As we approach the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, there is no one better to speak with than the legendary Kid Capri, hailing from the birthplace of hip-hop in the Boogie Down Bronx. Kid Capri has been a significant figure in the music industry since the late 1980s, producing smash hits for artists like Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Heavy D, 50 Cent, and even Madonna herself.
With the historic date of Aug. 23, the day DJ Kool Herc first broke a beat at a back-to-school party in 1973, approaching, Kid Capri took the time to reflect on the pioneers who shaped and propelled the genre over the past half-century. Kid Capri specifically highlighted the influence of his friend and occasional show partner Grandmaster Flash.
“He [Grandmaster Flash] will still come to my shows and witness the pandemonium,” Kid Capri shared. Recognizing Grandmaster Flash’s impact, he added, “He acknowledges, ‘You took it and made it what it is today. You took it to another level and brought financial success to it.'”
“It’s essential to remember that these guys, like Grandmaster Flash, are my heroes because they didn’t receive the recognition and financial rewards that I have,” Kid Capri humbly admitted.
Grandmaster Flash, who started his career by scavenging for DJ equipment in Hunts Point, also inspired Kid Capri in his own craft.
By the 1990s, Kid Capri’s mixtapes made it evident that a DJ was as important, if not more so, than an emcee.
“I wanted to be seen as an artist, not just someone who played records or stood behind another artist,” Kid Capri expressed. “I aimed to be a force to be reckoned with, on par with the artist with a platinum hit record. That was my focus.”
As the hip-hop genre expanded into a global phenomenon, Kid Capri’s talent expanded along with it. He gained national recognition as the DJ for Russell Simmons’ series “Def Comedy Jam.”
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