I was a child of the 70s, born during the Disco era. Growing up in Maywood was an exciting experience, and like any neighborhood, there were certain peer pressures. I can vividly recall the moment when it all clicked for me. It must have been around the summer of '85 when I first encountered a group of DJs who completely captivated me with their music. Mike Brown, Terry Mac, Cee White (aka Chuckbrothers), Joe Baines, Derrick Carter, and Darren Simmons were the pioneers who truly left their mark.

Although there were other talented DJs around, these six guys consistently delivered unforgettable performances whenever they took their place behind the turntables. One memory that stands out is when Corey (Cee White) convinced me to skip school and join him at Mike Brown's house. Mike had just acquired a 909 Reel to Reel, and T-Mac was there to create what I believe is still the most raw edit of "Body Heat" to this day. It's one of those moments that you had to experience firsthand. In the summer of 1987, something monumental happened that changed my life forever.

It was at the Box (Power House) where I witnessed Ron Hardy in action. The way he played that music was simply mind-blowing. It dropped me to my knees, lifted me back up in one seamless motion, while I screamed "Alright Ronnie!" as I slam danced. It was at that precise moment that my friends and I decided to transition from dancing to spinning records. Thus began an era where a new group of individuals dedicated themselves to playing music. We scoured every possible place, seeking out people we knew who had old records stashed away in their garages, basements, and attics. Nothing was off limits, even rummaging through trash bins if we had to. Our mission was clear – we needed records!