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Legendary Hip-Hop Drummer Keith Leblanc Dead At 69

April 8, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Hip-hop has lost a foundational member. Keith Leblanc, the drummer who made his name on classic singles from the likes of Grandmaster Flash and the Sugarhill Gang, has passed away. Leblanc’s death was attributed to an undisclosed illness, according to his widow, Fran. He was 69 years old. Despite not being a household name, Leblanc’s career was lengthy, and his list of iconic collaborators was celebrated by his former label, On-U Sound. The label dubbed the drummer an “incredible” producer and “musical maverick” in a written statement.

Leblanc’s genre contributions cannot be overstated. He was the in-house drummer for Sugar Hill Records in the late 1970s, which led to group and solo innovations. He appeared on the Sugarhill Gang tracks “8th Wonder” and “Apache,” which were some of the earliest examples of hip-hop receiving mainstream attention. Leblanc’s playing style led to him drumming on hit recordings by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Kool Moe Dee & the Treacherous 3, and the Cash Crew. He also wrote and produced the 1983 single “No Sell Out” under the name Malcolm X. “No Sell Out” is one of the earliest instances of sample-based composing in popular music.

Keith Leblanc Wrote The Hip-Hop Classic “No Sell Out”

Leblanc continued to experiment as his career progressed. Once his time at Sugar Hill Records came to an end, the drummer joined the industrial band Tackhead. Tackhead never achieved mainstream success but their blending of dub and hip-hop music have since made them a cult band. However, Leblanc found tremendous success as a session musician during the 1990s. He drummed on the Nine Inch Nails album Pretty Hate Machine, as well as the Tina Turner release Wildest Dreams. He also recorded six albums as a member of the blues-rock outfit Little Axe.

Leblanc loved what he did, and took every opportunity he could to make it known. During a 2023 interview with Burning Ambulance, the drummer took a moment to reflect on all he had achieved, and how much fun he had along the way. “I got a chance to meet a lot of my heroes, and they never disappointed me, you know,” he stated. “I’m really glad — I’m fortunate to have been in the right place at the right time for most of my career.” Leblanc will get more of his deserved flowers in due time, as historian Jay Quan is working on a documentary about the drummer’s career.

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Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis To Be Honored By Black American Music Association

September 18, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis will be honored by the Black American Music Association at the inaugural ICE Medal of Honor celebration. The event will occur at Morehouse College’s Ray Charles Performing Arts Center. Well-Deserved Flowers On Sunday, October 15th, Alicia Keys, Grandmaster Flash, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis will be […]

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2023’s ‘Music at the Intersection’: A Hip-Hop Time Capsule Unearthed

September 15, 2023 by newhiphopnews

St. Louis Culture: Where Graffiti Meets Groove, Breakdancing Blends with Jazz, and Deejaying Dances with Humanity

In a resounding celebration of music’s timeless power, the vibrant city of St. Louis recently served as the epicenter of musical ecstasy during the 2023 edition of Music at the Intersection. Nestled in the heart of the Grand Center Arts District, this annual extravaganza unfolded over two days, welcoming music enthusiasts from every corner of the globe for an experience that defied boundaries and blurred the lines between genres, generations, and musical eras.

The festival’s headline act, none other than the legendary Grandmaster Flash, took to the stage, reaffirming his rightful status as the “Founding Father.” An icon of hip-hop whose influence has rippled across generations, Flash ignited the crowd with his timeless beats, a testament to the enduring impact of his artistry. His performance set the stage for an event that would pay homage to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, reminding us of the genre’s profound legacy.

Music at the Intersection is renowned for its diverse lineup, and 2023 was no exception. The festival’s stages bore witness to a fusion of iconic figures such as Angela Winbush, Arrested Development, Cameo, Herbie Hancock, and Taj Mahal, seamlessly blending with the rising stars of today, including Masego, Phony PPL, Ravyn Lenae, Smino, and Thundercat. It was a harmonious collision of hip-hop’s storied history and promising future, where musical worlds converged.

Injecting a hearty dose of funk and groove into the mix, the collective genius of Snarky Puppy and the irresistible vibes of The Suffers and Tank and the Bangas had the audience grooving well into the night. These performances transcended genres, underscoring the festival’s commitment to showcasing music’s kaleidoscopic facets.

St. Louis jazz legends Denise Thimes and the Kendrick Smith Quartet delivered awe-inspiring performances, invoking the city’s rich musical heritage. Their presence was a living testament to the festival’s mission of celebrating St. Louis’ indelible mark on the American songbook.

