Born and raised in the Bronx, Mr. Conzo acquired a passion for photography as a young boy attending the Agnes Russell School on the campus of Columbia University. He continued his formal artistic education at the School of Visual Arts (NYC). He also received certification as a Combat Medic. Later, he would join the New York Fire Department as an Emergency Medical Technician. It was his role as an EMT that delivered him to the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11, 2001.

All the while, he continued his photography and published a seminal book on Hip-Hop culture that has received worldwide acclaim —“Born In The Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop” (2007). In 2008, this entire collection of images became part of a permanent archive housed at Cornell University. The digitization of over 10,000 of Mr. Conzo’s film images has already begun—progress can be viewed at the Cornell University Library’s website. This collection is regarded by genre experts and academia as an important lens into the roots of Hip-Hop culture, the Urban NYC landscape of the 70’s and 80’s, and an integral source for any serious discourse on the movement.

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As a child growing up in the South Bronx, young Theodore was always attracted to the music emulating from the speakers of his brothers Mean Gene and Cordio – the legendary L Brothers. As fate would have it, he eventually began experimenting on his brother’s turntable when no one was watching. 

One fateful day in P.S 63 schoolyard, young Theodore, to everyone’s surprise, stood on a milk crate (as he was too small to reach the mixer) and began cutting the record back and forth and forth and back. He was a blur going side to side when, in the middle of the mix, he backspinned the record and began scratching to the beat. Little did he know that at that instance, he invented the art of scratching and the rest, shall we say, is history!

Grandwizzard Theodore has taught classes at the NYC Scratch Academy since 2002. He has also served as DJ for Kurtis Blow, Roxanne Shante, Melle Mel, Force MDs, Big Daddy Kane, and KRS-One.

Grandwizzard Theodore awards:

2000 – Source Lifetime Achievement Award
2001 – Vanguard Lifetime Achievement Award
2002 – Rane Best Performer Award
2002 – DMC DJ Hall of Fame Award/Global Lifetime Achievement Award
2006 – Numark Milestone Award DJ Innovation, Walk of Fame Award
2007 – Premier Party Award
2009 – Temple of Hip-Hop Award
2012 – Fearless Lifetime Achievement Award
2014 – The first DJ to receive the Guitar Center Rock Walk of Fame Award with ‪Grandmaster Flash‬ and Grand Mixer DXT.
Four proclamations – 2003, 2006, 2008, 2014.

In 2019, Young Guru won a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album for mixing the album Everything Is Love by The Carters. 

He has worked with many leading recording artists, most notably Jay-Z and Kanye West, and an April 2015 The Wall Street Journal profile called him “the most famous and successful engineer in the history of hip-hop.”

Born in Albany, N.Y., and raised in Newark, Delaware, Grouchy Greg was intrigued by hip-hop from the age of six.

He briefly flirted with a recording career as a member of his rap group, The Outfit, and in 1993 launched his label, Oblique Recordings.

While pursuing a career as a music label owner, Grouchy Greg attended the Art Institute of Philadelphia, studying audio engineering and marketing and graduating with an associate’s degree in music business and advertising.

AllHipHop.com officially launched in 1998, and the website has since won numerous awards, including the Rising Star Award from Black Enterprise, as well as a coveted BET Award for BestHip-Hop website. The website has been nominated 12 times for a BET Award.

Grouchy Greg is involved in every aspect of AllHipHop.com’s operations, including the editorial, technical, and advertising stacks.

He has been featured on numerous radio shows and has been cited in print, and TV shows ranging from Billboard to The New York Times, as well as CNN, MTV, BET, FOX, Fuse, E!, TVOne and others. Grouchy Greg is also the co-founder of CollegeHipHop.com, the KR38R app, and serves as a consultant for various tech companies and websites.

Over the years, Grouchy Greg has overseen partnerships with i-One, Vibe, Complex, The ArenaGroup, Google, EZOIC, and others.

Most recently, Delaware Governor John Carney appointed Grouchy Greg to the board of the Delaware Arts Council, the state body responsible for awarding tens of millions of dollars in grants to the arts community each year.

After graduating from The University of Delaware, Creekmur moved to New York City where he served as a music news producer for BET.com, as well as writing for several publications. Chuck has interviewed notable entertainers and pop culture figures including Shaq, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Queen Latifah, Ice-T, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Nick Cannon, Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Mekhi Phifer, Drake, Common, Ludacris, Kendrick Lamar, T.I. and numerous others.

