Grandmaster Flash has long been considered one of the originators of the genre we now know as Hip Hop — but he’s not pleased with self-proclaimed fans who don’t know their history.
In an interview with Shade 45, the pioneering DJ shared on his TikTok page on Thursday (June 15) and subsequently shared to his Instagram page, the Furious Five leader decided to give the hosts a little bit of education while also, simultaneously, dragging self-proclaimed fans who didn’t include the important players in their 50th anniversary of Hip Hop celebrations.
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“Can you verbalize to this?” he began. “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.”
He continued: “His name was Keith Wiggins, also known as ‘Cowboy.’ […] 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!
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“Nobody’s talking about the DJs. 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 ass rhymes [without them].”
Check out Flash’s comments below:
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While Grandmaster Flash is one of Hip Hop’s originators, he’s far from a fuddy-duddy. In fact, he’s a big fan of both Drake (who he called a “genius”) and GloRilla.
HipHopDX caught up with the pioneer at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, where he revealed that his children had been trying to get him to check out the rising Memphis star. Once presented with the opportunity to hear her breakout single, “F.N.F.,” Grandmaster Flash instantly approved.
“Okay GloRilla! This shit sounds like fun too,” he exclaimed. “She’s talking shit and she’s having fun which is what Hip Hop should be.”
Moments after being introduced to GloRilla’s music, Grandmaster Flash ended up on stage with the newcomer as part of the Grammy’s Hip Hop 50 Tribute.
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Meanwhile, earlier this month, Flash was awarded an honorary doctorate in music. The DJ served as the speaker for Lehman College’s 2023 Spring Commencement Ceremony alongside former New York State Rep. José Rivera.
While Rivera offered a rousing speech about resilience, it was Grandmaster Flash’s moving words regarding his contribution to Hip Hop’s early roots — in conjunction with the genre celebrating its 50th anniversary this year — that really struck a chord.
