Jazzy JoyceBronx native, Jazzy Joyce has toured with some of rap and R&B's best, like MC Lyte, Africa Bambataa, Rich Nice, and Nenah Cherry. Joyce also hosted the MTV 2 Sister's for Hip-Hop and Soul Tour with India Arie, Mystic, and Jaguar Wright, hosting such guests as Missy Elliot and Tweet at the Roseland Ballroom in NYC.

Jazzy's DJing skills have blasted clubs from New York to Tokyo - Amsterdam to Copenhagen and just about every place in between.

Well respected and recognized as one of the pioneers of Hip-Hop and regarded as one of the first ladies to rock on the 1's and 2's.

Listen to Jazzy, on Hot 97 along with CoCo Chanell and LaLa as they hold the ladies down every Friday night from 8pm-10pm.

Jazzy Joyce accomplishments: 1983 - New Music Seminar DJ champion 1984 - Jazzy recorded her 1st record as guest vocalist on Globe and Whiz Kids hip-hop classic, "Play That Beat" on Tommy Boy Records. 1986 - Jazzy teamed up with Sweet T for the hit single, "It's My Beat". 1991 - Part of the Christian Marclaus Experimental One Hundred Turntable Orchestra in Japan. 1994 - DJ for HBO Special "Russell Simmon's, Bad Girls of Def Comedy Jam. 1994 - 1995 - Blowout Comb Tour with Digable Planets. 2003 - 2004 Mix Power Summit, East Coast DJ of the Year Award 2005 - DMC Hall Of Fame

www.jazzyjoyce.com

Jam Master Jay Born in Brooklyn on January 21, 1965, the youngest of three children, to the late Jesse Mizell and Connie Thompson Mizell, Jason was playing drums and singing in the Universal Baptist Church's Young Adult Choir at the age of five. After moving with his family to Hollis in 1975, he discovered DJ'ing at age 13, and began to practice under the name Jazzy Jase. It was while in Hollis attending Jackson High School, playing drums and bass in local bands, and learning to disc-jockey that he would meet future partners Darryl and Joe. The crew officially joined forces in their late teens, then signed with Profile Records, under the management of Joe's older brother, Russell Simmons, who would later have enormous success of his own as head of Def Jam Recordings. Their first single, "It's Like That/Sucker M.C.'s," came out in 1983.

Over the course of seven studio album releases with the group and after Run-D.M.C.'s heyday, Jay kept busy and visible with public appearances, live shows, production (his 1993 JMJ Records release by Onyx, Bacdafucup, a prime example), and running the studio in the heart of his old neighborhood, about a mile from the home in which he grew up‹the studio in which, sadly, his life would violently end.

Aside from the millions of fans, friends, and colleagues he leaves behind, he'll be most dearly remembered by his wife of 11 years, Terri, 32; his sons, Jason, 15, Terry, 11, and Jesse, 7; his mother Connie (Mizell) Perry; his brother, Marvin L. Thompson, and his sister, Bonita Jones.

Jam Master Jay's pivotal role in the history of hip-hop culture is singular, his shoes impossible to fill, a point inevitably made, maybe, by the piles of empty Adidas left at a makeshift memorial outside his murder site.

However, this outpouring of love and fond memories, though enough for some, won't be for one.

Founder of the mighty Universal Zulu Nation and electro funk originator, he is also one of the founding fathers of hip hop. With his group, the Soul Sonic Force, he created such classics as 'Planet Rock' and 'Looking for the Perfect Beat'. He is known for his originality in blending endless music styles, including funk, electro/pop, rock, heavy metal, & calypso in rhythms.

Booking can be arranged through KLB Productions/ Wheels of Steel:

Phone: 212-979-8128
Fax: 212-979-8132
Email: KLBPRODS@earthlink.net

1st person to change the arrangement of songs by using duplicate copies of records and manually editing/repeating the climactic part (later called the 'break') by rubbing the record back & forth. This became known as 'cutting', which was later called 'scratching'.

Other aspects of this artform include: the double back (AKA the back door) and the backspin/clock theory which pinpointed the intro area of the break. Flash was the 1st DJ to do acrobatics on the turntables by cutting with his feet, elbows, and toes. This style caught fire in the Bronx. The 1st person to learn it was GrandWizard Theodore.

