.

The ghettoblaster is seen as one of the stereotypical accessories of the b-boy (breakdancer), having been introduced to the mainstream conciousness through music videos, television and documentaries. It is also a phenomena often associated with New York City, New York, the birthplace of Hip-Hop culture, with b-boy, rapper and Hip-Hop fan alike crowding around the beats eminating from this not-so-little machine.

In the James Bond film The Living Daylights, during the customary trip into Q's workshop, loud music is heard emanating from a large portable stereo carried on the shoulder of a technician. A missile then fires from the end of the stereo at a human dummy target, which is destroyed by the resulting explosion. Q replies by stating, 'It's something we're developing for the Americans. It's called a ghettoblaster'.

Some notable makes and models from the early to mid-80's to watch out for are:

The popularity of large portable stereos declined in the early 1990s and few models are currently manufactured.

External links

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