ThaWilsonBlock Magazine Issue28 Issue28 | Page 40

ThaWilsonBlock Magazine reminds us of the beginning days of Rap….then commonly referred to as Hip Hop. Kurtis Blow, The Sugar Hill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five never had the pleasure of being awarded Billboard Magazine’s “Hottest Rap Single”…the Award wasn’t created until late 1989. Nevertheless, their music was not only inspirational, but motivating – and not just on the dance floors or blocks parties. Tucked in the huddles of Pasadena’s basketball courts and football fields, in the locker rooms and weight rooms during what was supposed to be silent, focused sessions on the opponents strengths and weaknesses, and during those one man work-outs with that marvel invention known as the “walk man”, it was the beats and rhythms of these underground, unconventional artists that fueled our athletes, teams to compete…to win. And they weren’t alone. In the mid 80’s, rap invaded nearly every major urban city in the U.S. – Pasadena being no exception. Talented young male and female rappers aka MC’s, armed with a turn-table and their newly defined “DJ” delivered a genesis of creativity, expression, style and showmanship that made Rap music the empire it is today. The one Rap group that most comes to mind is Run DMC. In 1986, Run DMC released “My Adidas.” They performed it live at the Pasadena Convention Center – yes, right here in the City of Champions.. It would prove to be an undiscovered gift. Those Adidas Run DMC were talking about were the Stan Smith Adidas – named after PHS Alumni and Wimbledon Champion. That one song created a lunar bridge between Pasadena and rap’s homeland in the east. Who knew? The bridge has laid dormant, nearly invisible for nearly 30 years. Until now. The imaginative vibe of ThaWilsonBlock Magazine pulsates that bridge into clear view. Feeling is really believing. Laurence Todd President Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame, Inc.