DJ Cool Clyde, one of the pioneers who helped to take hip-hop to the mainstream and has been there since the music's early days on Sedgwick Avenue, believes that it is time for the music to have a museum in the borough where it was born. In a recent interview with Clyde explained the importance of the Hip Hop Museum and the numerous calls of support he has received. Clyde has taken his idea of building a hip-hop museum to the place where it all started and has gained the support from many major players in the game, as well as several New York politicians.
How long has the idea of a Hip Hop Museum been in the making?
DJ Cool Clyde: Talks have taking place for many years. Over 10 years.
Who is providing funding for the construction of the museum?
DJ Cool Clyde: Politicians are working to raise money. They understand the politics of connecting the Street with Corporate America. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion was in control of the $1.5 million allocated for the Hip-Hop Museum.. Since he was appointed by the Obama Administration for the position of Director of the new White House Office on Urban Policy, Ruben Diaz Jr. will take on his responsibilities once elected as borough president. We need people who understand how money works.
When will the Hip-Hop Museum be opened?
DJ Cool Clyde: Pending date due to the economy, but it is in the works. It is inevitable that it is going to happen and the museum space will be 200 to 250 thousand square feet.
Where will the museum be located?
DJ Cool Clyde: It's slated to open in the 161 St/Yankee Stadium area. No disrespect to anyone, but the Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop. It started in the Bronx.
Which public figures are endorsing the Hip-Hop Museum?
DJ Cool Clyde: Former Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion talks about the Museum. I recently met with Mayor Bloomberg and talked with him about the museum and he is supportive of the project. Bronx Democratic Leader Carl Heastie is a supporter and financial contributor. Andre Harrell, CEO of Uptown Records who discovered Sean "Puffy" Combs as well as Russell Simmons, CEO of Def Jam Records is also aware and supports the project.
What is the benefit of having a Hip-Hop Museum?
DJ Cool Clyde: Resurrect people who have paved the way. The Hip-Hop Museum will be an institution where people come and get a history lesson. A lot of parents feel hip-hop has changed since they were kids. Hip-hop has a black eye! It has gotten away from the fun and went from Kings and Queens to hoes and bitches. (Not sure if it is okay to use the word bitch)
What can the public learn about you through the museum?
DJ Cool Clyde: DJ Lightning Lance and DJ Cool Clyde were the first to record scratching live on wax. The record we made in '80' and released in '81' was called "Live Album Convention 81". We were scared to listen to ourselves on the radio.
Do you have that album to donate to the museum?
DJ Cool Clyde: Of course! I have the test pressing, original record, and the reprint. All of which I intend to donate to the museum and it's not authentic if it's not in the Bronx.
What do you tell artists to donate?
I tell artists I worked with to donate what they have to this museum. Lil Mama is supportive, so is Ice-T, and Snoop Dog will donate whatever. Many artists want to support this.
Who have you worked with?
DJ Cool Clyde: Africa Bambaataa, Cool DJ D, DJ Hollywood, Cold Crush Brothers, Lil Mama, Ne-yo, Doug E. Fresh, and Slick Rick.
Where do you currently work?
DJ Cool Clyde: I have my own show "The DJ Clyde Show" on BronxNet channel 68 Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. On Fridays, I'm the house DJ for the show "Open" hosted by Rhina Valentin form 10 a.m.. to 11 a.m also on BronxNet. This is their signature channel and they never had a house dj. Every year, my organization United We Stand Entertainment hosts an event called "Kings and Queens" the 2nd Sunday in August. One year we had Wendy Williams and Funk Master Flex on the same stage. Celebrities come to support and youth get to showcase their talent. United We Stand Entertainment has also worked with the Kipps Bay Boys Club and teaches deejaying techniques through the Universal Hip-Hop Scratch Academy.