Grandmaster Caz (born Curtis Fisher on June 10, 1956) is an American rapper and hip hop pioneer from the South Bronx. He is a founding member of the legendary Cold Crush Brothers, one of the most influential and pioneering hip hop groups of all time.
Caz began rapping in the mid-1970s, when hip hop was still in its infancy. He got his start in the Bronx block parties, where he and his friends would entertain crowds with their rhymes and dance moves. He was nicknamed “Grandmaster Caz” for his ability to freestyle at a moment’s notice.
In 1979, Caz formed the Cold Crush Brothers with Charlie Chase, Tony Tone, Mr. Tee, and Easy AD. They became one of the most successful and influential rap groups of the early 1980s, playing at legendary venues like the Apollo Theater and the Roxy. They were the first rap group to release an album, “Live at the Dixie Club” (1980).
Caz has also released several solo albums throughout his career, including “Caz-A-Delic” (1984), “The Magnificent Jazzy Jeff” (1990), and “The Marvelous Caz” (1997). He also wrote the classic hip hop song “Rapper’s Delight” for the Sugarhill Gang in 1979.
Caz has remained active in the hip hop scene, both as a performer and a mentor. He has taught classes at Harvard University and produced several documentaries about the history of rap music. He was also inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame in 2011.
Grandmaster Caz has been an influential figure in hip hop for decades. His influence can still be heard in modern hip hop, as his classic rhymes and beats continue to inspire artists around the world. He is a true pioneer in the rap game, and an inspiration to all aspiring musicians.
