RIP Mr. Magic

By Nolan Strong

Legendary DJ Mr. Magic has died from a heart attack, AllHipHop.com has confirmed with various sources.

Mr. Magic was a legendary DJ who debuted in 1979 on a pay-to-play broadcast on WHBI 105.9's "The Mr. Magic Disco Showcase."

In 1983, he launched "Mr. Magic's Rap Attack," in New York City which featured a young DJ Marley Marl in addition to future Co-Chillin Record label owner Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams.

Mr. Magic, born John Rivas, was also a co-founder of the legendary Hip-Hop collective The Juice Crew, which featured Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Marley, Marl, MC Shan, Craig G., Kool G. Rap and Masta Ace.

Mr. Magic’s radio show influenced countless of artists, ranging from rappers like Tupac Shakur, KRS-One, Biggie Smalls, Nas, Eric B. and Rakim, DJ Premier and countless others.

“He paved the way for all radio stations that ever did mix shows,” DJ Premier said via his blog. “Also sparked the career of Boogie Down Productions due to the diss he showed when they came to shop their demo to him and was turned away which then sparked “South Bronx” and “The Bridge is Over.”

Mr. Magic was featured as a DJ on 2002’s Grand Theft Auto’s fictitious radio station Wildstyle Pirate Radio.

R.I.P.