Jazzy Five
Encyclopedia
Jazzy Five was a hip hop group founded in the mid 1970s.
known as Soundview Houses, the story of Hip hop music
pioneers, the "Jazzy Five" MC’s begins.Their founder, the 1st and best rapper in the Soundview area at the time, MC Sundance, was an MC with Disco King Mario along with Charlie Choo and the Master Bee. DJ Jazzy Jay
was Mario’s DJ at the time. MC Sundance and Jazzy Jay
became good friends, who along with the Master Bee and Charlie Choo left Disco King Mario and joined up with Afrika Bambaataa
and the Universal Zulu Nation
. After a while, the Master Ice also joined up and along with others formed the Soul Sonic Force. With the large number of MC’s in the Soul Sonic Force, mic time and money was scarce, so MC Sundance, Charlie Choo, Master Bee & Master Ice left the group and formed the Jazzy 4 MC’s with Jazzy Jay
as their DJ. They were still under Afrika Bambaataa
but because they were all from Soundview, they felt they could develop their own style. While doing a few shows and trying to develop their sound, MC Sundance, who always desired to be a solo artist, left the group. Master Ice recruited Mr. Freeze to replace him. A few weeks later, Charlie Choo left the group to pursue his dreams of college and they recruited the Master Dee, who then turned them on to AJ Les. They changed their name to the "Jazzy Five" and resumed their journey to cement their place in Hip hop music
history.
They were five solo artists from Soundview who merged together as one for a distinct sound that incorporated singing, dancing and emceeing into one complete sound and stage show and who could compete with the best groups out there. After a few shows with Afrika Bambaataa
… DJ Jazzy Jay
, DJ Red Alert
, & the "Jazzy Five" were a major part of Zulu Nation
Hip hop
Throw Downs, along with the Soul Sonic Force, the Cosmic Force, etc.
It was in 1981 when Afrika Bambaataa
came to them about doing a Hip hop music
version of the R&B song “Funky Sensation
” by Gwen McCrae
. Two days later, “Jazzy Sensation
” was written and recorded by the "Jazzy Five" as the first Hip hop music
/rap single on Tommy Boy Records
. The lyrics consist of the "Jazzy Five" doing a few of their stage show routines while adding the original chorus. When the first mix was complete, Master Ice convinced Arthur Baker
to get Shep Pettibone
to remix the song the way he did the original “Funky Sensation
”. “The Masters Ice, Dee, Bee, I’m Les & Mr. Freeze” rap and sing their way into Hip hop
lore on one of the all time Hip hop
classics, “Jazzy Sensation
.”
Because of the business side of the venture, the "Jazzy Five" as a group never recorded again. They’ve all remained friends and heroes to their people in Soundview, influencing rappers like Lord Tariq from the Hip hop music
duo, "Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz
" and Will Traxx, who have recorded hot tracks of their own as well as Hip hop producer Minnesota, who’s worked with Mos Def
and a host of others. Regardless of how others perceive their status in Hip hop music
history, the "Jazzy Five" and their fans know they definitely rocked the house when given the chance. Devoid of ego, each artist had an original, distinctive style and no one emcee in their group dominated the others, unlike some other groups out at that time.
What other rap group from back in the day could boast of Hip hop
Hall of Famers like Afrika Bambaataa
, DJ Jazzy Jay
and DJ Red Alert
incorporating their styles of music, mixing, cutting and scratching to their rapping
and singing routines on a consistent basis? For example, while they were singing “Survival”, Jazzy Jay
was making his own beat with “Love Rap”. Everybody has heard Run DMC’s “Peter Piper”. The Jam Master Jay cuts of Bob James
’ “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” were being done by Jazzy Jay
back in the 70’s with MC Sundance & Mr. Freeze famous “everybody calls me Chucky Chuck” rhyme.
