Grandmaster caz Archives - New Hip Hop News

Hip-Hop Pioneers Take Center Stage: Inside The 2024 Hip-Hop Grandmaster Awards

October 7, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The glitz and glam of Las Vegas met hip-hop’s golden era on October 5th at the ARIA Resort & Casino for the second annual Hip-Hop Grandmaster Awards. This was a night when legends finally got their flowers. Cultural icons who have paved the way but often go underappreciated for their impact were honored. Hosted by Terry Crews, the event celebrated the pioneers who helped build the genre’s foundation. The night culminated in an upscale evening that celebrated their artistry and lasting cultural contributions.

As attendees arrived, they were met with the energy that only a city like Las Vegas can provide. HotNewHipHop was in attendance to capture all of the moments. Many were dressed to the nines in glamorous, upscale attire. Glasses of champagne welcomed guests in the pre-reception area which also hosted a special exhibit that took attendees on a walk through hip-hop’s storied past. The room was lined with artifacts, such as an original 1988 issue of Word Up! magazine, cassette tapes of Nas’ iconic Illmatic, handwritten lyrics from “The World Is Yours,” and old-school party flyers featuring people such as Grandmaster Caz and DJ Jazzy Jeff. These rare pieces of hip-hop history transported the guests back in time, reminding everyone of the movement’s origins.

Hip-Hop Artifacts Were Presented During The Pre-Reception

Hip-Hop Grandmaster Awards — Credit Jerry Metellus

After about an hour of mingling and deep diving into hip-hop’s archives, guests were guided into a luxurious ballroom where they were seated at elegantly organized tables. Moreover, this set the stage for the night’s main event. The formal proceedings began with an introduction from tech mogul and hip-hop advocate Ben Horowitz, and his wife Felicia Horowitz. Both are co-founders of the Paid in Full Foundation, which hosts this annual gala. The opening remarks set a reflective and celebratory tone. “I am blown away by all of this beauty that I see in this room,” Felicia Horowitz said.

The evening went on and guests were served dinner and treated to opening performances from Rakim, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Doug E. Fresh, as well as Samara Cyn. Then, discussions quickly turned into a living history lesson, as icons Fab 5 Freddy, Grandmaster Caz, and Kool Moe Dee took the stage for an interview-style conversation. The trio shared their reflections on hip-hop’s early days, their personal journeys, and how they’ve navigated the evolution of the genre.

Fireside Chat Hosted By Fab 5 Freddy With Kool Moe Dee And Grandmaster Caz

Fab 5 Freddy, Kool Moe Dee, Grandmaster Kaz — Credit: Jerry Metellus

Specifically, the discussion veered towards the climate of modern-day battle rap culture. In reference to the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef, Grandmaster Caz shared his thoughts and expressed how he feels battle rap is more personal than it used to be. “Drake he’s the biggest person out, he’s got a target on his back cause he’s successful,” Caz said. “A battle rap back in the day wasn’t like, me talking about you, your mother, this and that. It was you get on, do your thing … I get on, do my thing. And the crowd decides which one did the better thing.”

“Today, battling is more personal,” he continued. ”’You ain’t s–t, you ain’t this or that.’ We didn’t have to say what you ain’t. We just said what we are. And what we are is more powerful and speaks for itself.”

Moreover, Terry Crews brought his signature humor and energy to the event, keeping the crowd engaged with his lively hosting throughout the night. The crowd buzzed as the honorees of the night were announced: Grandmaster Caz, Roxanne Shante, and Kool Moe Dee—true legends who have each left impactful marks on the genre. Each of them received their awards and gave speeches. The atmosphere brimmed with respect and admiration for their tireless work in shaping hip-hop. The award, which includes a financial stipend, is aimed at empowering these pioneers to further their creative endeavors, ensuring that their legacies not only endure but continue to grow.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Performed A DJ Set At The Hip-Hop Grandmaster Awards

In a night filled with highlights, DJ Jazzy Jeff’s special performance was a standout moment. He treated the crowd to a DJ set, spinning classic tracks and igniting memories of block parties and basement jams. But the night didn’t end there. What was initially planned as a celebratory performance evolved into something even more special when Kool Moe Dee and Roxanne Shante joined in on an impromptu freestyle session. The spontaneity of the performance was a reminder of hip-hop’s live roots.

