Ever since I met Tony Tone aka Tony Crush of the Cold Crush Brothers we been building and rockin’ shows together. It is an honor to know and learn from such an amazing person, legend and pioneer of Hip Hop culture. We first connected at the Trinity International Hip Hop Festival where I jumped on the open mic while he was on the turntables. From there we reconnected at the Birthplace of Hip Hop party honoring DJ Kool Herc in the Bronx and continued to connect at a BLM event in Bridgeport, CT.

Soon after he asked me to perform at the Wild Style Stage Amphitheater with The Original DJ Kaos. I was blown away to be a part of such a historic venue (that unfortunately was torn down shortly after). Next he invited me to do a set at the 1st Annual Bronx Festival hosted by Easy AD! Not only was it a huge honor to be invited, but to be the only emcee among a day full of Pioneer DJ’s was even more mind blowing!

Another special endeavor was at the White Lion Brewery where he was honored w/ a Hip Hop Humanity award after releasing the 1st Cold Crush brew. Not only did Tone included me as a special guest, I rocked the stage w/ DJ Flawless on the 1’s and 2’s, opening for Grand Wizard Theodore, Grandmaster Caz & Melle Mel! There I got to meet an amazing photographer (Tone’s cousin) Renee Yearwood who is the voice of “Oh My God” on Doug E. Fresh’s famous song “The Show”! Her and I have since run into each other at several events and are always talking about Hip Hop history. She took the amazing photos below.

We also did a show at The Richard Rodgers Amphitheater at Marcus Garvey Park (location of The Harlem Cultural Festival aka Black Woodstock, 1969) w/ Peso 131 of the Fearless 4. I opened up the show with an a cappella; then proceeded to premiere my “Wheels of Steel” DJ tribute track with The Original DJ Kaos. This song tells a story of the pioneer DJ’s (many of whom have been left out) & how crucial they are to the culture of Hip Hop. Tone was part of the inspiration for this project and I couldn’t have finished the lyrics without his input and guidance.

At the Verso Studios Wildstyle Celebration at Westport Library, there was a panel discussion w/ the Cold Crush Brothers, Grand Wizard Theodore (creator of the scratch) and Rodney C from the Funky 4 + 1 (ShaRock’s original group) & Double Trouble. When Theodore started his set I slid into the front row to film. Tony Tone noticed me and interjected “is that B-Mor? Stand up!” All of a sudden everyone turned towards me and started snapping photos. He proceeded to tell the audience that I’m an emcee and knowing the work I do with youth he stated “if you’re not teaching, then it’s not Hip Hop.” This was an unexpected yet powerful and affirming moment. I am truly humbled by your energy and intrigued by your wisdom and commitment to the culture of Hip Hop. It is an honor and privilege to be invited and included in these classic historical moments. I got to witness Tone and the Cold Crush Brothers get honored at the Wild Style 40th Grand Induction Extravaganza and by the Mayor of New Haven, Connecticut at their Juneteenth Celebration. I also had the pleasure of checking out his DJ set/lecture at the Juneteenth Day Hip Hop Conference. I really appreciate you Tone for everything you do for the culture, the preservation of Hip Hop & for me as an independent artist and Hip Hop educator.