DJ Polo Of Juice Crew Has Died, And Rap Legends Have Plenty Of Tributes For The Hip-Hop Pioneer

dj polo
Getty Image

This past weekend, DJ Polo of the Juice Crew was confirmed to have died by his family, who shared the news via his social media accounts.

“”It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of my father, the incredible DJ Polo,” the post reads. “He was not only a legend to the hip hop community but also to his family and we celebrate his life and legacy now and forever. We would like to thank you all for your beautiful words and tributes – seeing the impact he made has been overwhelming and we are so grateful… Thank you all again for your condolences and for respecting the family’s privacy at this time. We miss you Cuzmo.”

DJ Polo’s status as one of hip-hop’s foremost pioneers of the Golden Era alongside Kool G Rap meant that the news was met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow rap legends such as fellow Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane, DJ Premier, Eric B, Ice-T, and of course, Kool G Rap himself.

“R.I.P. to a dear friend and a Brother from another Household,” wrote his partner-in-rhyme. “He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May Light from the Highest be upon him.” You can see more tributes below.

DJ Polo and Kool G Rap were added to the Juice Crew in the mid-80s after recording “It’s A Demo” at the group’s studio with DJ Marley Marl and Mr. Magic. They later released the demo as the single “I’m Fly,” then followed it with three albums: Road To The Riches (1989), Wanted: Dead Or Alive (1990), and Live And Let Die (1992).
These albums are credited with contributing to the rise of Mafioso rap and built G Rap’s reputation as a supreme rhyme technician.

DJ Polo Of Juice Crew Has Died, And Rap Legends Have Plenty Of Tributes For The Hip-Hop Pioneer

dj polo
Getty Image

This past weekend, DJ Polo of the Juice Crew was confirmed to have died by his family, who shared the news via his social media accounts.

“”It is with a heavy heart we mourn the loss of my father, the incredible DJ Polo,” the post reads. “He was not only a legend to the hip hop community but also to his family and we celebrate his life and legacy now and forever. We would like to thank you all for your beautiful words and tributes – seeing the impact he made has been overwhelming and we are so grateful… Thank you all again for your condolences and for respecting the family’s privacy at this time. We miss you Cuzmo.”

DJ Polo’s status as one of hip-hop’s foremost pioneers of the Golden Era alongside Kool G Rap meant that the news was met with an outpouring of tributes from fellow rap legends such as fellow Juice Crew member Big Daddy Kane, DJ Premier, Eric B, Ice-T, and of course, Kool G Rap himself.

“R.I.P. to a dear friend and a Brother from another Household,” wrote his partner-in-rhyme. “He is a Legend to Hip Hop and Juice Crew history. DJ Polo! May Light from the Highest be upon him.” You can see more tributes below.

DJ Polo and Kool G Rap were added to the Juice Crew in the mid-80s after recording “It’s A Demo” at the group’s studio with DJ Marley Marl and Mr. Magic. They later released the demo as the single “I’m Fly,” then followed it with three albums: Road To The Riches (1989), Wanted: Dead Or Alive (1990), and Live And Let Die (1992).
These albums are credited with contributing to the rise of Mafioso rap and built G Rap’s reputation as a supreme rhyme technician.

Eric B. & Rakim Named as Nominees for 2024 Class of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Paid In Full Rakim Eric B

Eric B. & Rakim have been nominated for the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. According to AllHipHop, this is the second nomination for one of the greatest Hip-Hop duos ever.

The nomination was confirmed by their manager, Louis “Uncle Louie” Gregory.

Just last year, Hip-Hop was represented by Missy Elliott, who entered the hall.

The post Eric B. & Rakim Named as Nominees for 2024 Class of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame first appeared on The Source.

The post Eric B. & Rakim Named as Nominees for 2024 Class of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame appeared first on The Source.

Eric. B & Kool DJ Red Alert Awarded Public Leadership in the Arts Awards In D.C.

unnamed 4

On Friday, January 20, hip-hop legends Louis “Eric B” Barrier and Fredrick “Kool DJ Red Alert” Crute were among a group of honorees to receive the 2023 Public Leadership in the Arts Awards at The U.S. Conference of Mayors 91st Winter Meeting in Washington, DC.

MORE: Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. And Rakim’s Sophomore LP ‘Follow The Leader’ Dropped 34 Years Ago

Eric. B, best known as part of the legendary duo Eric. B and Rakim, and Kool DJ Red Alert, the pioneer of hip hop, were awarded the Legendary Artist Awards. The award honors an individual or group who has used their position to consistently advocate and support the arts and culture and/or arts education in the United States.

Others included Dan McKee, Governor of Rhode Island, who was awarded the National Award for State Arts Leadership. David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City, received the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of 100,000 or more. Jon Mitchell, Mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts, was awarded the National Award for Local Arts Leadership for cities with a population of fewer than 100,000.

MORE: Today In Hip Hop History: Eric B. and Rakim’s Debut Album ‘Paid In Full’ Turns 35 Years Old!

“The leadership of Governor McKee, Mayor Holt, and Mayor Mitchell should be an inspiration to all those serving in public office. They believe that the arts connect people and drive civic engagement, and their unparalleled commitment to supporting arts programs exemplifies how investment in the arts translates into community growth, economic prosperity, and increased cultural funding,” said Nolen V. Bivens, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. “We are also proud to recognize Eric B and Kool DJ Red Alert, who have contributed enormously to America’s artistic and cultural legacy, and whose achievements have no doubt helped change the future of the arts in America for the better.”

“The U.S. Conference of Mayors is pleased to recognize the exemplary work of Mayor Holt, Mayor Mitchell, Governor McKee as they use the arts and culture to not only promote their city/state, but to grow their economies,” remarked Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Mayors understand the inherent value of the arts to bring people together, promote cultural understanding, and make cities safer places to live, work and play.”

The post Eric. B & Kool DJ Red Alert Awarded Public Leadership in the Arts Awards In D.C. appeared first on The Source.

Best Hip-Hop Songs With No Hooks

No hooks, just fire bars. Continue reading…