About HusH
Hush Tours are the worlds only hip hop experiences that use celebrity talent as the guides for each tour.
Founded in 2000 by Debra Harris, devout hip hop aficionado, ex-talent agent, and New York City licensed tour guide, Ms. Harris pioneers this genre with educational tours and experiences to the critical destinations past and present.
“Our vision for this business was to create an interactive and comprehensive learning experience for all ages and nationalities. I really wanted to share the true inside story of the evolution of this music culture – ultimately helping people to learn what hip hop culture was and continues to be; ‘how’ it all started, where exactly it all began, who the influencers and influences were (and continue to be) that made this music lifestyle grow into what has become a $30 billion dollar business today”, states Ms. Harris.
New York City is known to the world as the birthplace of hip hop. Preserving the roots of hip hop culture means teaching tour participants the true essence of this genre. This is precisely what we have done with our tours and experiences”, finishes Ms. Harris.
Separating the facts from fiction are the actual celebrities from the day; Grandmaster Caz of the original Coldcrush Brothers, Kurtis Blow, Rahiem (The Furious Five) Reggie Reg, Mikey D, Ralph McDaniels, DJ Kool Herc are just some of the legends that tell the story of how hip hop began.
“Using the actual music legends and pioneers of hip hop to tell the story is what is the most interesting aspect of our tours”, states Harris. “While we are a completely professional and licensed business ‘telling’ the story by the insiders who lived it is what makes our experiences truly different.”
These fact finding tours sizzle with interactive entertainment and educational fun for all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Hush Tours experiences assures every participants an understanding of hip hop events, the dance style, graffiti art, rap music and dj’s that started this legendary music and continue to proliferate its popularity today.
Hush Tours has been featured in The New York Times, Daily News, Miami Herald and has been picked up by Associated Press International and United Press International. Televised footage of tours has appeared on MTV, VHI, ABC, NBC, NY1 and BET.
Hush Tours is a preferred partner of Courtyard by Marriott in NYC and Continental Guest Services. Custom and private tours have been done for 20th Century Fox and NYC & Co’s, UK FAM tour operators.
Hush Tours is a registered trademark and is owned and operated by a New York City licensed sightseeing tour guide. Hush Tours is also an active member of the NYC Visitor & Convention Bureau (NYC&Co.), The Bronx Tourism Council, and The East Harlem Tourism Board.
Celebrity Guides
GrandMaster Caz (Cold Crush Bros.)
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J.D.L. (Cold Crush Bros.)
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J.D.L. is a hip hop historian born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx. A part of one of the first rap crews to emerge from the Bronx in the mid 70’s. J.D.L. was initially part of the Notorious Two with Grandmaster Caz. Later became a founding member of the Cold Crush Brothers. J.D.L.known as top showman in a crew of skilled rappers who were featured in Hip Hop First Movie “Wildstyle”. A natural people person born to use the microphone whether as an Emcee, Host, Narrator or Tour Guide all of which he continues to do with a cheerful and friendly attitude. |
Kurtis Blow
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One of the founders and creators of recorded rap Kurtis Blow stands as an emerging leader in a new generation of rappers with street sense and commercial savvy; a timeless artist and hip hop legend, Kurtis Blow has been instrumental in raising a generation of MC’s, at the age of twenty, Kurtis Blow became the first Rapper to be signed by a major label (Polygram). He was honored to coordinate “King Holiday”, along with Dexter Scott King, a song to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday. Kurtis is now working for Sirius Satellite Radio in New York City and, co-founded the Hip Hop Church in Harlem. In addition to being a regular with Hush Tours, Kurtis Blow also continues to tour the globe with his personal endeavors. |
Rahiem (Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5)
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The first hip-hop act entered into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cincinnati, Ohio. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5, were a pivotal group in the early days of rap, developed crucial aspects of the genre. Their hit, “The Message,” was in 2002 inducted/registered with the Library of Congress National Recording Registry as a “significant body of work”, its focus on urban social issues set a precedent and a course followed by many. This legendary group has made the Bronx a mecca for urban music worldwide. GMF & Furious were among the first to host hip-hop battles, taking the world by storm with their new culture and lifestyle. Rahiem is a regular guide with Hush Tours and continues to tour across the globe with his personal work. |
