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Maxwell drops some gems while speaking with JusNik during the 50 year celebration of Hip-Hop at Madison Square Garden. Maxwell reminds the youth to never forget where they came from, speaks on going viral because of his "Meg Knees," and what it is like to be considered a part of Hip-Hop. Watch the full interview now.

Maxwell on Never Forgetting Where You Came From & Being Apart of Hip-Hop

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The other half of EPMD, Erick Sermon, speaks on being overseas a lot and seeing the growth and expansion of Hip-Hop throughout the years, and the first time he heard an EPMD song on the radio.Sermon also talked about the artists who influenced him to start his rap career. Those artist include, MC Lyte, Rakim, and Biz Markie. Check out the full interview now.

Erick Sermon of EPMD on Becoming One of Biggest Rap Duos In The World, and The Growth of Hip-Hop

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One Half of the legendary rap duo, EMPD, Parish Smith speaks with Bugsy Buggs and JusNik about what celebrating 50 years for Hip-Hop means to him, the first time he heard an EPMD song on the radio, and why coming into this genre with a different sound was and still is important. See the entire interview now.

Parish of EMPD Talks On What 50 Years of Hip-Hop Means To Him, Sounding Different From Others & More

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This past Friday, WBLS, and Hot 97 came together to celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop. The “Hip-Hop Forever” concert occurred at Madison Square Garden and featured Mary J. Blige, Sean Paul, EMPD, Tyrese, Maxwell, and Diddy. Our own Funk Flex curated the show and he also had surprises of his own. After kicking off the show, Funk Flex gave the legendary Kool DJ Red Alert, DJ Chuck Chillout, and DJ Marley Marl their much-deserved flowers and thanked them for their contributions to Hip-Hop. As the show went on, fans were taken on a musical journey with surprise performances from CL Smooth, DJ Kool, Audio Two, Lola Brooke, Coi Leray, Lil Vicious, TeeJay, and Greg Nice. They also witnessed an epic performance by Wu-Tang Clan, featuring all the members as they were introduced by Maxwell. Method Man brought out Redman to perform their hit, “Da Rockwilder.”https://x.com/_maxwell_/status/1703708454517379242?s=46&t=f45LpfSMP2bWXL9mF3rs_QEMPD shut the stage down while performing their classics as well as paying tribute to the late Tupac Shakur. Sean Paul took Madison Square Garden to Jamaica as he performed classics such as, “Gimmie The Light,” “Get Busy,” “Temperature,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” and a new single as well. Diddy wowed and surprised the crowd with a twenty-minute solo performance, singing all of his hits just before the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige took the stage. The crowd sang most of Blige’s song for her, clearly showing her an overwhelming amount of love. During her performance, the singer brought out other artists including The Lox, Scarlip, Fabolous, WanMor, and Method Man to perform their hit “You’re All I Need.” This concert was truly an ode to Hip-Hop!

ICYMI: The 'Hip-Hop Forever' Concert Took Over Madison Square Garden

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WBLS is celebrating 50 Years Of Hip Hop in a BIG way! Tune starting at 10AM EST to listen to mixes from the biggest & most legendary DJ's in hip hop history ALL DAY LONG! Download the <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wbls-107-5fm/id589532846">WBLS App</a> now and listen to us from anywhere in the country!See the full lineup below:FRIDAY10AM - MC Serch/DJ Riz/DJ Eclipse11AM - DJ Hollywood12PM - Marley Marl1PM - DJ Charlie Chase2PM - DJ Breakout3PM - Clark Kent4PM - Kid Capri5PM - DJ Premier6PM - DJ Red Alert7PM - DJ Big Reef8PM - DJ Qua9PM - Ty Boogie10pm - DJ Bent Roc11PM - DJ Enuff

