As we close out January, I want to give a shout out to 5 legends who celebrated their birthdays this month, and whose impacts were pivotal in the creation, crafting and cultivation of a culture that would give us a new genre of music, together with a new approach to music production which would inspire millions of artists, DJ’s and producers for generations, become a global phenomenon and reshape the music industry.
First up we have Grandmaster Flash, born January 1, 1958
Before Hip-Hop, Flash was already building its foundations back in the 70’s.
One of the early block party DJ’s following Kool Herc, Flash picked up on how the dancefloor got hyped during the drum solos and breaks (Break Boys dancing on the breaks later became B-Boys and breakdancers) So, Flash the master turntable technician transformed his decks into a DJ tool, pioneering techniques like the quick mix or break mixing, more commonly known today as beat juggling. This technique has now developed into a next level DJ skill and became the backbone for the world's most talented DJ’s and turntablists, thanks partly to the DMC world DJ championships, established in the UK back in 1985.
Approximately 10 years after Flash, we find our next January birthday boy DJ Jazzy Jeff aka The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff, born January 22, 1965
A true technician of the waxy goodness, Jeff elevated turntablism into an art form, using the turntables and vinyl as an instrument to inject extra funk to the breaks, showcasing flawless cuts with the transformer scratch, which we all started copying when we heard it on The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff back in 87, or saw it performed live at the DMC championships in 87 and 88 with Chad Jackson and Cash Money.
Jeff’s techniques elevated Cuttin’ & Scratchin’ to the next level and celebrated vinyl as both medium and message. A reminder that real DJ’s can transform the records to build and shape the groove into something new with their own interpretation, vision and flair.
Jazzy Jeff’s now infamous routines would not have been possible without Rock the Bells or Peter Piper which takes me next to L.L. Cool J and Jam Master Jay
LL Cool J born January 14, 1968
‘Rock the Bells’ featured on Cool J’s debut album ‘Radio’ back in 1985, which was a must have LP for any serious Hip-Hop DJ, record collector, or enthusiast.
And who can forget the first time they heard ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’? Heavyweight lyrics pounding across the funky drummer with raw energy, perfectly synced with the sinister sounds sliced off Sly Stone’s Trip to Your Heart.
Next we have Jam Master Jay from Run-D.M.C. born January 21, 1965
Jam Master Jay’s legacy is etched into some of Hip-Hop’s most iconic records. From the previously mentioned 'Peter Piper', to 'Sucker M.C.’s', from the 'King of Rock' to 'Run’s House' or from 'Beats to the Rhyme' to 'What’s It All About'.
Jay’s stripped-down, hard-hitting DJ style with Run-D.M.C. brought Hip-Hop vinyl and rock energy crashing together, creating records that still feel physical and powerful decades later and are still essential spins for any serious Hip-Hop crate.
Closing out January we have Rakim from Eric B. & Rakim
Born January 28, 1968, Rakim was the voice and lyricist behind the powerhouse Duo, dropping lyrical wisdom on 4 of the most important Hip-Hop LP’s produced between 87 and 92.
From ‘Paid in Full’, to ‘Follow The Leader’, and from ‘Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em’ to ‘Don’t Sweat The Technique’, Rakim’s voice sounds timeless when it drops. His measured flow, deep lyrical wisdom, and storytelling ability give a depth that rewards you with repeated plays.
Rakim is still rockin’ today, and If you missed this one, check out ‘Kings Paradise’ featured on the Original Soundtrack of Luke Cage - Season Two, by Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed. It’s a beast