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.