WBLS Celebrates 50 Years Of Hip Hop Culture

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DJ Chuck Chillout is one of hip-hop’s most legendary DJs and producers, he was the first of his kind. He began his career as a DJ for 98.7 KISS FM, which is where his reputation started to grow. Growing up, Chuck was fascinated by music. He was so obsessed that when his mother gave him “<a href="https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2015/05/chuck-chillout-interview" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lunch money,</a>” he would just spend it on records. As his musical interest grew, there was one particular moment that inspired his dream of becoming a DJ. According to an interview Chuck Chillout did with Red Bull, his mother “threw herself a party for her 50th birthday, she hired a DJ and this guy was playing Brass Construction’s ‘Movin.’ But what caught my eye is that he had a real club DJ’s setup, with two turntables and a mixer. I’m like, ‘Yo! Why has this guy got two turntables? What’s going on?’ That started it for me.” As he got older, he began to DJ at his own parties and events. After solidifying his status as a DJ prodigy in New York City, he earned his first job at 98.7 KISS FM. With his new commercial DJ opportunity and knowledge of underground hip-hop, he knew he had to utilize everything he had and turn it into something revolutionary. Chuck is credited with being the first to debut legendary rap acts such as EPMD, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, and Slick Rick. Furthermore, he’s renowned for being the first DJ to play hip-hop in Japan. Artists like A Tribe Called Quest and Busta Rhymes would’ve never reached global fame if it weren’t for Chillout breaking their records.Chuck later joined WBLS in 1990, where he is today, always providing everyone with positivity through music. Check him out every Saturday at 10 p.m. EST!

DJ Chuck Chillout: The Hip-Hop Revolutionist

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From Queens, NY, DJ Marley Marl is known for being a founding father in hip-hop. As a DJ, producer, rapper, and label founder, he forever changed the style and culture of the genre. To quote <a href="https://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/marley-marl-tokyo-2014">Red Bull Music Academy</a> Marley Marl is known for “revolutionized hip-hop when he pioneered the practice of sampling drum sounds and creating his own proto-boom-bap rhythms,” Marl set the blueprint for the industry. In the early 80s, Marl began his career at Unique Recording Studios in NYC, where he developed his sound as a producer. He then started interning at WBLS, where he met legendary DJ Mr. Magic. From there, he was offered the opportunity to become Magic’s DJ. This was a major break for Marl, leading them both, including Big Daddy Kane, to form the Juice Crew. After receiving this new opportunity, Marl began producing for Kane, and together they made his debut album, Long Live The Kane (1988), on which he has full producer credits. Other artists he’s produced for include LL Cool J, Biz Markie, and TLC. Subsequently, after a few years of strictly producing, he transitioned back to being a DJ talent at Hot 97. He and DJ Pete Rock formed a show called Future Flavas, which dominated the radio world in the 1990s. As time goes on, his music is credited with inspiring countless hip-hop legends, such as RZA, DJ Premier, and Pete Rock. In 2023 the effects of Marl’s work can still be felt. Marley Marl is the Godfather of sampling, and 50 years into hip-hop sampling is still one of the most utilized production techniques in music. In 2009 Marl returned to WBLS, where he still works today, hosting a show every Monday-Friday from 6-7 p.m. He also has a show every Saturday called GOLDEN ERA Radio from 9-11 p.m.

DJ Marley Marl: Pioneer, Producer Legend, Radio Icon

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From Harlem, NYC, Kool DJ Red Alert is considered a founding father in hip-hop culture and hip-hop radio. As a teenager, he grew up attending parties where he would watch DJs like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa perform their sets. This sparked his obsession with hip-hop, leading to his passion as a DJ and an abundant record collection. While attending college, he was offered to DJ with Bambaataa, and so he dropped out to perform with him full time. They soon began traveling the tri-state area performing shows, gaining an audience that was quite fond of their abilities. His talent eventually caught the attention of the program director of 98.7 KISS FM, who offered him a DJ position on his station. As time went on, Red’s audience grew exceptionally large, making him the top on-air talent. Red Alert is known for being one of the first DJs to play artists like Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest, and Black Sheep. Additionally, Red Alert's career has encompassed numerous global tours alongside Boogie Down Productions and the Jungle Brothers, as well as his endeavors as a solo performer. He has been DJ-ing on the radio for 40 years and DJ-ing at parties for more than 45. Red Alert is forever immortalized on Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock’s hit-song "It Takes Two," in which they implore listeners to “listen to Red Alert,"Presently, he graces the airwaves once again, holding court on HOT 97 every Sunday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST and also making waves on WBLS 107.5 FM on Thursday nights from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST. Notably, Red is an integral part of the Funk Flex' DJ collective known as the Lit Digital DJs. Be sure to tune in to his shows every week!

