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Zack de la Rocha Network Forum _ .:: Music Room ::. _ ?uestlove Seeks To Start Foundation For Pioneers

Posted by: Moremi Feb 9 2004, 01:28 PM

?uestlove Seeks To Start Foundation For Pioneers
By Nolan Strong
Date: 2/1/2004 8:48 PM

The Roots' drummer, Amir "?uestlove" Thompson recently revealed that he has embarked on a goal to create a foundation that honors the pioneers of Hip-Hop.

"I'm on a one man mission to start a foundation that will honor the the forefathers of Hip-Hop, especially Kool Herc," Thompson told the Dallas News.

Thompson said the fact that most Hip-Hop fans are ignorant to the role Kool Herc played in creating Hip-Hop didn't sit well with him.

"There's no reason why the man who invented Hip-Hop should be working for Fed-Ex right now," Thompson added.

Herc is recognized as a founding father of the music, but never had a hit record as did some of his constituents.

"I would like to present Herc with a $1 million dollar award and I'm gonna spend the next year hitting up anyone who makes over $10 million net in a fiscal year, the Jay-Z's, the Eminem's, the Russell Simmons'. I think they can afford to put up $100,000 each and if we got five or 10 of them, we could have a sort of Macarthur Award for Hip-Hop. I know you can't compensate for intellectual property, but it would be nice if Kool Herc could pay his electric bill."

Kool Herc is recognized as the first Hip-Hop DJ. Herc was born in Jamaica and migrated to the Bronx.

Herc was a pioneer of breakbeats. Around 1970, Herc mixed two short sets of percussion breaks with two turntables, extended the length and thus allowing B-Boys and B-Girls and rappers to perform.

http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=2819

Posted by: angiedavis Feb 9 2004, 02:50 PM

That's a good idea. I know there is an organization set up for rock musicians that help them out financially. I remember reading awhile ago that Bruce Springsteen paid for Mary Well's hospital bills. Hopefully, artist will or are aware that a lot of pioneers of rock and roll and hip-hop are living in squalor. A lot of these artist were taken advantage of because they didn't have business skills to read between the fine line in their contracts. So many artists were left penniless and they created music that has had a lasting impact on other artists.

Posted by: Moremi Feb 10 2004, 08:50 AM

This is an excellent idea! I'm so happy Ahmir is doing this and I hope he gets the support he needs to accomplish it. If he's accepting donations from fans, I'll give what I can. I don't want Kool Herc working for Fed Ex either

Posted by: Underground Feb 10 2004, 03:21 PM

I think it sucks about having to work for fed ex, but I don't think I'll be sending him my money

Posted by: Moremi Feb 11 2004, 07:57 AM

Won't even donate 10 bucks? You're just mean!