History
In the mid seventies, in the area of the South BronxSouth Bronx
The South Bronx is an area of the New York City borough of The Bronx. The neighborhoods of Tremont, University Heights, Highbridge, Morrisania, Soundview, Hunts Point, and Castle Hill are sometimes considered part of the South Bronx....
known as Soundview Houses, the story of Hip hop music
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
pioneers, the "Jazzy Five" MC’s begins.Their founder, the 1st and best rapper in the Soundview area at the time, MC Sundance, was an MC with Disco King Mario along with Charlie Choo and the Master Bee. DJ Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay born in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, November 18, 1961), also known as The Original Jazzy Jay or DJ Jazzy Jay, is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and producer. He has collected roughly 400,000 records.-Background:...
was Mario’s DJ at the time. MC Sundance and Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay born in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, November 18, 1961), also known as The Original Jazzy Jay or DJ Jazzy Jay, is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and producer. He has collected roughly 400,000 records.-Background:...
became good friends, who along with the Master Bee and Charlie Choo left Disco King Mario and joined up with Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
and the Universal Zulu Nation
Universal Zulu Nation
|rightThe Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local...
. After a while, the Master Ice also joined up and along with others formed the Soul Sonic Force. With the large number of MC’s in the Soul Sonic Force, mic time and money was scarce, so MC Sundance, Charlie Choo, Master Bee & Master Ice left the group and formed the Jazzy 4 MC’s with Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay born in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, November 18, 1961), also known as The Original Jazzy Jay or DJ Jazzy Jay, is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and producer. He has collected roughly 400,000 records.-Background:...
as their DJ. They were still under Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
but because they were all from Soundview, they felt they could develop their own style. While doing a few shows and trying to develop their sound, MC Sundance, who always desired to be a solo artist, left the group. Master Ice recruited Mr. Freeze to replace him. A few weeks later, Charlie Choo left the group to pursue his dreams of college and they recruited the Master Dee, who then turned them on to AJ Les. They changed their name to the "Jazzy Five" and resumed their journey to cement their place in Hip hop music
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
history.
They were five solo artists from Soundview who merged together as one for a distinct sound that incorporated singing, dancing and emceeing into one complete sound and stage show and who could compete with the best groups out there. After a few shows with Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
… DJ Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay born in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, November 18, 1961), also known as The Original Jazzy Jay or DJ Jazzy Jay, is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and producer. He has collected roughly 400,000 records.-Background:...
, DJ Red Alert
DJ Red Alert
DJ Red Alert is a disc jockey on 98.7 Kiss-FM, N.Y.C., and has been recognized as a hip hop pioneer...
, & the "Jazzy Five" were a major part of Zulu Nation
Universal Zulu Nation
|rightThe Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa. Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local...
Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
Throw Downs, along with the Soul Sonic Force, the Cosmic Force, etc.
It was in 1981 when Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
came to them about doing a Hip hop music
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
version of the R&B song “Funky Sensation
Funky Sensation
"Funky Sensation" is a disco-boogie song released in 1981 by American soul singer Gwen McCrae.The song was written by Kenton Nix who also wrote "Heartbeat" for Taana Gardner...
” by Gwen McCrae
Gwen McCrae
Gwen McCrae is an American R&B singer, best known for her March, 1975 hit "Rockin' Chair".-Career:...
. Two days later, “Jazzy Sensation
Jazzy Sensation
"Jazzy Sensation" is a classic old school hip hop song released in 1981 performed by hip hop pioneers Afrika Bambaataa and the Jazzy Five. The song's lyrics consist mainly of routines from the Jazzy Five's stage shows along with a revamped chorus from Gwen McCrae's "Funky Sensation."Afrika...
” was written and recorded by the "Jazzy Five" as the first Hip hop music
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
/rap single on Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Records
Tommy Boy Entertainment is an independent record label started in 1981 by Tom Silverman.-History:...