Kool DJ Red Alert: A Founding Father in Hip-Hop

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From 1974 to the present, WBLS has been the top radio voice for hip-hop. We’ve launched countless careers, and our programming and talent continues to define the industry. History and culture have been cornerstones of our community. Legendary DJs and radio talent, such as DJ Red Alert, Chuck Chillout, Fred “Bugsy” Buggs, and Marley Marl, have helped bring hip hop throughout the nation and much of the world, a role WBLS continues to play today.Beginning in 1982, WBLS on-air talents Mr. Magic and Marley Marl launched Rap Attack, making the first ever pure hip-hop show go mainstream. Co-produced by Tyron “Fly Ty” Williams, the show originally aired on WHBI-FM (105.9) until the three powerhouse talents, better known as the “Supreme Team,” were offered hosting jobs at WBLS. After program director and late legend Frankie Crocker hired them, the team was determined to exceed his expectations. As the Supreme Team brainstormed ways to reach the community, they discovered one strategy that would forever change the industry: spinning tracks by unsigned artists to obtain exclusives. Fly Ty described their chemistry this way: "Magic was playing Dougie Fresh, The Fearless 4, Crash Crew and The Treacherous 3 before they had deals... Kids were going to the record stores asking for records that didn't exist. They heard them on The Rap Attack. Many record deals were made that way. The labels were coming to us." And thus, WBLS made music history by having the first all-rap radio show go mainstream, forever changing the industry.

The Impact of WBLS in Hip-Hop

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For the first time ever, WBLS and Hot 97 are coming together to celebrate 50 Years Of Hip Hop. It will all happen on Friday, September 15th at Madison Square Garden! There will be performances by Wu-Tang Clan, Mary J. Blige, Sean Paul, & EPMD! Hosted By: Mariah Carey, Maxwell, & Tyrese w/ The Curator Funk Flex On The Set.Get Your Presale Tickets at <a href="http://ticketmaster.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ticketmaster.com</a> & Use The Presale Code: “Thebigshow50” this Thursday! https://www.instagram.com/p/CtZDsOPMosP/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Hip-Hop Forever Concert Comes Madison Square Garden

