My esteemed colleagues miri park and joe schloss take a moment to remember Wayne "Frosty Freeze" Frost, who introduced breaking to the masses in Flashdance (though I remember him best for Style Wars)
R.I.P Freeze. It's sad to think that we are getting to the era where will we begin to lose the pioneers of hip-hop. A style that began as a movement in the Bronx (that's right, I said it!) and has reached every corner of the world and influenced every aspect of mainstream culture. This movement could be taken very literally when it came to B-Boys & B-Girls and the RockSteady Crew were truly originators.
The other week a dear friend asked me to speak to her 5th grade class about hip-hop and society. One of the first questions I asked was, who was the first rapper you heard, and what do you consider old school. The answer was a resounding Tupac, Snoop, Ludacris. Our Old School is not the Old School anymore. So, while Freeze is not the first, nor will he be the last of the forefathers of hip-hop to pass, to me he symbolizes that the passing of the Old School is right around the corner. Almost brings a tear to the eye.
Posted by: Mike at April 9, 2008 10:12 AM
It's so true. The term Old School has kinda lost it's meaning. On one hand, I respect the fact that the new generation is gonna have a different perspective, but what makes me sad is when someone truly tells me they're a fan of hip-hop but they don't recognize that my Nike's are based off the cover to De La Soul's "3 Feet High and Rising" album. It seems like hip-hop has a short term memory. Even if rock kids don't listen to Led Zeppelin or the Who, they know who those bands are.
But I'm not wanting to sound bitter or harp on the young'ns. Kids are kids. They'll have the desire to learn about the roots as they grow up, i'm sure.
thanks jay for remembering frosty on the illdoc. here's info for his benefit jam tonight if you or anyone is interested in going:
Frosty Freeze Ta Pleeze Benefit Jam
Friday, April 11 (tonight)
Goddard Riverside Center
647 Columbus Ave bw 91st & 92nd
8pm till ~
Come through to support, give a hand and represent real Hip Hop for legend Rock Steady Crew B.Boy, Frosty Freeze. All proceeds will go to the "Freeze To Pleeze" Fund which will go towards Frosty's needs regarding his health and necessities.
Hip Hop Culture is about positive energy and strength in Unity so lets get together and Rock the house for Frosty Freeze!
Take the C or E to 96th St., walk down to 91st then walk one block to Columbus Ave.
1, 2 or 3 train to 96th St. walk down to 91st St. walk 2 blocks East to Columbus Ave.
Traditional Hip Hop energy from the Upper West Side of Manhattan where B.Boy Frosty Freeze and the Rock Steady Crew made their claim to fame.
Special appearances & performances by Guest DJ's, Writers, MC's, B.Boys & B.Girls
Already confirmed, The Bandulos, Floor Lords Boston, DJ Looie Lou, DJ Act 1, Buddah Stretch, VII Gems.
To make an online donation to the "Freeze Ta Pleeze Fund" go to Pay Pal, click on "send money", then follow instructions. The email to make a donation is kenycb[at]hotmail.com.
Posted by: seoulsonyk at April 11, 2008 9:55 AM
thats crazy!
if anyone is into checking out some new music, go to [gratuitous promo redacted. please don't make pretend comments just so you can post a link about soulja boy, please]
Posted by: elle at April 11, 2008 4:08 PM
R.I.P. to Mr. Frosty Freeze. A legendary figure in hip-hop culture. I knew him best from Style Wars and seeing him at a few Rock Steady shows back in the day. And props to you Jay for rocking a Bad Brains T, not many are up on those guys either.
I appreciate you posting the news you put up on your site. This is the direction any hip hop news posted on T.V. or anywhere else should look like. Informative & educated with fact to back the topics of discussion. I'm only 23 but I love the art and culture of hip hop. I'm located in Long Island working in the insurance field, my friend next to me works in graphic design for Suffolk County Girl Scouts & we know a few people so please feel free to contact us using my email add. if we can assist in any way.
Posted by: Marqui at April 14, 2008 1:33 PM
Respect.
Posted by: jmad at May 13, 2008 1:58 AM
R.I.P. Freeze and omg to Prof. Schloss!! i miss you!! one of the greatest professors i've had yet!
Frosty was a master. Sadly, due to society's racism, bigotry, and other dangerous attitudes, urban geniuses are typically ignored, while their creations are stolen by the larger community, and billions are then created. Look at how we treat other Rap, Hip Hop, Break, Jazz, Blues, etc legends. When we mistreat these legends, if they get into legal or other troubles (due to depression, etc) we then use this as added ammunition for our bigotry! It's a cycle that started when the first pilgrims landed in America and the history books and educational institutions ignored the genius of Native Americans and African-Slaves.
Ok, ok, I know I'm late comin to the ill doctrine table.............but I've been going thru the old posts and I'm lovin it. I just HAD to write a comment....not only because of my sadness about Frosty Freeze's passing (which come up fresh when I watched this) ........but I just had to write when I saw that you were wearing a Bad Brains tshirt. Hell yeah!
