Donald D: Bronx Hip-Hop & The B-Boys

Donald D is one of the original voices of hip-hop culture, a founding member of The B-Boys, a member of Rhyme Syndicate with Ice-T, and someone who witnessed the birth of hip-hop in New York City from the very beginning. In this interview, Donald takes us back to the Bronx in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when hip-hop was still taking place in parks, community centres and school gyms. He shares memories of watching pioneers including Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Busy Bee, Jazzy Jay and many others before hip-hop became a global phenomenon. Donald talks about growing up in the Bronx, discovering rap, writing his first rhymes, joining Afrika Islam's Funk Machine, becoming part of the Zulu Nation, and eventually making records with The B-Boys. He also reveals the story behind classic electro and hip-hop tracks including Stick Up Kid, Girls, Rock The House and Two Three Break. We discuss the early New York scene, the importance of park jams, the transition from live performances to recording studios, and the way hip-hop spread from the Bronx to the rest of the world. Donald also explains how many artists were unaware their music had become hugely influential in the UK and Europe. The conversation also covers Manchester's connection to hip-hop culture, Donald's work with Red Venom, visits to Salford and Manchester, teaching hip-hop history to young people, and his plans for future music and touring. This is a fascinating first-hand account from someone who was there as hip-hop evolved from a local movement into one of the most influential musical cultures in history. If you enjoy the interview, please like, comment and subscribe for more Manchester Scene Stories conversations exploring music, club culture and cultural history from around the world. #DonaldD #HipHop #TheBBoys #Bronx #OldSchoolHipHop #Electro #AfrikaBambaataa #GrandmasterFlash #ZuluNation #IceT #RhymeSyndicate #ManchesterSceneStories #RedVenom #ElectroMusic #HipHopHistory