Legendary DJ Mr. Magic has died from a heart attack. Mr. Magic, born John Rivas, was a legendary DJ who debuted in 1979 on a pay-to-play broadcast on WHBI 105.9′s “The Mr. Magic Disco Showcase.”
In 1983, he launched “Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack,” in New York City which featured a DJ Marley Marl and the future Co-Chillin Record label owner Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams.
Mr. Magic was also a co-founder of the legendary Hip-Hop collective The Juice Crew, which featured Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Marley Marl, MC Shan, Craig G., Kool G. Rap and Masta Ace.
Rap Attack influenced a countless of number of artists, ranging from rappers like Tupac Shakur, KRS-One, Biggie Smalls, Nas, Eric B. and Rakim, DJ Premier and many others.
“He paved the way for all radio stations that ever did mix shows,” DJ Premier said via his blog. “Also sparked the career of Boogie Down Productions due to the diss he showed when they came to shop their demo to him and was turned away which then sparked “South Bronx” and “The Bridge is Over.”
Mr. Magic was also featured as a DJ on 2002’s Grand Theft Auto’s fictitious radio station Wildstyle Pirate Radio.
Here’s one of Mr. Magic’s debut albums on Profile Records. Mr. Magic Rap Attack Vol. 1. Enjoy
Mr. Magic Rap Attack Vol. 1 – Download