Roxanne Shante delivered a particularly empowering speech that left the crowd giving her a standing ovation. “The reason I wasn’t every place else, with everyone else, was because I was supposed to be here tonight getting paid in full,” Shante said during her acceptance speech.

Honorees Kool Moe Dee, Roxanne Shante, And Grandmaster Caz

Kool Moe Dee, Roxanne Shante, Grandmaster Kaz — Credit: Jerry Metellus

The Paid in Full Foundation’s mission to empower and honor hip-hop’s trailblazers came to life through the evening’s festivities. It was clear that this event was about more than just the accolades. Moreover, it was a call to action to acknowledge the past while investing in the future.

Alongside Benjamin Horowitz and his fellow board members, including Felicia Horowitz, Stephen J. Stoute, and Quincy Jones III, the Hip-Hop Grandmaster Awards were a testament to hip-hop’s enduring influence and the necessity of giving these pioneers their long-overdue recognition. With performances from Doug E. Fresh, appearances by Nas and Fab 5 Freddy, and an audience packed with visionaries, the evening was a reminder that hip-hop’s legacy is alive and thriving.

The post Hip-Hop Pioneers Take Center Stage: Inside The 2024 Hip-Hop Grandmaster Awards appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Today In Hip Hop History: The Sugar Hill Gang Released ‘Rapper’s Delight’ 45 Years Ago

September 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

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On today’s date, 45 years ago, Hip Hop’s first Billboard Top 40 single, “Rapper’s Delight,” was released by Englewood, New Jersey’s Sugarhill Gang. As one of Hip Hop’s earliest relics, this single, written by The Cold Crush Brothers’ own Grandmaster Caz, is credited with bringing the art of rap to a multicultural mainstream audience.

In the ’70s, disco and soul still reigned supreme in the clubs and lounges of the country’s urban centers. In its most primitive form, Hip Hop was still misunderstood (and exclusive to New York City and California). Breaking, tagging, rapping, and spinning records were widely recognized as the borderline criminal activities of whatever city’s urban youth. The culture’s cult following was majority made up of housing project residence, the type to not frequent the discos and bars of their respective downtown centers. Every once in and awhile, someone would drop a single that would break through and get some shine on the club scene but never make much of a splash nationally. “Rapper’s Delight” was a different story.

On September 20, 1979, new wave bands Blondie and Chic were playing a concert at New York’s renown Palladium with British punk rock band The Clash; Hip Hop’s earliest socialite (and soon to be television host) Fab Five Freddy was on the scene with Sugarhill Gang members Big Bank Hank, Mike Wright, and Master Gee. Having just released a single featuring Chic’s hit single “Good Times” from their recent international album Risqué, it was natural for the gang to hop on stage and start freestyling as soon as Chic dropped the bass line.

Sometime later, Chic’s Nile Rodgers was out at New York’s Club Leviticus and heard a recorded cut of the very song The Sugarhill Gang ever-so-delightfully interrupted his concert weeks earlier. Enraged, Rodgers immediately sought legal action and attempted to sue the Sugarhill Gang for using his band’s instrumental in their single. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and appropriate credit was given to Chic in their part of the song.

With the lawsuit and legal attention came a swarm of popularity. Disc Jockeys in clubs across the country began to spin this record every night of the week. The single gained so much play in the United States that clubs across the globe began to push this song like no tomorrow. Although the single may have peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200, it was #1 in Canada and the Netherlands, #2 in Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and #3 in Germany and the UK. This single song sold platinum in both the United States and Canada, with over 5 million copies sold worldwide.

