first generations hiphop honorees
He was part of the Bronxdale crew affiliated with Disco King Mario and the Black Spades street gang. They were known for throwing parties in the parks, with some accounts noting a setup where Mario and Tex would have two parties going on at once on different sides of a divider, influencing the burgeoning hip-hop culture. Tex Dee Hollywood is considered a significant forerunner and one of the first Latino DJs in hip-hop history.
The Mercedes Ladies, formed around 1976 by Sheri Sher, Tracy T, and DJ RD Smiley, rose from party promoters to one of the Bronx’s standout early hip-hop crews, known for rocking events with their DJing and rapping. Connected to the L Brothers and performing alongside pioneers like Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa, they built a strong reputation even without a record deal—barriers rooted in industry sexism. Their legacy lives through their groundbreaking live performances, Sheri Sher’s later biographical novel, and their 2000 Hip-Hop Heritage Award from ICAST.com.
Zulu Queen Lisa Lee is a prominent pioneering female hip-hop MC and an original member of the Universal Zulu Nation. She is recognized as one of the very first female emcees and a key figure in early hip-hop culture in the Bronx during the 1970s.
DJ Whiz Kid, born Harold McQuire, was a legendary and innovative hip-hop DJ celebrated for his swift, technical skill on the turntables and his influence in the early days of the culture. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, he was known both for winning multiple "Best DJ" awards at the New Music Seminar and for his iconic work alongside MC G.L.O.B.E., as well as his deep connection to the Kung Fu film community. Whiz Kid's humble nature and passion for music and film fostered meaningful friendships and inspired countless DJs, but despite his outsized talent, he remains an under-acknowledged figure whose impact on both hip-hop and street culture still resonates today.
The Masterdon Committee, from 147th Street in Harlem, dropped their breakout hit “Funkbox Party” on Enjoy Records in 1983, followed by tracks like “We’re Gonna Get You Hot” and “Music Gram,” with Masterdon later releasing “Funkbox Party II” on Profile. Pebblee Poo scored her own success with “Fly Guy,” while the crew also released “Get Off My Tip” and Masterdon’s solo “Pay the Cost to Be the Boss.” Produced mostly by Pumpkin and Bobby Robinson, the group stood out as one of the first early hip-hop crews to blend Latin and female MCs.
DJ Baron and DJ Breakout were pioneering DJs in the early Bronx hip-hop scene, known collectively as the Brothers Disco, and were the official DJs for the legendary group the Funky Four Plus One. There is no single song titled "Dj Baron & breakout"; rather, they were a DJ duo.
Cholly Rock (Anthony G. Horne) is a first-generation B-boy out of the Bronx, born in 1960, who immersed himself in the nascent hip-hop/breaking culture from 1974 onward. He became one of the original Zulu Kings under Afrika Bambaataa, representing the Northeast Bronx. Beyond dance, he leveraged hip-hop roots into education and public health – showing that the movement was about more than moves.
Guru is a key figure in Bronx street history, known as a founder of the Black Spades, the influential youth organization born in the late 1960s in the Bronxdale Houses. In a time of racism and neighborhood turmoil, he helped shape the Spades into a disciplined force that protected Black and Latino youth. Under his early guidance, the group grew into one of New York’s most powerful street organizations and laid cultural groundwork that later fueled hip-hop’s rise, with members like Afrika Bambaataa carrying that energy into community-building and music. Though much of Guru’s story lives in oral history, his impact on Bronx culture and early hip-hop remains undeniable.
Mario, famously known as “Disco King Mario,” Is known as The fourth Founding Father of the Hip Hop Culture was a trailblazer in the disco and hip-hop music scenes. Born on July 1, 1956, in Edenton, North Carolina, Mario developed a passion for music at an early age. He moved to the Bronxdale Housing Projects in the Bronx, New York, where his love for music flourished.
Uncover the unforgettable moments that defined the HipHop era and the visionary behind them.
Discover how music became a powerful force for community and change.
Discover how music became a powerful force for community and change.
Disco King Mario (July 1, 1956-1994) was a pioneer of Hip hop. In the 1970s, Mario was a prominent DJ of the New York Bronx.
An essay discussing Mario's role in the early hip-hop scene, accompanied by images and historical context.
Explore ways to engage with our dynamic community.
Contact us for more details or to share your own HipHop stories.
Connect with us for the latest news and exclusive insights.
Dive into the vibrant history of a HipHop pioneer, from the iconic 1970s parties to today's musical influence.
A visionary in the HipHop world, known for unforgettable parties that united communities and sparked a cultural movement.
Our mission is to honor the legacy by fostering community events and educational initiatives that celebrate HipHop.
Help us keep HipHop's spirit alive by volunteering, sharing our mission, or donating to support our cause.
Your support funds community events, educational programs, and preserves the legacy for future generations.
A passionate advocate, leading the foundation with dedication and organizing events since the 1990s.
Connect with us online for updates on events, stories, and ways to engage with HipHop culture.
We're here to connect and support.