Flashes influences include: his mother, father, and sisters; Kool Herc, and Pete DJ Jones.

Booking can be arranged through KLB Productions/ Wheels of Steel:

Phone: 212-979-8128
Fax: 212-979-8132
Email: KLBPRODS@earthlink.net

Best known for progressing GrandWizzard Flash's concept of 'cutting' by adding a rhythm to it, otherwise known as 'scratching'. He is also credited for creating the 'needle drop'. Theodore's influences: GrandMaster Flash, Mean Gene (his older brother), Boogie Man, and his mother!

For bookings contact: Christie Z-Pabon at ToolsofWar@aol.com

Photo Courtesy of ThudRumble.

1st to represent hip hop and eventually win a grammy for his collaboration with jazz artist, Herbie Hancock for 'Rockit'. He considers himself to be one of the first to be a 'perfectionist' with Technics turntables. He is credited for his 'crazy cut' style which evolved into 'transforming'.

DXT's influences include: Kool Herc, GrandMaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa.

Booking can be arranged by fax only: 212-926-3141

Grand Master Caz is a hip hop legend and one of it's most versatile pioneers. A former b-boy, Caz climbed the hip hop ladder first as a DJ under the name 'Cassanova Fly'. With the likes of Afika Bambaataa, GrandMaster Flash and others, Caz took his skills to another level and incorporated rhyme skills. Caz is the first DJ to rhyme and cut simultaneously. Caz went on to pen Big Bad Hanks rhymes for the Sugar Hill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight'. In 1979, Caz became leader of one of the most influential rap groups- The Cold Crush Brothers.

Crews: The Legendary Cold Crush Brothers , C.E.O & 5 Mics

Influence: Kool Herc

Booking can be arranged by calling 718-542-6482

Afrika Islam and Jazzy Jay pioneered the first DJ team routines as they used to team up to battle GrandMaster Flash (solo) and GrandWizzard Theodore (solo). Jazzy Jay was also one of the Zulu King dancers in the early 70's.

Jazzy Jay was essentially a founder of Def Jam records along with Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons. He appeared on T La Rock's "It's Yours". While with Def Jam, Jazzy worked with such artists as LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. Jazzy Jay also put out the 3rd Def Jam 12" in 1985 called "Def Jam" b/w "Cold Chillin' In The Spot" with Russell Simmons on vocals.

Jazzy Jay was Busy Bee's DJ on his his 1st LP having produced the monumental "Suicide" in 1987.

He was also signed to Cutting Records and recorded two 12"s with an emcee named Seville called "Take a Walk" in 1987 and "Make it Funky" in 1988. (Seville also had one or two other hits with King Shameek.)

Jazzy furthered his producing and engineering skills when he founded Jazzy Jay's Studio, providing a place where Fat Joe, Brand Nubian, A Tribe Called Quest, among others could begin their careers. Jazzy began a new label with Rocky Bucano- Strong City records was born. Strong City produced a multitude of hits with Ice Cream Tee, the Masters of Ceremony, Busy Bee, and Don Baron.

Jazzy was inducted into the Technics DJ Hall of Fame in 2000. Jazzy Jay is also featured in the DJ documentary "Scratch" which recently premiered at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival and The Australian Scratch Tour in December 2002. Jazzy enjoys rocking parties internationally as well as explaining Hip Hop history, industry, and politics. Jazzy and GrandWizzard Theodore have recently teamed up to appear and DJ at shows together.

Charlie originally started out with a crew called 'Tom and Jerry', spinning disco, and slipping a break in every so often. He eventually left and started a crew called, 'Charlie Chase and the Cisco Kid'. He received criticism from the Hispanic crowd, who asked why he wanted to play 'black' music but also from the African American crowd telling him to 'go back to your own music'. Charlie refused to be discouraged.