DJ Red Alert
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Recognized and respected worldwide as one of the founding fathers of hip hop music and culture, Red has received numerous awards and accolades including the first annual Rap Hall of Fame is Prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award (from IMPACT – the music trade publication) Red was named one of the 50 most influential people in music by ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE, and continues to host a hip hop show on Sirius Satellite Radio. Red is a consistent contributor to Hush Tours as he continues to DJ on 98.7 Kiss FM a New City Radio and tour the world on professional endeavors. |
Reggie Reg (Crash Crew)
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Formed in 1977 this group was a 15 member crew with DJ’s, MC’s, promoters and security. The Crew had a reputation of giving parties with the best production quality. Having history in street basketball, playing against the Disco 4 in the First Entertainers Basketball Game at Mt. Morris Park. This group brought their system to the park while the games were being played they were the ones who jump started the “And 1 Mix” and the “EBT Summer Tournaments”. Many of their songs have been sampled by LL Cool, Jay Z and featured on numerous video games. Reggie Reg is a staple figure on Hush Tours. |
Ralph McDaniels
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From VJ to DJ, Ralph McDaniels is a critical part of the Hip Hop world. Starting at “Midday Live New York” and then moving to “Video Music Box”, one of the first VJ’s to cater to an exclusively Hip Hop crowd. Ralph made his acting debut in the film, “Who’s The Man?” McDaniels was the associate producer of the motion picture, “Juice” and founded his own film and production company. This New York native possesses the spirit of, and respect for, Hip Hop culture and is a pioneer, entrepreneur and visionary. He is a consistent contributor to Hush Tours and can be heard on both HOT 97.1 and 98.7 Kiss FM (NYC). |
Mikey D (Main Source)
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Definitely took the Queens park jam scene to the next level. In 1988, Mikey’s career really got hot when he was signed to Sleeping Bag Records. The record company was so enthused by the Queens battle legend’s reputation they entered him into the New Music Seminar. After battling several known and unknown rappers round by round he faced Master Melle Mel of the Furious Five. Mikey D defeated the veteran MC and was proclaimed to be the best MC in the world. In 1994 Mikey D was enlisted to join the groundbreaking group Main Source. Mikey D continues to record and tour across the globe and is always paying a visit on Hush Tours. |
The cast of MTV’s “The Shop”
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When it comes to hip-hop, you’re nothing without love from the streets. And there’s no better place to find out what the streets are really thinking than your friendly neighborhood haircutter’s. Welcome to Mr. Rooney’s Barbershop, the place to get a trim in Jamaica, Queens. Owned by Cory Rooney, the producer behind hits for Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Destiny’s Child and more, The Shop is always buzzing with talk on music, trends and pop culture. Rappers drop by to get reactions to their latest tracks. Producers come in to hear what everyone is listening to. Customers visit to learn what’s on people’s minds. Why? Because “The Shop” is where you hear the truth – undistilled. No hangers-on, nobody sucking up – its all real in here. And, Hush Tours takes you there every weeks. |
DJ Kool Herc
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New York state officials declared 1520 Sedgwick Ave, the building where DJ Kool Herc began his career, as the “birthplace of hip-hop,” making it eligible for national and state registers. At the age of 12 Herc began to throw (free neighborhood parties). It was at these free neighborhood parties that DJ Kool Herc defined his style and that would ultimatley lead to the hip-hop movement. |
Notes from Debra (with a walk down memory lane)
“For a young girl growing up in the Bronx at a time where creativity was often suppressed and contained to only the alleys and parks of New York City’s boroughs, this new innovative way of expressing one’s opinions and feelings; Hip Hop became my outlet. Imagine hearing this line from Rakim for the very first time, “…Let’s do whatever works to get rid of the curse, went from first to America’s worst, on this competitive turf, now let’s inherit the earth.” Or, hearing lyrics from Queen Latifah stating, “Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind if you don’t believe, well here listen to this rhyme. Ladies first, there’s no time to rehearse. I’m divine and my mind expands throughout the universe.”
