Queens' Music Legend Davy DMX Talks Run-DMC, Kurtis Blow and The Fat Boys

The Long Island Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast

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David Franklin Reeves Jr., better known as Davy DMX, is an iconic figure in the annals of hip-hop history. He was raised in the vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood of Hollis, Queens and emerged as a pioneering force in the genre's formative years. His musical journey, deeply influenced by the soulful sounds of the Jackson 5 and the electric atmosphere of 1970s New York, saw him master an array of instruments and techniques. From his early days as a self-taught guitarist to becoming a renowned DJ and producer, Davy DMX's fingerprints are all over hip-hop's early soundscape.

In the late 1970s, Reeves made a name for himself as a versatile musician and DJ, forming the influential group Solo Sounds in Hollis. His collaborations with legendary figures like Kurtis Blow, whom he toured with extensively, and the formation of the groundbreaking band Orange Krush, highlighted his innovative spirit. Orange Krush's track "Action," a seminal work that laid the foundation for Run-DMC's "Sucker MC's (Krush Groove 1)," showcased Davy DMX's knack for creating beats that would echo through the decades, sampled by artists ranging from Jay-Z to Kanye West.

Davy DMX's solo career took off with the release of his instrumental hit "One for the Treble (Fresh)" in 1983, a track that featured his signature use of the Oberheim DMX drum machine and solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking producer. His full-length album, "Davy's Ride" released in 1987, was hailed for its imaginative and technically adept approach to hip-hop.

Now, as Davy DMX prepares to be inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, his legacy continues to shine brightly. His extensive body of work, including collaborations with Run-DMC, The Fat Boys, and Kurtis Blow, as well as his recent role as the lead bass player for Public Enemy, underscores his lasting impact on hip-hop. Join us on the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Podcast as we delve into the career of this Queens legend, celebrating his contributions to music and his unwavering influence on generations of artists.