Creekmur takes pride in being an innovator, who is constantly ahead of the curve and found those same attributes in his soon-to-be business partner, Greg “Grouchy” Watkins, who attended Glasgow High School with him in Delaware. After reconnecting they united to make history creating AllHipHop.com, the first Black-owned source for Hip-Hop news and culture on the Internet.

With the internet still being a new outlet in the mid-90’s, Creekmur recalls knowing “the ‘Net would be my forum to promote my writing, artwork and creative talents to the world.”

While the passion for media and music are still there, Creekmur has transitioned and found his calling to expand beyond Hip-Hop. New visions include social justice, community engagement, and public speaking, particularly to youth. He is dedicated to speaking about the social organizations and universities across the country in the “spirit of community-based activism.” He states, “We are the voice of the community,” and that is something that won’t be taken lightly. He has had the opportunity to speak at The White House, SXSW, Social Media Summits and the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) based TED Talks. Through his activism and community outreach, he looks forward to one day establishing a formal AllHipHop.com mentorship program in the coming years.

As a cultural critic and pundit, he’s been featured in VIBE, The Source, Complex, GIANT, National Public Radio (NPR), BET, TVOne, VH1, The E! Channel, MTV, The O’Reilly Factor, USA Today, The New York Times, New York’s Hot 97 FM and numerous other outlets.

He has also distinguished himself as a master audio engineer who has worked with KRS-1, Melle Mel, and Kool Keith, as well as many other Hip-Hop legends and independent artists.

He currently co-hosts a weekly Hip-Hop radio show, Guerrilla Grooves Radio and he continues to record, mix, and master for both established and emerging musicians of various genres.

In 1982 DJ Soulbuck “caught the bug” when he first heard Grandmaster Flash “Live at the Convention”. His uncle demonstrated those skills, and it was at that moment he knew his life would never be the same. He continued to watch his father and uncle spin and make tapes throughout the years. At age 10 his father took notice that his attention, passion, and eagerness for the craft was much more than your average phase and gave him a shot by allowing him to cue up records. Later that year, he landed his first DJ gig for his aunt’s wedding. An experience that prepared him for a journey that he has yet to look back on!

During his teenage years and early adolescence DJ, Soulbuck would practice and perfect the craft religiously and daily. In 1994 as he entered adulthood and had his own setup, he began creating mixtapes for people in the neighborhood. That led to a big break for him when one of his mixes was played on air on WKDU 91.7 in Philly. This sparked quite the local buzz and notoriety around the way and from that evolved DJ Soulbuck! Buck, a given nickname from the neighborhood combined with his Pete Rock Soul Brother #1 inspiration, it was only fitting he began his career as DJ Soulbuck. From 1997-1998 he was the house DJ at Club Smoke and Club 3737 in Philly, alongside DJ Kid Swift. In 2003 he was the house DJ at Snow Hill Lounge in Lawnside Jersey. Within weeks DJ Soulbuck had the venue packed from 50-300 people! In 2005 Soulbuck’s local career took an unseen turn when he met Doodlebug of Digable Planets at Sigma Studios. Doodlebug immediately was taken aback by his natural skills, and perfected sounds and beats that he offered Soulbuck an opportunity to come on tour with him. From 2005-2011 he did just that and received international fame! To add to the mix, he’s also spent time as DJ on Boom 107.9 FM, WCCG 104.5, WPRB 103.3 FM, CBS studios, as well as WUSB 90.1 FM & 107.3 FM.

When he is not on the airwaves, or at venues and clubs, or collaborating with artists on albums and other projects, you can find DJ Soulbuck in full swing at private parties, birthdays, festivals, other major events, and weekly on BeatMinerz Radio and UTM Radio.

For consultations on private events, DJ sets, and features contact PR Marissa MJ Savino at mjspokenword@gmail.com or @mjshiphopconnex on all platforms.

Connect with DJ Soulbuck on Instagram @djsoulbuck and on Twitter @djsoulbuck1

The Street Sickness Show on BeatMinerz Radio http://www.beatminerzradio.com/index#/the-street-sickness-show/

As a pivotal member of The 49ers with group member Jas Mace, Marchitect played a significant role in releasing six critically acclaimed albums, notably dominating the iTunes charts in Japan, showcasing the group’s international appeal.

The 49ers’ track “Never Say Never” transcended borders, becoming the iconic theme song for the popular anime series “Danganronpa,” further cementing their influence in the global music scene.

In the initial phase of his career, Marchitect was part of The Outfit, a group that made waves in the college radio circuit, setting a remarkable precedent for what was to come.

