“I got to have it, I miss Mr. Magic…”
Hip-Hop radio pioneer John “Mr. Magic” Rivas passed away this morning from a heart attack. With Marley Marl, Mr. Magic’s “Rap Attack” was the first all Hip-Hop radio show, debuting in 1983. The history of this show includes the now legendary rivalry between Boogie Down Productions and The Juice Crew.
Immediately DJ Premier released a statement on the legend:
“He was known for his direct and sarcastic attitude on the air and every artist wanted his approval when it came to breaking new records.”
Even if you are unfamiliar with Mr. Magic’s career you definitely remember his name being dropped on wax. Biggie and Tupac showed homage to the man and they’ve been dead for over a decade. Obviously his impact to the culture was monumental. Rest in peace.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Listen — Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack Intro
Update — Instead of rewriting the post, it seemed best to keep all the material in one post. So here’s Mr. Cee’s tribute to Mr. Magic, which aired yesterday on Hot97.
Mr. Cee’s Mr. Magic Tribute 10-2-09 by TheSmokingSection
Download — Mr. Cee’s Tribute To Mr. Magic on Hot97 (10.2.09)
![[avatar]](http://p.uproxxcdn.com/global/images/default-avatar.jpg){kind=avatar}
![[image]](http://cdn.tss.uproxx.com/TSS/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2012/02/alori-joh-150x99.jpg)
![[image]](http://cdn.tss.uproxx.com/TSS/wp-content/thumbnails/130/110/2012/02/Don-Cornelius-Lead-main-150x75.jpg)
“Every Saturday Rap Attack Mr. Magic Marley Marl!”
Respect the architect!!!!
I grew up listening to his show and would wait for it to air every week.
The culture of Hip Hop will truly miss him.
RIP Mr Magic
W
B
L
S
Mr Mr Magic Magic Super Super Blast Blast!!!
^ First thing that came to mind…
RIP
RMF
I remember Mr. Magic, FLASH, Grandmaster Caz
LL raisin hell but, that didn’t last
Eric B. & Rakim was, the shit to me
I flip to see a Doug E. Fresh show, with Ricky D
and Red Alert was puttin in work, with Chuck Chill
Had my homies on the hill gettin ill, when shit was real
^^^
Yes. “Old School” by ‘Pac is so slept on.
I mean….The man saved rap music. When the the first and only cat with a rap radio show, the suits at BLS wanted him to stop playing rap and switch to slow jams, he told them to go fuck themselves and quit, and actually paid for airtime to keep the music alive on the airwaves. Besides Herc, there’s few people as important to rap music as Magic.
(Rap Attack) please fix the Intro
fix audio
Mr. Magic passed… Damn…
R.I.P.
I feel real old right now.
Audio works champ, or at least it did for me.
“Every Saturday Rap Attack…”
Gotty, intro is still down…
Mr. Magic should’ve been recognized like this in life. Why is it that we always do this in death. If anyonne knew Magic they knew his ego! He would’ve loved the kudos! I knew him when! Does anyone remember Eclipse Roller Rink on Atlanic Ave in Bklyn & the acts he managed to get to perform there? Magic should’ve only been 53-54 yrs old. My hubby was one of his 1st DJ partners! Disco Nate! lol memories! We love you Lucky!
I know he played his part during the genesis of the ‘bridge wars’ however, I’m glad they all made friends in the long run. Mr Magic is definitely a pivotal figure from the golden era, no doubt! :)
I remember John [Mr. Magic] from WHBI 105.9 FM in 1981 and like myself I believe he began long time before that. He had 2.30-4.00am show. He also did do the Ecliose Roller Rink as Tammy mentioned. The Rink was on Atlantic and Montauk/Milford. While I did the Salsa – Disco on Saratoga and Pitkin in the Second Floor Disco. It was an honor to have met him. Prayers for his fans and family.