On the heels of a wildly successful VersoFest 2023 event that featured jaw-dropping performances and knowledge shared from hip hop originators, Legends Beats and Grooves is returning to The Westport Library with another hip hop 50th anniversary afternoon featuring a panel discussion, Q&A session, and DJ performances.
This encore event will take place in the Library’s Trefz Forum on Sunday, July 23, from 3 to 6 pm. The event is free with registration.
"In a festival brimming with exceptional talent, The Legends Beats and Grooves Hip Hop 50th Anniversary was an absolute standout,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. "It was, without a doubt, one of the finest programs I've ever witnessed in a library. The combination of educational elements, an intergenerational community, and the electrifying blend of knowledge and pure fun created a truly magical experience."
Founded in 2013 by Gary of Gee’s Records and Jim Dennis, Legends Beats and Grooves highlights the artistry, history, and fundamentals of hip hop DJ culture. With a mission to galvanize community and educate upcoming generations, Legends Beats and Grooves events have been held from Philadelphia to Massachusetts with icons like Grand Wizzard Theodore, Tony Tone (Cold Crush Brothers), Rob Swift, Minsta Sinista & Boogie Blind (Executioners), DJ Grand Supreme (Lauryn Hill, Rakim), and many more.
“Hip hop is one of the dominating phenomena in our global culture,” said Gary of Gee’s Records and Legends Beats and Grooves. “Gees Records is honored to partner with Verso Studios and their advanced tech to present some of the true innovators of hip hop for education, understanding, and a real fun time.”
The panel discussion for the July 23 event features The Original Jazzy Jay, Cutmaster DJ Cool V, and Connecticut legends Doc. P. and DJ Slick Vic.
Jazzy Jay is a hip hop pioneer and legend serving as the first Technics/DMC DJ Hall of Fame inductee. Growing up in the burgeoning hip hop culture of 1970s Bronx, Jazzy J made his way DJing through the hip NYC clubs of Danceteria, the Ritz, Roxy, and Negril. Jazzy was a protégé of Kool DJ Red Alert and Afrika Bambaataa, becoming an early member of the (Bambaataa led) Universal Zulu Nation, a hip hop awareness group with the mission of sustaining the hip hop ideals of “peace, love, unity, and having fun.” 1984 was a banner year for Jazzy J with the release of the hip hop pioneering film Beat Street, starring Jazzy J alongside the late musician and activist Harry Belafonte. In that same year, Jazzy J teamed up with the now legendary producer Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, the Chicks) to create the foundation of Def Jam Records. The pair launched the early careers and recordings of LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy, helping popularize hip hop in mainstream culture. J went on to establish Jazzy Jay's Studio in the Bronx, where he produced early recordings by Diamond D, Fat Joe, Brand Nubian, A Tribe Called Quest, and others.
For over three decades, Cutmaster DJ Cool V has served as a heavyweight hip hop producer and mixologist. Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Cool V has played a part of numerous gold and platinum records by an array of artists, including Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, and Technotronic. Cool V is one of three DJs who are among the first to command the stage at the historical NAACP Awards. Live spinning credits include GRAMMY afterparties, OSCAR preparties, Will Smith movie premieres, the Magic Johnson Foundation, and more. At the event, Cool V will be selling and signing his book Cool V Never Sleeps chronicling “the good, bad, and ugly behind the making of the landmark album Biz Never Sleeps. The book also includes bonus treats for true Hip Hop fans all over the world.”
The DJ performance portion is as equally impressive, led by Philadelphia innovator DJ Cash Money. The first DJ inducted into the Technics/DMC DJ Hall, DJ Cash Money is known in the industry as a DJ, turntablist, and producer. Cash Money is best known for his pioneering scratch techniques (Transformer Scratch, DJ Cash Money Turntable Style Position), lightning speed, and fierce musicality. Many techniques and styles created by DJ Cash Money have single-handedly revolutionized the technology for DJs as well as turntable design and manufacturing.
Philly-based DJ Doodles (above left) and Connecticut-based DMC World Finalist DJ Creative (above right) also join. The event is hosted by community organizer and DJ Terrible T. with Pzo P.