His expertise in production is evident through his collaborations with Grammy Award-winning artist Cee Knowledge of Digable Planets.

Moreover, his adeptness in creating resonant music has led to licensing agreements with prominent platforms such as Skype, Netflix, The X Games, and NBC Universal, expanding the reach of his musical footprint.

As a solo artist, Marchitect embodies the spirit of independence, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.

His performances are characterized by a dynamic energy, having graced stages alongside industry giants like Wiz Khalifa, Common, Ice T, The Wailers, MGK, and Styles P, among others.

Marchitect’s commitment to nurturing an independent artistic path showcases his talent and his vision for a music industry where originality and authenticity reign supreme.

Through his journey, Marchitect continues to inspire, fostering a legacy that resonates with seasoned enthusiasts and new generations of Hip-Hop aficionados.

The single was also reviewed in several major music publications, including Vibe Magazine and Rap Sheet. The single is considered a Hip-Hop classic and can be found online selling for as much as $300 for the rare vinyl.

The single lead to interest from major record label A&R’s to produce track for submission to established as well as developing artists signed to the labels. Flex&Hated’s first major placement as producers was with the Motown/Universal artist “Prophet Jones.” This placement established Flex&Hated as professional producers, which led to relationships with A&Rs at several labels, including Atlantic, Def Jam, Violator Management, Capitol Records and many others.

During the next several years, Flex&Hated submitted tracks for many major label artists, including Rihanna, Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Diddy, 50 Cent, and many others. Flex&Hated eventually landed a major placement on Bad Boy Records for platinum-selling artist Danity Kane with the song “Lights Out” in 2008. This placement earned Flex&Hated and Akeem Lee a gold plaque for their production on the #1 Billboard charting album Welcome to the Dollhouse. The album entered the Billboard chart at #1 the first week and remained at #1 for 4 weeks. The Flex&Hated produced song also landed at #1 on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under Chart” in the 3rd week of March 2008.

In recent years, Flex&Hated have been focusing on music placement in the areas of film/TV, commercials and video games. Hated of Flex&Hated has begun to flex his muscle as an actor on several TV projects and was cast in a lead role for the feature film “Booo” slated to be released in 2024. Flex&Hated has also opened a multi-media production company and oversees the development of tv/film scripts and other forms of media production.

In 1997, Hezekiah immersed himself in Philadelphia’s bustling Neo Soul movement, resonating deeply with the city’s vibrant energy. Here, he initiated jam sessions and founded the Beat Society, a showcase illuminating the fine art of beat-making. His foray into music production and songwriting burgeoned with projects like the “Ishe Hezekiah Project” in 2011, and the formation of his alter ego band, Johnny Popcorn, which produced albums such as “The Crow” and “Totem Pole” between 2013 and 2020.

Hezekiah marked his debut in 2005 with the cult classic “Hurry Up and Wait,” which was released through SoulSpazm. This success was followed by the critically acclaimed “I Predict A Riot” in 2007, listed as one of the favorite Hip-Hop albums of the year by AllMusic.com. His momentum surged with the 2010 release “Conscious P###,” featuring prominent talents like Talib Kweli and Bahamadia.

In 2014, Hezekiah showcased his commitment to community engagement by initiating community workouts, fostering wellness among the populace. His innovation persisted with the 2015 release of the LP “Dreams Don’t Chase Themselves,” which not only showcased a short film and Jazz Deluxe Instrumentals but also propelled the Hip-Hop culture forward.

Despite suffering a brain aneurysm due to overwork-related stress in 2016, Hezekiah demonstrated resilience by returning in 2017 with the announcement of a new EP, “GODS.” This period also saw him embracing the role of musical director and host of the Beat Society podcast. The same year marked the international collaboration with Polish artists Soulpete and Bodziers for the “Raw Road” EP, expanding his musical footprint globally.

As he recuperated, Hezekiah continued to delve into his trove of unreleased music, blessing his fans with fresh content. In 2021, he released “The Universe Does Not Reward Fear,” followed by the 2022 EP “Moment In Time,” a project recorded around 2012, which underscores his growth and evolving perspectives over the years.

Through his journey, Hezekiah has fostered a rich legacy in the Hip-Hop scene, cementing his status as a multi-talented artist, a resilient creator, and a beacon in the global music community.

In 1988, during his junior year of high school, Monroe’s photography work was published in Thrasher Magazine. By 1992, he was a regular contributor to the magazine, and his work was distributed internationally through stock photo agencies. In fall 1995, he became the photo editor of The Source Magazine.

