DJ Hollywood, born Anthony Holloway on December 10, 1954, in Harlem, New York, is a pioneering American MC and disc jockey whose innovative style in the 1970s significantly influenced the evolution of hip-hop music.
In the early 1970s, DJ Hollywood began performing DJ sets that incorporated rhythmic call-and-response interactions with his audience. Unlike earlier MCs who primarily spoke over tracks, he introduced rhythm and rhyme into his performances, laying the groundwork for what would become hip-hop-style rapping. His approach drew inspiration from figures like Jocko Henderson, Pigmeat Markham, Gil Scott-Heron, and Rudy Ray Moore.
By 1978, DJ Hollywood made history as the first DJ to bring turntables and a mixer to the Apollo Theater. His popularity soared, leading to performances at venues like Club 371 in the South Bronx. Although much of his work was live and not recorded, he did release the single "Shock Shock The House" in 1980 under CBS Records. Throughout the early to mid-1980s, he remained a dominant figure in the DJ scene. After a hiatus due to personal challenges he left the music scene for a short period of time. However, DJ Hollywood returned to the music scene, performing in the New York City area and reuniting with former partner Lovebug Starski as part of Tha Veteranz.
DJ Hollywood's contributions have been acknowledged in various media, including the 2024 PBS series "Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution," which explores the cultural impact of disco music.
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