“Rapper’s Delight” may be the most important single of Hip Hop culture. It didn’t event style, it wasn’t the first to gain mainstream success, it wasn’t even from New York, but it was the biggest of its time. What “Rapper’s Delight” did was make it “ok” to listen to and support rap music out in the open. Before this single, Hip Hop was an urban taboo. Upon its release, the connotation transformed from one synonymous with the ghetto to a new and hip musical genre. In a way, “Rapper’s Delight” gentrified Hip Hop in a way that made it profitable. Without it, the culture would not be a powerful as it is today.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: The Sugar Hill Gang Released ‘Rapper’s Delight’ 45 Years Ago first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: The Sugar Hill Gang Released ‘Rapper’s Delight’ 45 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.

Will Smith And Martin Lawrence Reveal Their G.O.A.T. Rappers

June 13, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are having a moment. Three decades after they were two of the biggest stars on television, they’re proving themselves to be even bigger draws as movie stars. Bad Boys: Ride or Die has killed at the box office, and part of the reason why is the promo tour Smith and Lawrence are on. They’re everywhere, sharing anecdotes about their friendship and their seemingly bulletproof franchise. The Smith and Lawrence convo we didn’t expect, however, was who the greatest rapper of all time is.

Smith and Lawrence recently went on the YouTube series GOAT Talk to discuss, well GOAT topics. Given the impact that both of them have had on hip-hop culture, it was only a matter of time before they were hit with the “GOAT rapper” question. Their answers did not disappoint. Martin Lawrence decided to go with a generational peer and a close personal friend. “I would have to say Snoop Dogg for me,” he noted. “Because Snoop’s always come through for me. He’s done my show and has always been excellent. And he’s a good friend of mine.” Both Lawrence and Snoop Dogg appeared in the 2019 film The Beach Bum. The latter also made a cameo on a 1994 episode of Martin.

Will Smith Struggled To Pick Between Three Rappers

Will Smith’s answer was more intriguing. He rose to fame as a rapper. He was the first rapper to win a Grammy, in fact, so he’s technically a GOAT candidate himself. Rest assured, however, the actor didn’t pick himself. He decided to go old school with his picks. “I think that in terms of changing the game,” he posited. “Rakim.” Will Smith was unable to limit his answer to one, though. He mentioned two other men who shaped his love for the genre. “The combination of Melle Mel and Grandmaster Caz,” he explained. “In terms of me developing my love for hip-hop.” The Caz shout out is timely, given that Smith recently encountered the rapper during a radio interview.

Smith gushed about Grandmaster Caz during his appearance on Sway In the Morning. He told the host that he modeled his rhyming style after the Cold Crush legend. In the middle of his interview, Caz walks in the room and leaves the Oscar winner starstruck. Smith let out a yell of surprise before hyping up the rapper to the rest of the room. “Ladies and gentleman,” he said. “The full, complete and total inspiration for the Fresh Prince: Grandmaster Caz.” Smith might’ve said Rakim first, but this encounter tips the scale in Caz’s favor.

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Happy 63rd Birthday To Hip Hop Pioneer Grandmaster Caz!

April 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Curtis Fisher a.k.a Grandmaster Caz, one of Hip Hop’s very first and most well known ghostwriters, turns 63 today. He currently works as a celebrity tour guide for Hush Hip Hop Tours, a Hip Hop cultural sightseeing tour company in NYC and is a board member of The Universal Federation for the Preservation of Hip Hop Culture.

In his apex in the early 80s, Caz was a founding member of the legendary Cold Crush Brothers and also singlehandedly wrote Hip Hop’s most recognizable hit of all time, “Rapper’s Delight”, which was performed by The Sugar Hill Gang. Unfortunately, Caz was never compensated at all for that piece of Hip Hop history.

Caz has done his part to preserve the Hip Hop culture in his own right, and in 1998 he was listed #11 out of Blaze Magazine‘s Top 50 MCs of All Time. Caz was also inducted into the Technics DJ Hall of Fame in 1999 and June 2008, Grandmaster Caz was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame. We at TheSource.com want to wish a very happy 63rd to a true Grandmaster.

