“Let me start by saying that this isn’t just about me, this is about pioneering and legendary DJs from Philadelphia who are not being recognized.
Just as everyone knows that Hip Hop’s founding fathers are Kool DJ Herc, Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash from the Bronx – it is common knowledge that DJ Jazzy Jeff and myself are the most famous Hip Hop DJ legends from Philadelphia.
I was invited to attend and help celebrate its launch.
DJs from every decade in Philadelphia Hip Hop history attended and many group photos were taken of us to commemorate this day of unity.
Around the beginning of 2009, the organizers of Philly DJ Day received a proclamation, signed by the Mayor of Philadelphia, confirming an official Philly DJ Day to be celebrated annually. They proudly announced it. I was excited to read it myself!
To my surprise, my name was left off the proclamation though some of my friends were included…and was I naturally upset! DJs included on the first document included DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ AM (Rest in Peace), DJ Drama, Schoolly D, ?uest Love, King Britt and Rich Medina.
When I called Philly DJ Day to let them know about this error, they had not noticed that my name had been left out. They claimed that it was a typo or some mistake and that they would work on it. I wondered how something so important and final could be released and signed without review or edits.
By September 2009, the organizers said they finally fixed the problem, but when I viewed the updated document, it felt like my name was just thrown in for “honorable mention” and they changed the honorees around. At this point, I felt the second version aimed at pacifying me was more insulting than the first!
Please view both versions of the Philly DJ Proclamation at myspace.com/djcashmoney12
I wondered why other DJ legends weren’t included on either document like the original DJ Spinbad, Lady B, Grandmaster Nell, DJ Miz, Too Tuff, Cosmic Kev, DJ Ran, Grand Wizzard Rasheen, Tat Money, Lightning Rich, Josh Wink and the list goes on!
There are so many DJs who trail blazed! Maybe it would have been better to just call it Philly DJ Day, not name anyone and have it be all inclusive. However, if the more accomplished DJs were to be highlighted, it would have been better that we all sat down had a chance to offer our input.
Yet Philly DJ Day continues to include my likeness on their website knowing that I am not happy with the organization and therefore I do not support it. When the Philly DJ Day organizers sent DMC (the longest running, most legendary DJ competition) a sponsorship proposal for 2009, which included my photo, they were turned down because Philly DJ Day wasn’t even recognizing the only DMC Champion from Philly! DMC supports me 100%!
Thus, some may want to say that I am being egotistical or hard to deal with for standing up for what is right but I won’t be written out of history. I have been silent far too long about the cliquishness that goes down in this city. I tour all over the world repping Philly to the fullest. The fact that I won the DJ World DJ Championship in 1988 and am the only DJ to bring this title to Philly speaks volumes. I was also inducted into the Technics/DMC Hall of Fame.
A great DJ is not made overnight! You have to put in time, blood, sweat and tears. You become known as a legend from your fans and fellow DJ’s. I didn’t give myself these titles, other people did. Rightfully so, I’ve earned my place in history. It’s like discussing Philadelphia basketball and never mentioning Dr. J.
I would suggest that the organizers start over, regroup, sit down with the true legends and get it right.”
Sincerely,
DJ Cash Money
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