Hip Hop wasn’t as negative as most people had categorized it to be. I understood how uplifting it was for my generation. It showed me I was capable of accomplishing anything even as a black woman. Instantly a fan, this young girl I once saw as myself, grew up as a woman wrapped in the hands of Hip Hop. I couldn’t help but to be proactive, make history, and continue to reveal it as a positive movement for my generation and those to come. Hush Tours is my contribution to Hip Hop>.
Let’s begin with the History…
“Fans of the original Hip Hop movement grew up in the 1970’s when the musical focus was on singing and harmonizing. The movement and study of Hip-Hop brought precision, timing, and expertise that would pave the way for a whole new and lasting rhythm and movement. I felt it was extremely important to give our youth both nationally and internationally a place to learn about the beginnings of the Hip Hop culture, while at the same time enabling our original Hip-Hop fans to reflect on years past.
I developed Hush Tours to give everyone, (old school and new school), the opportunity to experience the birthplace of where such an extraordinary art began. And, who better to host the tours than some of the original pioneers of Hip Hop?”
“Hush Tours has thankfully had the opportunity to work with DJ Red Alert, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Kurtis Blow, Afrika Bambaata and Grandmaster Caz. We are proud to mention they have been recognized for the last 5 years in the Bronx Walk Of Fame, for their career accomplishments and contributions to the legacy of hip hop culture.”
As the founder of Hush Tours, it has been a gratifying 10 year journey, creating an these totally upbeat and unique and innovative experiences. We add a certain essence to the roster of venues offered in such a multi cultural city, incorporating the milestones of Hip Hop dating back 35 years.
“It’s been absolutely thrilling to read the enthusiastic press response to the tours. From Fox 5 to the London Times, all the press who have attended the trip have been tremendously positive about our totally unique tour perspective. Every age group and every nationality has enjoyed this ecstatic experience.” See Participant Review Section.
“We will continue to strive for the best, by making your tour experience most unique.It has been my pleasure to meet and greet these individuals whom all together help build the “Us” in Hip Hop; And, the reason why I named my company HusH Tours. We all represent the “Us” in Hip Hop.
It is greatly appreciated that visitors, locals, and organizations have taken the time to seek out Hush Tours to learn and celebrate the foundation of Hip Hop culture.
Thank you for continuously supporting our effort to reveal Hip Hop as the art form it truly is.
Warmest Regards,
Debra Harris
CEO and Founder of Hush Tours, Inc.
Contributors
Jayson “Mighty Mouse” Vasquez, Resident B-Boy
Jayson “Mighty Mouse” Vasquez was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. He started his dance career in the subways of Time Square train station dancing for money. From the streets to the professional dance world. Mouse has worked with the likes of Tyler Perry and Rennie Harris. His Film/TV credits include Good Morning America 25th anniversary, USA Net Work commercial “Show Us Your Character”, and VH1 Hip Hop Honor Awards Dancing for Grand Master Caz. He has also danced for modern theater companies such as Eleo Pomare Dance Company, Louis Johnson Dance Company, and has also Co-choreographed on the Joan Miller Dance Company. Mouse is also a Ballet Hispanico alumni. Currently, Mouse is teaching master classes that educate students about the true essence of hip hop dance, culture, and history.
Chastidee Davis – Hush Tours Public Relations/Blogger
CEO of Hush Tours, Inc. Debra Harris invited Chastidee Davis to join the Hush Tours family in 2008. Chastidee was put on board to handle public relations and any social marketing for the company.
Since, then Chastidee has become one of our official bloggers who updates our site daily with news and information related to Hip Hop. If you have any questions or public relations related issues please contact Chastidee at hushtourspr@gmail.com For more information on Chastidee Davis please visit www.iamchaste.com.