The post Happy 63rd Birthday To Hip Hop Pioneer Grandmaster Caz! first appeared on The Source.

The post Happy 63rd Birthday To Hip Hop Pioneer Grandmaster Caz! appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: 44 Years Ago Sugar Hill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’ Becomes Hip-Hop’s First Top 40 Hit

January 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

tumblr 045d99b2b98bc1cebd5b6e793ca2cc31 ff97be51 500

On today’s date, 44 years ago, “Rapper’s Delight” became Hip-Hop’s first Top 40 single. “Rapper’s Delight” was released by Englewood, New Jersey’s Sugarhill Gang in August of 1979. As one of Hip Hop’s earliest relics, this single, written by The Cold Crush Brothers’ own Grandmaster Caz, is credited with bringing the art of rap to a multicultural mainstream audience.

In the ’70s, disco and soul still reigned supreme in the clubs and lounges of the country’s urban centers. In its most primitive form, Hip Hop was still misunderstood (and exclusive to New York City and California). Breaking, tagging, rapping, and spinning records were widely recognized as the borderline criminal activities of whatever city’s urban youth. The culture’s cult following was majority made up of housing project residence, the type to not frequent the discos and bars of their respective downtown centers. Every once in and while someone would drop a single that would break through and get some shine on the club scene but never make much of a splash nationally. “Rapper’s Delight” was a different story.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: 44 Years Ago Sugar Hill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’ Becomes Hip-Hop’s First Top 40 Hit first appeared on The Source.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: 44 Years Ago Sugar Hill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’ Becomes Hip-Hop’s First Top 40 Hit appeared first on The Source.

Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Countdown: Year 2 1974

June 9, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The year following the birth of hip hop, 1974, marked the emergence of new influencers who would push the genre’s boundaries further. Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, and Grandmaster Caz, all admirers of DJ Kool Herc’s innovative techniques, began their own journey in the realm of hip-hop. As a result, their influence and contributions would take the burgeoning music genre to new heights.

Afrika Bambaataa: The Zulu Nation’s Foundation

Afrika Bambaataa, born Kevin Donovan, was more than just a hip hop artist; he was a visionary. Although there are conflicting timelines, most believe that in the mid-70s, he established the Zulu Nation—a collective of graffiti artists, breakdancers, and music enthusiasts. However, in 1974, he began hosting parties of his own. Bambaataa’s vision was to use the energy of hip-hop to unite the youth, creating a platform for self-expression and camaraderie.

Grandmaster Flash: Innovation in DJing

Born Joseph Saddler, Grandmaster Flash was another pivotal figure in the hip hop scene of 1974. Like Bambaataa, Flash was heavily influenced by DJ Kool Herc’s unique style. Flash’s innovative DJing techniques, including cutting, mixing, and scratching, quickly earned him fame and respect in the hip hop community.

Grandmaster Caz: The Lyrical Maestro

Grandmaster Caz, also known as Curtis Fisher, rose to prominence in 1974. He was not only an exceptional DJ but also a gifted lyricist. His ability to weave together intricate rhymes made him an influential figure in the evolution of hip-hop.

Hip Hop 1974: A Year of Expansion

Afrika bambaata DJing — UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 23: THE VENUE Photo of AFRIKA BAMBAATA, Afrika Bambaataa at The Venue, London. 11-23-1982 (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)

The year 1974 was a time of growth and expansion for hip hop. The genre, initially born out of block parties and local gatherings, began spreading throughout the Bronx and beyond. The influence of DJ Kool Herc continued to echo in the work of artists like Bambaataa, Flash, and Caz, who took his innovative techniques and made them their own.

Conclusion/TLDR

As we continue our countdown to the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we reflect on the genre’s second year. 1974 was a significant milestone, marking the rise of new influencers who would go on to shape the direction of hip hop in the years to come. From Afrika Bambaataa’s Zulu Nation to Grandmaster Flash’s innovative DJing techniques and Grandmaster Caz’s lyrical prowess, the contributions of these artists cannot be overstated.