Tony Tone was the connection that took him to 'the next level' by introducing him to Flash, DJ Hollywood, Kool Herc, & Bambaataa among others. After a few years, Charlie and Tony Tone founded the Cold Crush Brothers. Between their quick cutting and the crews sharp wit, The Cold Crush Brothers were a hard act to follow. Charlie relates, 'Being a Hispanic Hip Hop DJ was a hard position to take at that particular time, but not doing it at all is simply unbearable to think about. I've traveled around the world doing what I do and always represented Hispanics in hip hop with pride. No one can take that away from me!'

Charlie Chase presently runs his own DJ company: Charlie Chase Entertainment crew: Cold Crush Brothers , Charlie Chase and Tony Tone.

Influences: Tom & Jerry, Monterey Crew, Kool Herc, GrandMaster Flash (more of a goal)

For booking info call 718-367-6550 and 917-687-9595 or e-mail: crushncold@aol.com

Known world-wide, RedAlert is one of the few hip hop DJ pioneers with his own radio shows, Hot 97's : 'Old School at Noon; and 'The 5 O'Clock Free Ride'. A long time host for DMC, his unmistakable voice can be found in many finalists intro sets as they are going into battle!

Red Alert was one of the DJs for Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation (along with fellow inductees: Jazzy Jay (his cousin) and Afrika Islam). During his 11 year tenure at KISS FM, he became the first DJ to popularize 'dancehall' music at a major radio station! Red is responsible for launching the careers of such widely acclaimed acts as: The Jungle Brothers, Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah , and many more.

Red deejayed for Sparky D during the 'Roxanne Roxanne' era. Red is a member of BDP and has toured the country with KRS One. crew: Zulu Nation & Boogie Down Productions

Influences: DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flowers, Together Brothers, Pete Dj Jones, Grandmaster Flash, Kool DJ A. J., Afrika Bambaataa

Website: www.kooldjredalert.com
Bookings: 212-768-0805

Known as one of the pioneers of hip hop, Afrika Islam has participated in the culture as one of the first Zulu Nation's first b-boys (Zulu Kings) and the first hip hop radio DJs (Zulu Beats radio show) . He was the first to work immediately under Bambaataa and was responsible for doing the preliminaries at Zulu Nation parties in the 70's which earned him the title 'Son of Bambaataa'. Islam also co-wrote songs for the Soul Sonic Force and his own group called the 'Funk Machine'. The Zulu Kings were the first to battle Herc & the Herculoids , DJ Smokey the Smokatron dancers, Lovebug Starski and his dance crew and many other top DJs and their dance crews. Afrika Islam and Jazzy Jay pioneered the first team routines as they used to team up to battle Grand Master Flash (solo) and Grand Wizard Theodore (solo).

Presently performs as Mr. X of the Mr. X and Mr. Y team (with West Bam) crew: Zulu Kings

Influences: directly Afrika Bambaataa, GrandMaster Flash, my peers: Theodore, DST, Rockin Rob, and others!

Booking can be arranged through KLB Productions/ Wheels of Steel:

Phone: 212-979-8128
Fax: 212-979-8132
Email: KLBPRODS@earthlink.net

A Harlem born legend, raised in Brooklyn, MIX MASTER ICE, slipped into the fast paced world of HIP HOP as an MC, who had yet to realize his untouchable turntable technique. MIX MASTER I-C-E got his first touch of the turntables at a friend's house in the Medgar Evers Projects in Brooklyn, N.Y. right around 1980.

In the beginning, "DJ ICE", with one turntable started a DJ crew with The Educated Rapper. After a couple of years of being submerged in the Hip Hop culture they joined forces with Kangol Kid and Dr. Ice to form the four member group U.T.F.O. (Untouchable Force Organization), you know the gold selling hip hop classic ROXANNE ROXANNE. The group signed with Select Records, which was a Full Force production deal.

U.T.F.O. went on to release 5 albums between 1984 and 1991. Select Records was blessed with 4 albums on their label, and the 5th on Jive Records, as well as a GREATEST HITS LP in 1998 again on Select Records. These albums possessed some of the most innovative scratching techniques of its time. MIX MASTER ICE also blessed many of U.T.F.O.'s albums with his rapping abilities.

The Master was able to perfect his skill by listening and watching some of the greatest Hip Hop pioneers before him, and that is how he crafted his art into a completely original, personal touch, dope ass style of DJing. The scratches produced on ROXANNE ROXANNE, made one of the most visible "dents" in the history of Hip Hop today.

