Every year for the past 15 years, a hip hop park jam called “Tools of War” have been happening all throughout the boroughs here in New York. A park jam that’s dedicated to having fun, togetherness, peace and unity and of course celebrates the early days of hip hop culture. Driven with the same energy and compassion as it did back then, Tools of War has an absolute no recording policy, just like back in the day. It’s just you and your memory. No evidence, more about having fun and creating memories without having to capture every moment for social media these days. Always and forever hosted by the legendary Grandmaster Caz of the hip hop group The Cold Crush Brothers and known as hip hop’s very first rapper/DJ. As a Bronx native myself, I’ve been living in the same area for almost the same time that Tools of War has been around but didn’t find out until 2 years ago. Of course, as a heavy hip hop fan, I was absolutely amazed and excited about it when I attended my first Tools of War event. The experience is something I thought I would never get to have but that’s why I’m extremely grateful to grow up in a place where it all started. It reminds me that I am hip hop, even before I knew I was. How dope is it do you get to normally see and meet hip hop heavyweights and legends in your own neighborhood, 2 minutes away from where your apartment building. It’s not everyday someone like me gets that experience. Most people only get that on a lucky day doing downtown shopping and walking around or actually paying money to go to a show but I’ve met most of them right here in my own hood, Crotona Park. Besides Grandmaster Caz, Popmaster Fabel and his wife Christie Z-Pabon, Jazzy Jay, Lord Finesse, Kool DJ Red Alert, Jazzy Joyce, DJ Scratch are just a couple of legends I’ve seen and/or met and then there are guest DJ’s who come out from other parts of town to spin early classic hip hop joints and samples from the 1970’s and 80’s. Sometimes the 90’s, depending on the DJ. Then there are the breakdancers who come around in a large group, the photographers, and of course, the people. We dance, laugh, take pictures, enjoy the music, and have a good time from 4 to 8 in the evening. When Tools of War comes to Crotona Park, they only have it every Thursdays in July. For four hours, it’s a non stop party from back then in the future. To see so many OG’s come together to relive their youthful days puts a smile on my face. There’s a certain level of fun and nostalgia they have, the smiles of their faces, it’s really nice for them to enjoy. It’s because of Tools of War that me and two friends of mine have decided to name ourselves The “Tools of War Brothers” because of our love for the culture. Hip hop brought us together and made us into something that we’ll remember when we’re like the OG’s. The power of hip hop does something to the community that’s amazing and it’s something in the ghetto we all need to forget about our problems in life and remember why we’re still here living and breathing. I’m glad to be an original Bronx Boy of my generation, aka B-Boy. The Bronx keeps creating it!
Crotona Park Jams: Tools of War 2017
