DJ Hollywood facts for kids

DJ Hollywood (born Anthony Holloway; December 10, 1954) is an American MC and disc jockey. An MC is someone who hosts events and performs, often with a microphone. A disc jockey (DJ) plays music for an audience. DJ Hollywood is famous for his rhythmic MC performances, which many people say made him one of the very first rappers.

The Start of a Career

In the 1970s, DJ Hollywood became well-known for his DJ sets. During these sets, he would talk to the audience using rhythmic call-and-response parts. This was different from earlier MCs who just spoke over music. DJ Hollywood added rhythm and rhymes to his performances. This is why many people, like famous rapper Kurtis Blow, say he helped create "hip-hop-style rapping."

In 1978 and 1979, DJ Hollywood made history. He was the first DJ to bring turntables and a mixer to perform at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City. Soon after, club owners in the South Bronx hired him to play at a popular spot called Club 371.

Most of DJ Hollywood's music was performed live, not recorded in a studio. However, he did release a song called "Shock Shock The House" in 1980 with CBS Records. For a while, until the mid-1980s, Hollywood was one of the most popular DJs around. He has since returned to performing in the New York City area. He sometimes performs with Tha Veteranz, which brought him back together with his old partner Lovebug Starski.

DJ Hollywood was also featured in the 2024 PBS TV series Disco: Soundtrack of a Revolution.