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We are celebrating the DJ's today for National DJ Day! This time we are looking at the future! Who are the biggest up-and-comers, who should we pay attention to, and more!DJ Technician, DJ Taj, OG Chase B are some DJ's that these legends described as some to look at as the future. As for the women, DJ Red Bottom, DJ Pearly, Cocoa Chanel, Jazzy Joyce, are some of the names they They also discussed the future of the platforms used to display the art and fun of the DJ including Twitch, how the pandemic exposed some DJ's and D-Nice's highlighting, the promoters role in the future of the art, and more. "Everybody can't be a DJ." DJ Clark Kent discusses the rise of DJ's across the nation and how some stand out more than others. DJ Kid Capri also discussed the importance of supporting other DJ's. DJ Enuff, DJ Kid Capri, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Chuck Chillout & DJ Wallah also give great advise on how to keep the price high for not only yourself, but the DJ community as a whole. "When you get on that stage... are you worth it?" See <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-50/when-did-hip-hop-really-begin-salute-the-dj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Episode 1 </a>and E<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/salute-the-dj-beginning-of-rap-on-the-radio-video" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pisode 2</a>! Salute the DJ! DJ's THIS EPISODE IS FOR YOU!We are celebrating the DJ's today for National DJ Day! This time we are looking at the future! Who are the biggest up-and-comers, who should we pay attention to, and more!DJ Technician, DJ Taj, OG Chase B are some DJ's that these legends described as some to look at as the future. As for the women, DJ Red Bottom, DJ Pearly, Cocoa Chanel, Jazzy Joyce, are some of the names they They also discussed the future of the platforms used to display the art and fun of the DJ including Twitch, how the pandemic exposed some DJ's and D-Nice's highlighting, the promoters role in the future of the art, and more. "Everybody can't be a DJ." DJ Clark Kent discusses the rise of DJ's across the nation and how some stand out more than others. DJ Kid Capri also discussed the importance of supporting other DJ's. DJ Enuff, DJ Kid Capri, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Chuck Chillout & DJ Wallah also give great advise on how to keep the price high for not only yourself, but the DJ community as a whole. "When you get on that stage... are you worth it?" See <a href="https://www.wbls.com/hiphop50/how-did-the-art-of-the-dj-begin-salute-the-dj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Episode 1 </a>and E<a href="https://www.wbls.com/hiphop50/how-the-1990s-changed-hip-hop-revolutionized-the-dj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pisode 2</a>!

What Does The Future Of The DJ Look Like?

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Salute the DJ!January 20 is considered National DJ Day in the United States, and WBLS wanted to celebrate with a group of legends mixed with the current generation of DJ’s together to share their stories and beginnings of hip hop.The 1990's is a decade where hip hop took a major step forward into the mainstream, and its popularity was being seen more in ads, conversations, and radio stations across the nation.Episode two takes a look at the rise of hip hop through the lens of the DJ in what many consider the best decade in its 50 year history. DJ Enuff, DJ Kid Capri, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Chuck Chillout & DJ Wallah sit down to discuss the rise of the mixtape, how DJ's became superstars, and the change from the 80's to the 90's.We also look back at the KISS vs HOT 97 radio wars where DJ Enuff details the battles between himself and Funk Flex in the early 1990's, how being on the radio changed his and other's careers, Red Alert and DJ Chuck Chillout & more. They also discuss on how the difference in technology changed DJing forever, and whether the business changed after the transition from records to CDJ's and Controllers. See <a href="https://live-wbls.pantheonsite.io/hiphop50/how-did-the-art-of-the-dj-begin-salute-the-dj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Episode 1!</a>Episode 3 airs Friday.

How The 1990's Changed Hip Hop & Revolutionized The DJ

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Salute the DJ! It all started with two turntables and a microphone. Without the DJ there wouldn't be the culture we know today as hip hop. January 20 is considered National DJ Day in the United States, and WBLS wanted to celebrate with a group of legends mixed with the current generation of DJ's together to share their stories and beginnings of hip hop. Episode one pays homage to the beginnings of the genre. Is DJ Kool Herc's "Back to School Jam" August 11, 1973 at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx the true beginning of hip hop?DJ Enuff, DJ Kid Capri, DJ Clark Kent, DJ Chuck Chillout & DJ Wallah sit down to discuss how the art of DJing was before computers, before Serato, and before controllers existed. They discuss $1 entries to the club, the popular clubs at the time, how many times they would play a song during one party, how territorial the DJ scene was back during the days the boroughs pushed for respect of New York City.We're going back to a time ... before blending existed, when there was dancing at the club, When did Hip Hop really begin? Was it James Brown, George Clinton, Jimmy Castor that helped bring the foundation? What about Pigmet Markum with his track "Here Comes The Judge". What about the Jubalaires with their first raps in 1946? Or was it Bill Kurtis with his track "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" in 1979. Or is it still "Rappers Delight" which followed Kurtis' track a couple months later.Let us know! Episode 2 airs Thursday at 2PM.

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Maxwell on Never Forgetting Where You Came From & Being Apart of Hip-Hop