Back to web site homepage



LIVE PERFORMANCES BY TONY TONE
Total Mixes: 10, Duration: 01:55:12


A summarised biography of Tony Tone 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 HopAll The Way Live In '82Tuff CityTUFLP06081994Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersLIVE IN CONNECTICUT00:14:42
Live Old School Hip HopAll The Way Live In '82Tuff CityTUFLP06081994Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersIT'S LIKE THAT Y'ALL00:03:25
Live Old School Hip HopAll The Way Live In '82Tuff CityTUFLP06081994Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersIT'S US The Cold Crush00:03:26
Live Old School Hip HopAll The Way Live In '82Tuff CityTUFLP06081994Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersFREESTYLIN'00:06:25
Live Old School Hip HopHip Hop/Funk/Dance Classics Volume 1Music Of LifeSPOCK31991Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersTHE BATTLE AT HARLEM WORLD 1981 Part 100:22:56
Live Old School Hip HopHip Hop/Funk/Dance Classics Volume 1Music Of LifeSPOCK31991Tony Tone with J.D.L.LIVE SET00:04:28
Live Old School Hip HopHip Hop/Funk/Dance Classics Volume 2Music Of LifeSPOCK41992Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersTHE FIRST BLACK HISTORY JAM LIVE AT BRONX RIVER CENTRE Part 200:15:46
Live Old School Hip HopHip Hop/Funk/Dance Classics Volume 3Music Of LifeMOLLP0301993Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersHIP HOP THROWDOWN Part 600:10:23
Live Old School Hip HopLive M.C. Battle From Harlem World 1981Slammin'7125711998Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersTHE BATTLE AT HARLEM WORLD 198100:28:54
Live Old School Hip HopWild Style SoundtrackAnimalCHR14531983Charlie Chase & Tony Tone with The Cold Crush BrothersAT THE DIXIE00:04:47


Tony Tone is a cornerstone figure in hip-hop history, best known as the founder and "engine" behind the legendary Cold Crush Brothers. His contributions were pivotal in transitioning hip-hop from simple park jams into the high-energy, choreographed stage shows that defined the late 1970s and early 1980s. Here is a summarized breakdown:

The Visionary of the Cold Crush Brothers

In 1978, Tony Tone (born Anthony Dwight Thompson) founded the Cold Crush Brothers in the Bronx. While many DJs of the era focused solely on the music, Tony had a vision for professionalism and showmanship. He recruited Grandmaster Caz, J.D.L., Charlie Chase, and Easy AD to create a group that functioned as a cohesive unit rather than just a DJ with background rappers.

The "Technician" Behind the Sound

Tony Tone was often referred to as the backbone of the group's technical setup. In the early days of hip-hop, being a DJ meant being an amateur electrical engineer. Tony was famous for his ability to:

Build sound systems: He helped assemble the massive speaker stacks (often called "coffins") that provided the thunderous bass required for Bronx street parties.

Coordinate the "Show" Style: Unlike the "Style Wars" of pure scratching, Tony focused on the synchronized routines. He ensured the transition between the DJ's beats and the MCs' harmonized rhymes was seamless.

Key Contributions to DJ Culture

The Professionalization of Hip-Hop: Tony Tone insisted the Cold Crush Brothers wear matching outfits and rehearse their performances. This shifted the DJ's role from a background player to a director of a theatrical musical experience.

The "Wild Style" Influence: Tony and his crew played a central role in the 1983 film Wild Style, which introduced global audiences to DJing, MCing, and breakdancing.

Technological Adaptation: He was among the first to master the art of using the mixer not just to switch songs, but to "cut" and create a rhythmic foundation that complimented the MCs' complex vocal harmonies.

Legacy and Impact

Tony Tone is credited with helping bridge the gap between the "Founding Fathers" era (Herc, Flash, Bam) and the commercial explosion of hip-hop. His leadership ensured that the DJ remained the central figure of the group's identity, proving that a DJ's greatest skill could be his ability to curate an entire performance.