. The lyrics consist of the "Jazzy Five" doing a few of their stage show routines while adding the original chorus. When the first mix was complete, Master Ice convinced Arthur Baker
Arthur Baker (musician)
Arthur Baker is an American record producer and DJ best known for his work with hip hop artists like Afrika Bambaataa, Planet Patrol, and the British group New Order.-Early career:...
to get Shep Pettibone
Shep Pettibone
Robert E. Pettibone, Jr. is a record producer, remixer, songwriter and club DJ, one of the most prolific of the 1980s. His earliest work known to the public was for one of New York City's top disco/dance radio stations, WRKS 98.7 "Kiss" FM, and later as remixer/producer for the disco label Salsoul...
to remix the song the way he did the original “Funky Sensation
Funky Sensation
"Funky Sensation" is a disco-boogie song released in 1981 by American soul singer Gwen McCrae.The song was written by Kenton Nix who also wrote "Heartbeat" for Taana Gardner...
”. “The Masters Ice, Dee, Bee, I’m Les & Mr. Freeze” rap and sing their way into Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
lore on one of the all time Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
classics, “Jazzy Sensation
Jazzy Sensation
"Jazzy Sensation" is a classic old school hip hop song released in 1981 performed by hip hop pioneers Afrika Bambaataa and the Jazzy Five. The song's lyrics consist mainly of routines from the Jazzy Five's stage shows along with a revamped chorus from Gwen McCrae's "Funky Sensation."Afrika...
.”
Because of the business side of the venture, the "Jazzy Five" as a group never recorded again. They’ve all remained friends and heroes to their people in Soundview, influencing rappers like Lord Tariq from the Hip hop music
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
duo, "Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz
Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz
Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz were an American rap duo consisting of Sean "Lord Tariq" Hamilton and Peter "Peter Gunz" Pankey. They are best known for their song "Deja Vu " which went to #9 on the U.S...
" and Will Traxx, who have recorded hot tracks of their own as well as Hip hop producer Minnesota, who’s worked with Mos Def
Mos Def
Dante Terrell Smith is an American actor and Emcee known by the stage names Mos Def and Yasiin Bey. He started his hip hop career in a group called Urban Thermo Dynamics, after which he appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. With Talib Kweli, he formed the duo Black Star, which...
and a host of others. Regardless of how others perceive their status in Hip hop music
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
history, the "Jazzy Five" and their fans know they definitely rocked the house when given the chance. Devoid of ego, each artist had an original, distinctive style and no one emcee in their group dominated the others, unlike some other groups out at that time.
What other rap group from back in the day could boast of Hip hop
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
Hall of Famers like Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa
Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ from the South Bronx, New York who was instrumental in the early development of hip hop throughout the 1980s. Afrika Bambaataa is one of the three originators of break-beat deejaying, and is respectfully known as the "Grandfather" and the Amen Ra of Universal...
, DJ Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay born in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, November 18, 1961), also known as The Original Jazzy Jay or DJ Jazzy Jay, is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and producer. He has collected roughly 400,000 records.-Background:...
and DJ Red Alert
DJ Red Alert
DJ Red Alert is a disc jockey on 98.7 Kiss-FM, N.Y.C., and has been recognized as a hip hop pioneer...
incorporating their styles of music, mixing, cutting and scratching to their rapping
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
and singing routines on a consistent basis? For example, while they were singing “Survival”, Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay born in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, November 18, 1961), also known as The Original Jazzy Jay or DJ Jazzy Jay, is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and producer. He has collected roughly 400,000 records.-Background:...
was making his own beat with “Love Rap”. Everybody has heard Run DMC’s “Peter Piper”. The Jam Master Jay cuts of Bob James
Bob James (musician)
Robert McElhiney James is a jazz keyboardist, arranger and producer.-Biography:During the 1970s, Bob James played a major role in establishing the smooth jazz genre. "Angela", the instrumental theme from the sitcom Taxi, is probably Bob James' most well-known work to date...
’ “Take Me to the Mardi Gras” were being done by Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay
Jazzy Jay born in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, November 18, 1961), also known as The Original Jazzy Jay or DJ Jazzy Jay, is a pioneering American hip hop DJ and producer. He has collected roughly 400,000 records.-Background:...
back in the 70’s with MC Sundance & Mr. Freeze famous “everybody calls me Chucky Chuck” rhyme.