Grandmaster Caz

• Genre: East Coast Old School
• Hometown: NY

About

Also known as Casanova Fly, Grandmaster Caz is a true hip-hop pioneer. Inspired by Kool Herc, he began DJing in 1974 and is considered the first DJ to rhyme and scrtach at the same time. He was an original member of the Cold Crush Brothers, alongside the Almighty K.G., Tony Tone, Charlie Chase, J.D.L., and Easy AD. The crew formed in 1978, and Caz's early rhymes would later be jacked by Big Bank Hank for the Sugarhill Gang's landmark single "Rapper's Delight." Though he received no credit (or compensation) for his ground-breaking contribution, Caz and Cold Crush kept hard at work, staging legendary battles and appearing in the seminal '82 hip-hop classic Wild Style. Cold Crush put out a slew of singles over the years, and in '96 released the LP Fresh Wild Fly & Bold. Caz continues to speak and perform at hip-hop events around the world, and is rumored to be dropping a new album featuring the track "MC Delight," on which he addresses Sugar Hill's lyrical thievery.

- Brolin Winning