Monroe became disillusioned with the hip-hop scene as the millennium approached. He shifted his focus towards producing an amateur skateboard league: The United Skateboarding Association (Beast of The East Contest Series). This helped Monroe carve out marketing opportunities seen, at the time, only by him. One of his first clients was Activision, for which he marketed video game titles like “Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater” and “Wu-Tang Clan’s Shaolin Style.” Monroe went on to produce events for Tony Hawk and the “Got Milk?” campaign. He also worked closely with Marc Ecko to help market Zoo York, Complex, and “Marc Ecko’s Getting Up” video game.

By the mid-2000’s, Monroe was working for marketing agencies to craft campaigns for established and newly emerged brands, including Scion (Toyota), Sailor Jerry Rum, Red Bull, Skyy Vodka, and Aperol to name a few.

In 2010, Monroe observed his published work – originally released in print in the 1990s – appear on social media platforms. Around 2012, Monroe dug deep in his archive of 90’s photographs. Recognizing an opportunity to present, again and for the first time, the portraits and features to an audience whose interest in hip-hop was renewed and fresh, across generations and populations, Monroe digitized and cataloged photos, Initially, he shared the resulting work and stories through social media. 

In 2019, he authored and self-published the first in what would become an iconic book trilogy: Rare & Unseen Moments of 90’s Hip-Hop: Volume One, Two, and Three. 

Monroe’s book series, which has been identified as one of hip-hop’s cornerstone publications, provides imagery of the rap game’s most influential artists’ humanity and spontaneity. The impact of Rare & Unseen Moments of 90’s Hip-Hop has been felt by artists, producers, and pioneers, and connected Monroe with a new generation of cultural savants.

Today, Monroe actively shares his work via showings at fine art galleries, appearances on photography and hip-hop panels, and collaborations with brands and creatives. His work is always reaching new audiences. 

Currently, Abundancechild is passionately channelling her efforts towards leveraging food as a catalyst for driving impactful social change. With a steadfast commitment to her vision, she aims to become a transformative force in humanity.

After 20 years in corporate America, MeeShach decided to start his own business, Minds Brand Management LLC, in 2021. Today, he partners with DSU’s College of Business and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware to promote his mission of inspiring future generations of Black Excellence.

As certified teaching artists, seasoned performers, and battle-tested dancers, we are driven by a deep passion for inspiring audiences and participants of all ages.

Our commitment to excellence is evident in the work we do. whether we are performing on stage or delivering virtual at-home learning opportunities, our motto is simple:  Can’t stop, won’t stop!

He recently has been designing and painting large-scale ground murals like crosswalks, playgrounds, basketball courts, and intersections. Leon has been active in the local art scene for over 20 years collaborating with various artists and organizations. He is the lead promoter for New Jersey’s annual hip hop festival, Jersey Fresh Jam. He gives back to the community by teaching classes and workshops.

This event marked the end of Troy’s basketball career, and he enlisted in the United States Army as a cavalry scout.

In 1983, Sergeant Husser received an honorable discharge from the Army.

Despite initial setbacks in the business world, he ventured into the drug trade, a prevalent business in the 80s, influenced by his upbringing on Conrad Street, a known drug hotspot.

His family background, filled with hustlers, further nudged him in this direction. Despite his real surname being Husser, people often referred to him as “Hustler.”

In 1989, a family friend introduced him to his nephew, a rapper and producer named Oya “Grand G” Gilbert. Inspired, and with the support of his cousins Robin Grayson, Kim Grayson, and Crystal Fisher, Troy established his own record label, Tomorrow Gold Records Inc.

Soon, local acts were flocking to his studio, including notable names like Fred G, DJ F3, MC Isiah, IOR, Zeek the Freak from Conrad Street, and Todd One from Philly, culminating in the creation of Project X.

They also initiated Try It Productions, which produced “Zekes Krib,” a rap video and radio show based in southwest Philly. Their tracks were recorded at Power Play Studios in Queens, New York.

Unfortunately, in 1994, Troy’s world came crashing down when he was incarcerated for cocaine trafficking. Determined to turn his life around, he founded an Oxford house in 1999 to assist mental patients and recovering addicts.

Unfortunately, in 1994, Troy’s world came crashing down when he was incarcerated for cocaine trafficking.

Determined to turn his life around, he founded an Oxford house in 1999 to assist mental patients and recovering addicts.

Now, he resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife and children, leading a life dedicated to betterment and recovery.