Mister Magic Disc Jockey was a renowned figure in the world of radio broadcasting. Known for his charismatic personality and undeniable talent, he brought music to life through the airwaves. His unique ability to connect with his audience and create a sense of intimacy made him a beloved figure in the industry. Born with a passion for music, Mister Magic Disc Jockey started his career as a humble radio operator, spinning records for local stations. However, it was his ability to curate the perfect playlist and effortlessly transition between genres that set him apart from other disc jockeys. **The main focus of Mister Magic Disc Jockey's show was to create a magical experience for his listeners.
Mr. Magic was born as John Rivas on March 15, 1956 in The Bronx, New York. He debuted in 1981 on WHBI-FM in New York City with the first exclusive rap radio show to be aired on a major station. Billing itself as Rap Attack, Magic's show featured Marley Marl as the DJ and Tyrone "Fly Ty" Williams as the show's co-producer. Magic moved to WBLS-FM in July 1982. Magic's reign on the New York City airwaves lasted six years and was instrumental in broadening the scope and validity of hip-hop music. Mr. Magic recorded one 12" single as an artist "Magic's Message (There's A Better Way)", produced by Spyder D for Posse Records in 1984.
At the beginning of his career, Biz Markie was known more for being a beatboxer than a rapper, and was introduced to most of the world as a member of Mr. Magic, whose panache and persistence in bringing once-reviled rap to mainstream radio in the 1980s helped pave the way for the breakout of hip-hop culture, died Oct.
**The main focus of Mister Magic Disc Jockey's show was to create a magical experience for his listeners.** He understood the power of music to transport people to different times and places, and he leveraged that power to captivate his audience. Whether it was introducing new and emerging artists or playing classic hits, he had an innate sense of what his listeners wanted to hear.
Mr. Magic; disc jockey and voice for hip-hop; 53
Mr. Magic, whose panache and persistence in bringing once-reviled rap to mainstream radio in the 1980s helped pave the way for the breakout of hip-hop culture, died Oct. 2 in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was 53.
The cause was a heart attack, said Tyrone Williams, his manager and producer.
AdvertisementMr. Magic, born John Rivas, was the first host on commercial radio to devote a program exclusively to rap when his “Rap Attack” began broadcasting on WBLS-FM in New York in April 1983. Disco and funk were then fading, and rap was emerging as a rebellious art form in the streets, housing projects and parks of New York City.
But many radio stations and music executives were wary of the frank explosiveness of the new music. Mr. Magic played a role similar to that of Alan Freed in popularizing rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s.
Mr. Magic looked the part of a rap impresario, wearing rings on every finger and gold rope chains. He favored a sharkskin suit.
In the 1970s, Mr. Magic was an itinerant disc jockey in Brooklyn, and a few small labels were starting to release rap records. He bought some late-night time on a New York public-access radio station, WHBI (now WNWK), to broadcast the new music. A few others were doing the same thing on that and other noncommercial stations.
Williams said it was a lucrative concept: The station charged $75 an hour, and he and Mr. Magic charged advertisers $100 a minute. But their larger motive was to demonstrate a growing appetite for the music that created the culture of hip-hop, manifested in fashion, advertising, dance and other fields. A following grew.
Mr. Magic’s big breakthrough came when WBLS-FM, a larger mainstream New York station, decided to take a chance on rap, starting in April 1983. Soon, Mr. Magic was engaged in spirited competition with a rap show on KISS-FM hosted by a DJ who called himself Kool DJ Red Alert.
Mr. Magic was separated from his wife, Lisa Rivas. He is also survived by his sons John Jr. and Jabar, and his daughter, Domonique Rivas.
I’ve only ever followed four radio d.j.s. For every show these d.j.s aired, I had a cassette to show for it, unless force majeure prevented me (or someone I knew) from hitting “record.” I taped Tim Sommer’s weekly hardcore show on WNYU in the early eighties. (Because so many hardcore songs were less than two minutes long, I had to use a rapidograph pen to fit all the song titles onto the J-cards. I blame New York hardcore, and graffiti, for my OCD handwriting.) In the nineties, I received bi-weekly shipments from Cha Cha Cohen’s Keith Gregory of John Peel’s BBC Radio 1 show.
Mister Magic Disc Jockey's show was not just about the music, though. He was a master storyteller, using his distinctive voice and sharp wit to engage his audience. His banter between songs created a sense of camaraderie, as if he was speaking directly to each individual listener. He made them feel like they were a part of something special, creating a loyal fan base that tuned in faithfully week after week. Beyond his radio show, Mister Magic Disc Jockey was also a tireless advocate for the power of music in bringing people together. He organized numerous charity events and concerts, using his platform to raise awareness and funds for various causes. His commitment to making a positive impact on the community further endeared him to his listeners. Mister Magic Disc Jockey's impact on the world of radio broadcasting cannot be overstated. His ability to merge passion, talent, and storytelling revolutionized the medium and inspired countless other disc jockeys to follow in his footsteps. Although he may no longer be with us, the legacy of Mister Magic Disc Jockey lives on, reminding us of the power of music to connect and uplift..
Reviews for "Mister Magic's Musical Influences: Tracing the Roots of His Style"
1. Sarah - 2/5
I was really excited to check out "Mister Magic Disc Jockey" based on all the positive reviews, but I was disappointed with my experience. The DJ seemed quite unprofessional - he arrived late, was disorganized, and kept playing the wrong songs. The transitions between songs were also really abrupt, killing the vibe on the dance floor. Overall, I expected much better from a DJ with such a great reputation.
2. Michael - 1/5
I attended a wedding where "Mister Magic Disc Jockey" was hired, and it was a complete disaster. The DJ had no idea how to read the crowd and kept playing outdated and cheesy songs that nobody wanted to dance to. He was also quite rude and dismissive when people requested different songs. It was clear that he had no passion for his job and was just going through the motions. I would not recommend him for any event.
3. Emily - 2/5
I was underwhelmed by the performance of "Mister Magic Disc Jockey" at my friend's birthday party. First of all, his equipment kept malfunctioning, leading to a lot of awkward pauses and delays throughout the night. The DJ also lacked energy and engagement with the crowd. Additionally, the song choices were very predictable and not at all unique. It felt like a generic playlist rather than something tailored to the occasion. Overall, I expected a more professional and dynamic performance from a DJ of his caliber.
4. Mark - 1/5
"Mr. Magic Disc Jockey" certainly did not live up to his name at our corporate event. The playlist was a complete mess, with songs abruptly cutting off and no flow between tracks. It was clear that he was not prepared and did not put any effort into curating a coherent set. On top of that, he was quite unprofessional, using inappropriate language on the microphone and making offensive comments. It was a huge embarrassment and certainly not what we expected from a DJ with such praise. I would not recommend him for any event.