The Cold Crush Brothers

The Cold Crush Brothers
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Name	The Cold Crush Brothers
Origin	New York City, United States
Genre	Hip hop music, Rap music
Years active	1978-1987
Label	Tuff City Records, Profile Records

The Cold Crush Brothers were a prominent hip hop group from The Bronx, New York City, known for their energetic live performances and contributions to the development of hip hop culture. Formed in 1978, the group consisted of DJ Tony Tone, Easy AD, Almighty Kay Gee, Mr. Tee, and Darrell Grant. They were one of the first groups to gain popularity outside of New York City, performing at venues such as the Roxy NYC and touring with other notable acts like the Furious Five and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

History

The Cold Crush Brothers were founded by DJ Tony Tone and Easy AD in 1978, with the goal of creating a unique sound that blended funk music, soul music, and rhyming. The group's early performances took place in local New York City parks and clubs, where they gained a reputation for their high-energy shows and intricate breakdancing routines. As their popularity grew, they began to perform at larger venues, including the Apollo Theater and the Paradise Garage, alongside other notable acts like Kurtis Blow and The Sugarhill Gang. The group's music was also influenced by jazz music, rock music, and reggae music, which they incorporated into their sound through collaborations with artists like Jamaica's Toots and the Maytals and Lee "Scratch" Perry.

Members

The original members of The Cold Crush Brothers were DJ Tony Tone, Easy AD, Almighty Kay Gee, Mr. Tee, and Darrell Grant. DJ Tony Tone was the group's primary disc jockey and turntablist, known for his innovative scratching techniques and seamless transitions between tracks. Easy AD was the group's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, responsible for crafting many of their hit songs, including Feel the Horns and Punk Rock Rap. Almighty Kay Gee was the group's secondary vocalist and MC, who brought a unique energy to their live performances with his dynamic stage presence. Mr. Tee and Darrell Grant were the group's breakdancers, who wowed audiences with their intricate dance routines and headspins.

Discography

The Cold Crush Brothers released several albums and singles during their career, including Cold Crush Brothers (1984), Troopers (1985), and Feel the Horns (1986). Their music was released on labels such as Tuff City Records and Profile Records, and they collaborated with other notable artists like The Fat Boys and Run-DMC. The group's discography also includes appearances on various compilation albums, such as Wild Style (1983) and Krush Groove (1985), which featured music from other prominent hip hop groups like The Beastie Boys and LL Cool J.

Style and Influence

The Cold Crush Brothers were known for their unique blend of hip hop music, funk music, and rock music, which influenced a generation of musicians, including The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fishbone. Their live performances were highly energetic and featured intricate breakdancing routines, which helped to popularize the art form and inspire other breakdancers like Richard "Crazy Legs" Colón and The Rock Steady Crew. The group's music also incorporated elements of jazz music and reggae music, which added to their distinctive sound and influenced other artists like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest.

Career Highlights

The Cold Crush Brothers achieved significant success during their career, performing at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden and touring with notable acts like The Police and The Clash. They also appeared in several films, including Style Wars (1983) and Wild Style (1983), which showcased their music and breakdancing skills. The group's music was also featured on various television shows, including Soul Train and American Bandstand, and they collaborated with other prominent artists like Afrika Bambaataa and The Zulu Nation. Despite disbanding in 1987, The Cold Crush Brothers' legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and hip hop fans, with their music remaining a staple of old-school hip hop and their influence evident in the work of artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Category:Hip hop groups