Legendary DJ Mr Magic Dies

Written by Willy D

Legendary DJ Mr. Magic born John Rivas, has died on the morning of Oct 2 from a fatal heart attack, Arkatechbeatz.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, on WBLS FM he launched the first exlusive rap radio show to be aired on a major station, "Mr. Magic's Rap Attack". The show was launched 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, was also a co-founder of the legendary Hip-Hop collective The Juice Crew, which featured Marley Marl, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Biz Markie, Roxanne Shante, MC Shan, Craig G., and Masta Ace.

Mr. Magic’s radio show not only influenced countless artists, Dj's and fans but has birthed many legendary artist that are looked upon today as some of the staples in Hip Hop. Most Hip Hop fans today can honestly say if it wasn't for being exposed to the music Mr Magic showcased they would not have had that early connection to Hip Hop, if any at all.

“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.