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DJ Kool Herc Hospitalized, Requests Financial Assistance

Posted Jan 30th 2011 3:45PM by Spycase
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DJ Kool Herc Hospitalized RD/X17online.com

According to a statement made by DJ Premier on his Sirius XM satellite radio show, 'Live From HeadQCourterz,' hip-hop legend DJ Kool Herc has been hospitalized and is in need of financial support. While there's no specific details on Herc's illness, Premier claims that the hip-hop veteran's condition is deteriorating, and that he's without medical insurance.

"Kool Herc is very sick," Premier revealed. "For those that know about Hip-Hop, who we call the father of Hip-Hop, Kool Herc, is not doing well. It's funny how we have a father of a culture that still lives, where as in some cultures they are dead and gone even though they may still be worshipped or reflected on in some kind of way [sic]."

Herc, 55, has been widely credited as being the founding father of hip-hop and is known for creating the breakbeat technique, which was later adopted and elevated by Afrika Bambaataa and Grand Wizard Theodore, who would go on to invent scratching and add that to the culture of DJing and hip-hop.

In recent years, the veteran entertainer, born Clive Campbell, has rallied to prevent the sale of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue -- the birthplace of hip-hop where he would spin records at back-to-school parties-- in the Bronx, NY. In 2007, state officials were accepting bids from developers but ceased when the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation officially recognized the building as the birthplace of hip-hop.

Herc, ever passionate about the music he help put on the map, wrote the introduction to author Jeff Chang's book 'Can't Stop Won't Stop.' In it, it's apparent the veteran entertainer looks to hip-hop as a uniting force.

"To me, hip-hop says, 'Come as you are," he wrote. "We are a family. It ain't about security. It ain't about bling-bling. It ain't about how much your gun can shoot. It ain't about $200 sneakers. It is not about me being better than you or you being better than me. It's about you and me, connecting as one."

Donations for Kool Herc can be sent to: Kool Herc Production, P.O. Box 20472, Huntington Station, NY 11746.

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Filed under: Hip-Hop, Hip-Hop News
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mroserose7

this is no disrepect to no one in the hip hop/rap business be it you are a rapper , producer, d.j. or whatever your function.who have had success what they called the game now,i just learn that that herc who i known for many years back in the old days is hospitalized and having financial difficulty paying his medical bills.
now i just do not understand,these same people who call kool herc the father of hip hop who have hundred of thousands even millions say they want to raise money or releasing something and all the proceeds are going to herc here is a thought why don't they peel off whatever is herc bill is and just pay it off how much can it be $50,000- maybe not even that,that will be like a small crumb to alot of these socalled people who say they would not be were they at if it was not for hip hop or kool herc.and here's a thought i had years ago start a hip hop fund for old hip hop pioneers that our peps in this game could give donations every year.so when something like this happens it can be taken care of included can be housing, food etc.instead of airing it or writing,talking about it.it should of been none of that ,should of been herc is hospitalized send your prays.and who ever in a position in hip hop to take care of his bill take care of it that's it.

November 07 2011 at 3:42 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

c4real7

kkk

May 16 2011 at 6:49 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

mcfunkyj

2005 my mentor, KRS-One with the assistance of Xzibit, Planet Asia, Ras Kass, Medusa, Busy Bee, Grandmaster Caz, myself (MC Funky J) and a few others all donated tracks for a Project called "Tribute To The Father: Kool DJ Herc" and all rights were given to Herc.

This project was recorded during the making of KRS's "Life" album.

I've seen Herc a few times since then and have and will always show love & respect. Iv'e had discussions with him regarding the State of Hip Hop and he was also there when we had the opening of the old Temple of Hiphop HQ in Hollywood, California.

KRS later dropped his track "The Kool Herc" on his album Maximum Strength.

I've been awaiting the release of "Tribute To The Father" not only to hear my track "The Refinitions" but also to listen to the sick verses I heard Xzibit drop on his song, Ras Kass and the rest of the artist's.

If Herc needs financial assistance it would make sense/cents for this record to be released!

Peace in the Middle East,

MC Funky J aka Loco Gringo