Remembering Mr. Magic: A True School Pioneer

Remembering a New York legend who went on to become a global hero!
John Rivas aka Mr. Magic aka Sir Juice
Transition Date: October 2, 2009

As per NY Daily News

Rap legends from Biggie Smalls to Tupac Shakur lionized him in their verse. And now, like them, he's gone.

DJ Mr. Magic, one of hip hop's conduits to radio, died Friday of a heart attack.

Born John Rivas, he launched and hosted the first all-rap radio show in the U.S.

Titled "Rap Attack," the show debuted in 1983 on WBLS and quickly became an inspiration point for key players in hip hop. The show, which lasted six years, also featured deejay Marley Marl and Tyron (Fly Ty) Williams.

At his peak, in the mid- to late '80s, Magic had a rivalry with Kool DJ Red Alert, who had his own show on WRKS. They each had their own rap groups. Magic's Juice Crew featured such key names as Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, Kool G. Rap and Masta Ace.

In 1992, Nas immortalized Mr. Magic in "Halftime" while Biggie name-checked him in a track called "Juicy." Tupac also mentioned the record spinner on his 1995 cut "Old School."

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My personal memories --
* trying to find the best spot in my bedroom to get good reception when he was on the air on WHBI -- had to get my cassette ready for the ride the following morning to (junior high) school

* laying in bed, well after I should have been asleep (school the next morning) and hearing my mother get up during the night -- praying that she wouldn't come in my bedroom and bust me for listening to the radio

* seeing people like LL, TJ Swann and Biz Markie around town and being so star struck because Mr. Magic played their music

Courtesy of DJ OhSoKool's tweets -- these are some of the phrases that became standard when you listened to Mr. Magic on the air:

* "Oh my god I think I'm having a Rap Attack!!"

* "Any man can learn from his or her mistakes, but it takes a wise guy or gal to learn from the mistakes made by others"

* "Be yourself, or you might find yourself - by yourself - and that's no fun"

* "Persistence overcomes resistance"

WBLS here in NY had an on-air tribute to Mr. Magic on the day he died. Marley Marl was mixing some classic hotness, hip hop pioneers called in: Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan, Doctor Ice, Jay-Z and Sal from Disco Fever (<~~ wow) to share their 'magic moments' If you missed the tribute... here's a link