With the loss of former Billboard reporter Robert "Rocky" Ford Jr. on May 19 at age 70, the hip-hop world mourns the first journalist to chronicle the genre's existence for a mainstream publication.
From his oft-cited "B-Beats Bombarding Bronx" article in a 1978 issue of Billboard to his writing/production work with pioneering rap star Kurtis Blow, Ford's contributions to the genre are justly celebrated.
While he's best remembered for his rap reporting, one is more likely to come across a Ford byline about disco music while browsing old issues of Billboard – hardly surprising, since the genre's international hub was his native New York City and its chart presence far outpaced hip-hop's in the late '70s.
Read more on billboard.com
Get the latest stars news and celebrity rumours with exclusive stories, photos, videos and interviews.
Breaking up, scandals, engagements, divorces, gossip – all you need to know about the private lives of your favorite celebs.
Get to know the latest showbiz news along with exclusive interviews and even more. All this is waiting for you on the main page 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Who, where, when, with whom, how, why and for what!? Stay tuned to know first!
Just follow us daily and we will provide you with the current news from the life of famous stars and celebrities.
Owner: SNOWLAND s.r.o.
Registration certificate 06691200
Address:
Snowland s.r.o.
16200, Na okraji 381/41, Veleslavín, 162 00 Praha 6
Czech Republic
©2024. All rights reserved.