MIX MASTER ICE is respected worldwide. The world showed this when he was inducted into the TECHNIC'S DMC Hall of Fame in 2000. Some of the many DJs that have been influenced by the MIX MASTER include: DJ Premier (Gang Starr), Q-Bert and Mix Master Mike, and The Executioners to name a few.

This DJ legend has not stopped rockin' the parties, scratching or developing. He now runs his own Production Company properly entitled: ICE COLD PRODUCTIONS as well as his own Management Company, M.E. MANAGEMENT WORLDWIDE INC. MIX MASTER ICE finished his 20th ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR, that included clubs, concerts, and arenas where the turntable pro showcased some of his Spirit for the world of Hip Hop. He has a love affair with the art form and all those who live it.

MIX MASTER ICE brings a special energy to his live shows that should not be missed by anyone, especially those who ever thought they wanted to touch a turntable.

A household name since the mid-80s thanks to his partnership with rapper-turned-actor Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff and his partner-in-rhyme, the Fresh Prince, helped bring hip-hop into the suburbs of America, selling over 10 million records, and winning three Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, two NAACP Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards and a MTV Music Award along the way.

Though he is best known as one of the first hip-hop popstars, DJ Jazzy Jeff has always been more than just a DJ. In addition to being widely credited with makin the Transformer Scratch one of the most essential tools in any self-respecting DJ's repertoire, Jeff founded his full-scale musical production facility, A Touch Of Jazz in 1990. With an in-demand cadre of young producers and songwriters, A Touch Of Jazz is one of the most revered production houses in America.

Responsible for scores of productions, A Touch Of Jazz has worked with Will Smith, Kenny Latimore, Dave Hollister, Lil Kim, Musiq Soulchild, City High, Bilal, Glen Lewis, and many more. A Touch Of Jazz was also responsible for the landmark Who Is Jill Scott?, the groundbreaking debut by Philadelphia's most celebrated soul diva, and the smash single "Butterfly" off of Michael Jackson's Invincible. The acclaimed production house also created the theme to Will Smith's career-launching series, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, a song on The Simpsons compilation album, the theme to UPN's Between Brothers, and songs on the soundtracks of Wild Wild West, Love Jones, The Wood, and In Too Deep.

Premier, born Chris Martin, spent time in Brooklyn and Houston while growing up, and studied computer science at Prairie View A&M outside Houston. Known as Waxmaster C, he'd already learned to play a variety of instruments and also managed a record store. After moving back to Brooklyn, around 1987-1988 he came into contact with Guru, a Boston native. Guru had already formed a group named Gang Starr two years earlier (and recorded with the 45 King), but his former partner, Mike Dee, had returned to Boston. DJ Premier and Guru signed to Wild Pitch and released a debut single ("Manifest") and album (No More Mr. Nice Guy). Gang Starr's interest in melding hip-hop with jazz informed the record, and they were invited to add to the soundtrack for Spike Lee's 1990 film Mo' Better Blues. Their subsequent work was much more mature and unified, with a pair of instant East Coast classics (1991's Step in the Arena and 1992's Daily Operation) arriving in short order.

DJ Premier had been working with other vocalists for years, and his productions for the 1990 landmark Funky Technician by Lord Finesse and DJ Mike Smooth cemented his status as one of the best producers around. He soon began recording exclusively at D&D Studios, a spot soon to become a shrine for hip-hop fans (thanks in large part to his own work). The year 1994 was a huge one for Premier, probably the best year for any rap producer ever; in addition to dropping another Gang Starr classic, Hard to Earn, his productions appeared on five-star, all-time classics by Nas (Illmatic), the Notorious B.I.G. (Ready to Die), and Jeru the Damaja (The Sun Rises in the East), as well as Big Daddy Kane and Branford Marsalis' Buckshot LeFonque project. Though his workload dropped off considerably during the late '90s, he still managed to place tracks on three of the first four Jay-Z albums, and returned in force with the new millennium, including shots with Common, D.I.T.C., D'Angelo, Jadakiss, and Snoop Dogg. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide