| LIVE PERFORMANCES BY MASTERDON |
| Total Mixes: 2, Duration: 00:10:04 |
|
A summarised biography of Masterdon created using Google Gemini in January 2026 can be found at the bottom of this page |
|
Click on the 'Release Title' to view the full details of each release |
| Release Category | Release Title | Label | Catalogue # | Year | Mixer(s) | Mix Title | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Rap Archives Legends Volume 1 | Sounds Of Urban London | BLIPMV100021 | 1996 | Masterdon with The Masterdon Committee | LIVE AT Y.M.C.A., MANHATTAN N.Y., 1983 | 00:04:24 |
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Rock The Discotek Volume 2 | No Label | - | 2012 | Masterdon with The Masterdon Committee | LIVE PERFORMANCE | 00:05:40 |
|
Masterdon (often referred to as Masterdon of the Masterdon Committee) was a pivotal figure in the early New York hip-hop scene during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He is best known for blending high-level technical DJ skills with a theatrical, high-energy performance style. Here is a summary of his history and contributions: Who was Masterdon? Masterdon was the leader and DJ of The Masterdon Committee, a legendary Harlem-based hip-hop group. While many early DJs focused solely on the music, Masterdon was a pioneer in "showmanship," ensuring that the visual performance was as captivating as the audio. Key Historical Contributions The "Eclectic" Sound: Unlike some DJs who stuck strictly to soul or funk, Masterdon was known for a wide-ranging selection. He famously incorporated rock, pop, and electronic sounds (like Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust") into his sets long before it was mainstream practice. The Masterdon Committee: He formed one of the most balanced groups in hip-hop history, featuring MCs like Pebblee Poo (one of the first prominent female MCs), G.L.O.B.E., and others. This group was instrumental in the transition from street jams to recorded studio hits. Technical Mastery: Masterdon was a master of the "quick-mix" and scratching. He used the turntables as a rhythmic instrument to cue his MCs, creating a seamless "call and response" between the DJ booth and the stage. Notable Works & Impact "Funkbox Party" (1982): This is arguably his most famous contribution to disc jockey history. The track featured heavy use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine and emphasized the DJ's role in creating "electro-funk." Harlem Legacy: While Grandmaster Flash was ruling the Bronx, Masterdon was a king of Harlem. He helped establish the Armory and the Harlem World club as legendary venues for the evolution of the craft. "A titan of the Harlem hip-hop scene, Masterdon was more than just a selector; he was a conductor. As the leader of the Masterdon Committee, he bridged the gap between the raw energy of park jams and the polished production of the early 80s electro-funk era. His ability to fuse disparate genres and his flair for theatrical performance cemented his place as one of the architects of the modern DJ persona." |