Trumpeter Keyon Harrold brought his unmistakable “no place like home” energy to St. Louis, joining a roster of music heavyweights at Music At The Intersection. Backed by the incredible Shedrick Mitchell on keys, the dynamic Pharoahe Monch & Stout setting the stage ablaze, and the masterful Charles Haynes on drums, Harrold’s performance was a living testament to the unifying power of music across genres. His words resonated deeply: “It’s the 50th year of hip-hop, and I am bringing Pharoahe Monch with me – who is a legend. I am bringing Stout with me. We are going to merge the worlds – hip-hop meets jazz.”

Beyond the infectious beats and irresistible rhythms, Music at the Intersection was a testament to St. Louis’ profound impact on the music world. The festival transcended boundaries, spanning blues, jazz, soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and hip-hop. It was a vibrant celebration of St. Louis’ musical, cultural, and artistic legacy.

A historic moment was etched into hip-hop’s annals as radio personality Edie Bee Anderson was honored with a Legends Award. Anderson, a trailblazer who introduced hip-hop to St. Louis airwaves by spinning “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979, rightfully received the recognition she deserved. Her pioneering spirit ignited a movement that has molded the city’s music culture.

Chris Hansen, the visionary executive director of Kranzberg Arts Foundation and chief producer of Music at the Intersection, beautifully encapsulated the festival’s essence: “St. Louis artists have birthed and stewarded these great genres, and now, the rest of the world gets to enjoy playing and listening to the music that we’ve been so instrumental in breaking.” The event undoubtedly realized its vision of uniting music lovers from around the globe.

Music at the Intersection 2023 was more than a festival; it was a musical odyssey through time and genres, a celebration of St. Louis’ enduring influence on music, and a testament to the unifying power of the art form. As the festival concluded, it left an indelible mark on the hearts and souls of all who attended, serving as a poignant reminder that music, in all its glory, truly knows no boundaries.

Photo Credit: Antonio T. Harris, Tyler Small, Martell Stepney, Phillip Hamer, and Anthony Patten. Courtesy of Music at the Intersection

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Grandmaster Flash, Alicia Keys And More Honored By Black American Music Association’s Inaugural ICE Medal Of Honor

September 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Today, The Black American Music Association and its Board of Directors, led by Co-Founders Michael Mauldin and Demmette Guidry, announces The ICE Medal of Honor inaugural celebration at Atlanta’s prestigious Ray Charles Performing Arts Center at Morehouse College on Sunday, October 15, 2023. This groundbreaking event will be a historic Black tie evening honoring and paying tribute to the legends, creative visionaries, and trailblazers within Black American music, who have captivated audiences worldwide and left an everlasting impact on the cultural landscape.

Among the distinguished recipients of The ICE Medal of Honor are some of the most remarkable names in the industry, including:

Alicia Keys – The Ella Fitzgerald “Gold Standard Award”Grandmaster Flash – “Transformative Award”Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis – “Creative Impact Award”Robert F. Smith (Philanthropist) – The Ray Charles/Harry Belafonte “Patron of Arts Award”Suzanne de Passe (Motown Productions’ 1st Black female president) – The Suzanne de Passe “Trailblazer Award”Jeffrey Harleston (Universal Music Group) – Pace/Harrell “Executive Leadership Award”A special salute to the iconic Michael Jackson with the establishment of the Michael Jackson ICON award

The evening will provide music direction from the incomparable Ray Chew, poetic interpretation of colorful era’s by Marcus Amaker and segment curation by the legendary Wyclef Jean and gospel great Donald Lawrence. Hosted by various A list-celebrity talent, the ICE Medal of Honor seeks to shine a spotlight on the indelible contributions made by artists and executives who have enriched the world with their talents and also paved the way for generations to come. The ICE (Imperial Crown of Excellence) will serve as a beacon of recognition & education of the Black American music art form and an ode to the resilience, innovation, and brilliance of its creatives.

Executive Producers of the ICE-Medal of Honor are BAM-Association Co-Founders Michael Mauldin & Demmette Guidry, along with Derrick Williams of DNA Media Group and Co-Executive producer Jermaine Dupri (who as Hall of Fame song writer, producer & CEO is celebrating 30 years of So So Def). The program is being produced by Mauldin & Williams and Directed by Kevin Swain.

Starting at 7 pm ET, guests will experience a poetic evening of elegance, music, inspiration, education and celebration of the last 100 years of Black music excellence. Attendees can expect a captivating blend of live performances, heartfelt speeches, moving tributes and authentic storytelling that reflect the profound influence of these music luminaries.

“We are thrilled to launch the ICE Medal of Honor and to recognize these outstanding individuals who have made an enduring mark on the world through their art and creativity,” said Michael Mauldin, Co-Producer and visionary behind the event. “This celebration is a testament to the power of Black American music in shaping culture and inspiring generations.”

