Hip Hop… started out in the park. And when it did, Puerto Ricans were there and they played a major role in originating the culture from the very beginning. With the National Puerto Rican Day Parade being held this weekend, let’s take a look at Puerto Ricans in Hip Hop.
The pioneers of Puerto Ricans in Hip Hop began with the first Boricua DJ, Disco Wiz and the first Boricua MC, Prince Whipper Whip. Soon after, Boricuas were in Hip Hop to stay. The second Puerto Rican DJ was Charlie Chase and other MCs also emerged with Rubie Dee and Charlie Rock. Puerto Rican Hip Hop crews were also being formed with The Fantasy 3, Johnny Rock, DJ Candido, DJ Muscle and DJ Shiz (today known as B.Boy Omega), and of course the Legendary Rock Steady Crew.
As time went on, Hip Hop was getting bigger and bigger, and the people from “La Isla Borinquen” continued to represent to the fullest. Puerto Rican MCs like Big Pun, the first solo Latin MC to go platinum, along with Chino XL, Fat Joe, Thirstin Howl III, and N.O.R.E. took lyricism to higher levels.
Of course, Puerto Rican DJs emerged in Hip Hop. DJ “Bobbito” García, while co-hosting The Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Show, played a major role in the emergence of some of the best MCs ever. One of the greatest, if not THE GREATEST B-Boy in Hip Hop, is the Legendary Crazy Legs. Then we have Boricuas who played multiple roles. DJ Tony Touch, a B-Boy, producer, and MC, is best known for his work as a DJ. After working with the greatest MCs and dropping Legendary mixtapes, he is known as the “Mixtape King”. D-Stroy, a host, MC, DJ, producer and actor linked up with MC and producer, Q-Unique, to make great Hip Hop as the Arsonists.
Til this very day, we have young and extremely talented up and coming MCs from “La Isla del Encanto”. Amazing lyricists like Joell Ortiz, Big Lou, Termanology, and Nino Bless will make sure to keep the future and legacy of Puerto Ricans in Hip Hop alive and well.
With a great past and promising future… MUCH RESPECT to all the Boricuas in Hip Hop… thanks for representing the culture and art form the correct way.
PLAY OUR ANTHEM —>
