| MIXES & LIVE PERFORMANCES BY WHIZ KID |
| Total Mixes: 2, Duration: 00:16:00 |
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A summarised biography of Whiz Kid created using Google Gemini in January 2026 can be found at the bottom of this page |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Label - Tommy Boy | He's Got The Beat | Tommy Boy | 12IS229 | 1985 | Whiz Kid | HE'S GOT THE BEAT MR D.J. Future Past Whiz Warp | 00:04:21 |
| Legal Series - Ultimate Trax | Ultimate Trax Volume 2 | Champion | CHAMP1005 | 1987 | Whiz Kid | BATTLE OF THE D.J.'S Volume 2 | 00:11:39 |
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Harold "Whiz Kid" McGuire is a foundational figure in hip-hop history, specifically known for bridging the gap between the raw energy of the Bronx streets and the technical precision of studio production. Here is a summarized breakdown of his legacy: Who was Whiz Kid? Whiz Kid was a pioneering Bronx DJ and producer during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He gained fame as the DJ for The G.L.O.B.E. (of Soulsonic Force) and is best remembered for creating one of the most influential "cutting and scratching" records in history. Key Contributions & Innovations The "Play That Beat" Era: In 1983, he released "Play That Beat Mr. DJ" (featuring G.L.O.B.E.). This track is a landmark in DJ history because it was one of the first records to showcase authentic turntable scratching as a lead "instrument" on a commercial studio recording. Technique: Whiz Kid was renowned for his precision. While many early DJs were focused on the "party vibe," Whiz Kid was a technician. His ability to cut records with surgical accuracy influenced the next generation of turntablists. Radio Pioneer: He was one of the first hip-hop DJs to grace the New York airwaves, performing live sets on WBLS alongside legendary figures like Mr. Magic. This helped transition hip-hop from park jams to a broadcast medium. Historical Significance Whiz Kid represents the era where the DJ moved from the "background beat-maker" to a featured artist. Before "Play That Beat Mr. DJ," scratching was often seen as a live gimmick; Whiz Kid proved it was a musical art form that could sell records globally. His work laid the groundwork for the "Turntablism" movement of the 1990s. "Whiz Kid was the first DJ I heard on a record where the scratching actually felt like a song composition." - General sentiment among golden-era hip-hop historians. |