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A new owner took over the affordable-housing complex at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in Morris Heights.

The building is where hip-hop music was introduced in the early 1970s.

Some tenants tried to purchase the 100-unit building and preserve its history. However, they were outbid by developer Mark Karasick, who closed the deal on Monday.

Tenants say that their fight is not over.

"We wanted them to sell it to us, but they wanted more money," said tenant Geraldine Davis. "Everybody's living on one income and we don't have that type of money. We've been fighting a long time to stay here. Where else are we going to go?"

"How are we to fight this," said fellow tenant Andre Lovell. "Who's helping us? This same thing we tried to fight this guy from doing, he's doing it – in front of our faces. And no one is doing anything to stop it."

"We have landmark status in our hearts," said hip hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc. "The fight will continue. This is the birthplace of hip hop."

Tenants have applied for landmark status, which is pending.

Residents fear Karasick will raise rents. Officials say that although the previous owner took the building out of the Mitchell Lama affordable housing program, apartments will still remain subsidized, meaning rents can only go up in connection with rent-stabilization guidelines.

In a statement, a lawyer for Karasick says the developer, "takes his responsibilities seriously and does not shirk from his obligations."