Tony Touch, the legendary selector, producer, and “Mixtape King,” is poised to illuminate the often-overlooked Afro-Latino contributions to hip-hop’s formative years in 1980s New York City. His upcoming performance at the Afro-Latino Festival block party, a vibrant component of the larger Planet Brooklyn music festival, serves as both a celebration of his enduring career and a vital platform for this historical narrative. This much-anticipated event highlights a critical dialogue about the diverse cultural tapestry that birthed one of the world’s most influential musical genres.
The Roots of a Hip-Hop Icon
Born Joseph Anthony Hernandez in Brooklyn in 1969, Tony Touch’s journey into hip-hop began as a B-boy in East New York’s Highland Park during the early 1980s. Influenced by pioneers like Crazy Legs of the Rock Steady Crew and Grandmaster Flash, he quickly transitioned to the turntables, where his talent for blending various sounds would earn him widespread acclaim. Tony Touch, of Puerto Rican descent, seamlessly integrated his Salsa roots and Spanglish lyrics into his music, reflecting the rich urban Latino community he represented. He became a crucial figure in the mixtape scene, with his “50 MC’s” series cementing his reputation as an innovator who could unite diverse artists and sounds.
Afro-Latinos in ’80s NYC Hip-Hop: A Hidden History
The genesis of hip-hop in the Bronx during the 1970s was a collaborative effort, with both Black and Latino communities playing indispensable roles. While the public perception of early hip-hop often focused on its Black origins, Afro-Latinos were integral to its development, from the dance floor to the DJ booth. Brooklyn, initially a less prominent hip-hop hub compared to the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens, saw young enthusiasts like Tony Touch developing their skills in local parks. Early hip-hop cinema, such as the 1983 film Wild Style, vividly showcased Latino talent, including members of the Rock Steady Crew and influential graffiti artists.
Trailblazers like Disco Wiz, recognized as the first Latin DJ in hip-hop, and DJ Charlie Chase of the Cold Crush Brothers, infused Latin music and rhythms into their sets, demonstrating the genre’s inherent multiculturalism from its inception. Tony Touch himself carried this torch, consistently incorporating salsa, merengue, rap, rock, and reggae into his performances, underscoring hip-hop’s broad cultural lineage. This era was characterized by a vibrant exchange of influences, shaping a sound that transcended narrow cultural boundaries.
Planet Brooklyn and the Afro-Latino Festival: A Platform for Heritage
Tony Touch’s engagement at the Afro-Latino Festival block party is particularly significant within the context of the broader Planet Brooklyn music festival. The Afro-Latino Festival, co-directed by Mai-Elka Prado Gil, a Panamanian-born Brooklyn resident, is dedicated to affirming, celebrating, and educating the public about the profound contributions of people of African descent from Latin America and the Caribbean. This festival serves as a critical bridge, connecting communities and spotlighting Afro-Latinidad through a diverse curation of music, food, and cultural expressions.
Prado emphasizes that Tony Touch’s extensive body of work perfectly aligns with the festival‘s mission, which has thrived for over a decade. As a legendary DJ and pioneer, Tony Touch possesses a unique ability to unite intergenerational audiences, fostering a shared appreciation for hip-hop’s rich and diverse heritage. The Planet Brooklyn festival itself, scheduled for August 23-24, 2025, promises an immersive experience of Brooklyn’s eclectic sounds and vibrant energy, with free outdoor block parties acting as community focal points.
The Enduring Influence of a Cultural Architect
Tony Touch’s career is a testament to the dynamic evolution of urban music. His versatility, demonstrated through seamlessly mixing classic funk, Latin percussion, and underground house, highlights his role as a continuous innovator. He has also embraced genres like reggaeton, viewing it as another facet of hip-hop that tackles similar themes of struggle and celebration. His ongoing global demand and upcoming projects, including new installments of his “The Piece Maker” series and a house album, underscore his lasting impact.
The upcoming news and events surrounding Tony Touch and the Afro-Latino Festival underscore a broader cultural imperative: to acknowledge and celebrate the multifaceted origins of hip-hop. By bringing this crucial history to the forefront, the festival not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to recognize the powerful fusion of cultures that continues to define contemporary music.
