Music
Grandmaster Flash has been named a Hip-Hop Icon for his achievements at the first Black Entertainment Television awards.
The DJ and musician was honoured with the "I am Hip-Hop" title at the event, shown live in the US on Wednesday night, where current leading lights in the genre paid tribute to his contribution.
Chamillionaire, who won an award for best newcomer on the night, said Flash had made a unique mark on music. "He's created something that is important to everybody in the hip-hop world from rappers, to DJs, to dancers to break dancers," he explained. "He has influenced everybody in the hip-hop world."
The successful DJ said Flash was also responsible for the mix tape tradition that now sees young artists get their work played across the world. "Mix tapes are controlled by DJs and DJs are the reason why people like me are even successful," commented Chamillionaire. "When any record is hot in the club, or is getting a buzz it's because of the DJ."
Flash first developed the practice of playing two beats together to create a new sound, which was then used to rap over, after playing as a teenager, he said after collecting his award. "I actually didn't realise what I was onto," Flash told Reuters. "All I knew was I was very frustrated with the way DJs were playing at the time."
The DJ and musician was honoured with the "I am Hip-Hop" title at the event, shown live in the US on Wednesday night, where current leading lights in the genre paid tribute to his contribution.
Chamillionaire, who won an award for best newcomer on the night, said Flash had made a unique mark on music. "He's created something that is important to everybody in the hip-hop world from rappers, to DJs, to dancers to break dancers," he explained. "He has influenced everybody in the hip-hop world."
The successful DJ said Flash was also responsible for the mix tape tradition that now sees young artists get their work played across the world. "Mix tapes are controlled by DJs and DJs are the reason why people like me are even successful," commented Chamillionaire. "When any record is hot in the club, or is getting a buzz it's because of the DJ."
Flash first developed the practice of playing two beats together to create a new sound, which was then used to rap over, after playing as a teenager, he said after collecting his award. "I actually didn't realise what I was onto," Flash told Reuters. "All I knew was I was very frustrated with the way DJs were playing at the time."
More: Music
More Music News
Singles Reviews
Nelly Furtado: 'Big Hoops' reviewThe singer's comeback confidently ignores all the latest fads.
Music Interviews
David Guetta: My music isn't all the sameDigital Spy talks to the DJ ahead of his London shows this weekend.
The Sound
Album Reviews
Ladyhawke: 'Anxiety' reviewThe singer's ear for infectious pop remains stronger than ever on her second LP.