The post Grandmaster Flash, Alicia Keys And More Honored By Black American Music Association’s Inaugural ICE Medal Of Honor first appeared on The Source.

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Grandmaster Flash Reveals His Father Inspired Him to Build a DJ Setup

August 5, 2023 by newhiphopnews

In celebration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Ebro had the honor of sitting down with one of its true pioneers, Grandmaster Flash. Flash took Ebro on a journey back to the early days of hip-hop, reminiscing about how he revolutionized the art of turntablism and became one of the genre’s originators.

During the insightful conversation, Grandmaster Flash emphasized the powerful message that one can create something extraordinary out of nothing, a philosophy that has defined his illustrious career. As a special tribute to the essence of hip-hop, Flash curated “The Message” playlist, featuring iconic songs from artists like Blondie, Bob James, and Dennis Coffey & The Detroit Guitar Band.

For Flash, these songs are more than just classics: “These are a few of the staples of hip-hop.”

During the conversation, Ebro revealed he was inspired by his father to build his own DJ setup:

And the first original person to inspire me to even do that was my dad, because he was constantly kicking my rear end for touching the brown box that lived in the living room. And these black circular discs that came out of this jacket, and this piece of paper that had pictures of trains and cars and flowers and people. I mean, I found out later on, it was an album cover, but as a toddler, I’m like, “Why is he pulling these things out of there and what’s he going to do with that?” And he would go over to this brown box living room, and he would do this process to make the record drop down, and the needle would come down and sound would come out of that brown box, E. I thought dad was the greatest magician of all time.

You can hear Grandmaster Flash’s playlist below.

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Grandmaster Flash Slams People Who Misrepresent Hip-Hop’s True History

June 17, 2023 by newhiphopnews

When people these days think of hip-hop, the central figure that pops up in people’s minds nine times out of ten is the rapper. However, those same people might not be aware of the genre’s true origin, something that Grandmaster Flash is tired of happening. Moreover, the legendary DJ, turntable innovator, and contemporary ran fan recently spoke to Sway and his co-hosts on Shade 45. During their conversation, he spoke on how the idea of a rapper first came about for him. In addition, he lamented how a lot of media and members of hip-hop culture these days aren’t fully aware, or at least don’t highlight, how it all started.

“‘Can you verbalize to this?’” Grandmaster Flash began, telling a story of how people tried to actually vocalize or sing along to the kinds of beats that he was putting together. “Many people failed, and there was one gentleman, just one, who had this nursery rhyme type of style. And we met, briefly. And then, when I went to go visit my girlfriend, he was there. He was dating the older sister, and I was dating the younger one. So, we meet again. And the next time I played in the park, I ask him to try. And this is where the rapper was born.

Grandmaster Flash’s Remarks On How Hip-Hop Really Started

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A post shared by Grandmaster Flash (@djflash4eva)

“His name was Keith Wiggins, also known as ‘Cowboy,’” Grandmaster Flash continued. “The rest of the Five is history. But I just wanted to say, like, thank you for this, Sway. Yes, I know we have a lot to talk about. But hip-hop is 50 years old. And do you know, out of all the interviews I’ve been listening to, nobody’s talking about where this started!

“Nobody’s talking about the DJs,” he concluded. “Nobody’s talking about the incredible producers, who put these incredible songs together. Because, I’m telling you, I’ll put my life on this, that any one of you rappers could not have written these dope a** rhymes [without them].” For more news on Grandmaster Flash and more chunks of important hip-hop history, stick around on HNHH.

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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.

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Grandmaster Flash Was The Voice Behind The ‘Polar Bear’ Character In His Reveal On ‘The Masked Singer’

March 4, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During this week’s episode of The Masked Singer, viewers were shocked to find out that the person behind the Polar Bear costume was none other than Grandmaster Flash.

“In the world today, there’s a lot of sadness and when I seen this show on a rough day I had for business – I was laughing!” Grandmaster Flash said according to HipHopDX. “It actually had me laughing. It allows you to let your guard down and just have fun. It’s a great show. It’s a great show.”

While the new season recently started, he still managed to make it to episode three before facing elimination. Grandmaster Flash performed Blondie’s “Rapture” during his time on the zany competition series.

“I sung horribly, but I sang it the best way I can and sitting down with the musicians and the vocal coaches in doing the best I can do with it,” he told Variety about how he felt during the performance. “But I had to do it with this 15 pound [costume] on me and do it in a cool way. I’m trying not to laugh but it was so stupid, but it was so fun.”

As the story goes, “Rapture” was written for him after Debbie Harry attended one of his shows with Fab Five Freddy.

Watch Grandmaster Flash’s reveal on The Masked Singer above.