Their work in 1974 set the stage for hip hop’s evolution, showing us that the genre was more than just music—it was a cultural revolution, a form of self-expression, and a tool for uniting communities. As we move closer to the 50th anniversary, we remember 1974 as the year hip hop began to find its voice and assert its place in the world of music.

The post Hip Hop 50th Anniversary Countdown: Year 2 1974 appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Rock The Bells Announces Lineup for First-Ever Timeless Hip Hop Cruise with Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Ghostface, and More For Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary

January 26, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rock The Bells (RTB), the global platform dedicated to elevating Hip-Hop culture from its roots to the modern day, announced the lineup for “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” in partnership with Sixthman, the industry leader in unforgettable music and lifestyle festivals at sea.

The lineup features Hip-Hop’s most notable icons, including Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, DJ Jazzy Jeff, MC Lyte, Ghostface Killah, Trina & Trick Daddy, Just Blaze, Big Daddy Kane, Too $hort, Slick Rick, DJ Spinderella, Mannie Fresh, Pete Rock, DJ Quik, Rah Digga, EPMD, Bun B, Bahamadia, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Scratch, The Finisher Mister Cee, DJ EPPS, DJ Nina 9, Grandmaster Dee, Technician The DJ, and DJ Critical Hype. Hosted by Roxanne Shanté & Torae, attendees will also experience a pool deck party series presented by world-renowned party rocker Kid Capri.

Commenting on the cruise, legendary Hip-Hop artist and host Roxanne stated: “How could I not Rock the Boat with the Goat? LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells keep the culture afloat. Please believe it.” Too $hort added, “Rock The Bells is Hip-Hop History, and they’re working to MAKE history!”

While the cruise is “sold out,” fans can still go to the website rockthebellscruise.com to sign up for the waiting list, where rooms are offered as they become available.

The post Rock The Bells Announces Lineup for First-Ever Timeless Hip Hop Cruise with Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Ghostface, and More For Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: 43 Years Ago Sugar Hill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’ Becomes Hip-Hop’s First Top 40 Hit

January 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

On today’s date, 43 years ago, “Rapper’s Delight” became Hip-Hop’s first Top 40 single. “Rapper’s Delight” was released by Englewood, New Jersey’s Sugarhill Gang in August of 1979. As one of Hip Hop’s earliest relics, this single, written by The Cold Crush Brothers’ own Grandmaster Caz, is credited with bringing the art of rap to a multicultural mainstream audience.

In the ’70s, disco and soul still reigned supreme in the clubs and lounges of the country’s urban centers. In its most primitive form, Hip Hop was still misunderstood (and exclusive to New York City and California). Breaking, tagging, rapping, and spinning records were widely recognized as the borderline criminal activities of whatever city’s urban youth. The culture’s cult following was majority made up of housing project residence, the type to not frequent the discos and bars of their respective downtown centers. Every once in and while someone would drop a single that would break through and get some shine on the club scene but never make much of a splash nationally. “Rapper’s Delight” was a different story.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: 43 Years Ago Sugar Hill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’ Becomes Hip-Hop’s First Top 40 Hit appeared first on The Source.

Today In Hip Hop History: Sugar Hill Gang Released ‘Rapper’s Delight’ 43 Years Ago

September 16, 2022 by newhiphopnews

On today’s date, 43 years ago, Hip Hop’s first Billboard Top 40 single, “Rapper’s Delight,” was released by Englewood, New Jersey’s Sugarhill Gang. As one of Hip Hop’s earliest relics, this single, written by The Cold Crush Brothers’ own Grandmaster Caz, is credited with bringing the art of rap to a multicultural mainstream audience.

The post Today In Hip Hop History: Sugar Hill Gang Released ‘Rapper’s Delight’ 43 Years Ago appeared first on The Source.