This month marks the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop. To celebrate, the National Music Centre (NMC) in partnership with 10 at 10 Music & Culture are pleased to announce a special event with former MuchMusic VJ Master T and special guests at Studio Bell.
Tony Young (a.k.a. Master T) has been at the forefront of music, dance, and culturally diverse television for over 40 years. From 1990-2001 at a pivotal time in Canadian hip-hop history, he was a producer and VJ for various MuchMusic programs, including his original creation X-tendamix/Da Mix, and produced RapCity in the latter years, which helped fuel the growth of hip-hop in the country. Over his career, he has interviewed some of the genre’s biggest names, including Lauryn Hill, 2Pac, P Diddy, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Talib Kweli, Kardinal Offishall, Maestro, Classified, and countless others.
Moderated by Master T and co-curated by Master T and Beni Johnson, the founder and executive director of 10 at 10, the event will feature a hip-hop roundtable with Cartel Madras, Drezus, Temia, Mouraine, Da Kid T, Sargeant X Comrade, RTC Profit, Wyzewon and Beni J; graffiti art from JD War Paint; an MC contest with four finalists performing tributes to hip-hop's 50 anniversary—ZHE the Free, Tea Fannie, Ricca Razor Sharp, and AC Iller; a DJ showcase and interview with DJ Pump; an exhibition breaker battle with Juicebox Crew vs. Endless Possibility; and more in an effort to represent and celebrate the four elements of hip-hop culture (i.e. graffiti art, MCing, DJing, and breakdancing).
About Master T
Originally from Leeds, England, Tony young aka Master T has been in the forefront of music, dance, and culturally diverse television for over 40 years. He and his wife Paula created the show X-Tendamix/Da Mix which aired on MuchMusic from 1990-2001 and was one of the networks highest rated shows. He fueled the growth of urban music in Canada during his 11 years on air as a MuchMusic VJ and also established himself as an innovative producer. He became world renowned for his relaxed, well-researched style of interviewing some of the biggest stars in the world, such as Madonna, Janet Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey, P Diddy, John Travolta, Mary J Blige, Spice Girls, Eminem, Meat Loaf, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre and countless others. Master T is also the last to interview 2Pac before his untimely passing in 1996. He was responsible for introducing North Americans to some of their favorite Reggae artists including Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Lady Saw, Shaggy, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man and many more.
Master T was published in 2002 and wrote, "Much Master T...One VJ's Journey" which was well received by the urban entertainment industry and the educational system in Ontario, Canada. He and his wife also produced and directed Sean Paul's first ever Documentary Style DVD which was released worldwide in 2004. Young was also the face of the Dance Mix compilation series which received a diamond plaque for over one million copies sold in 1995. In more recent years Master T hosted a show on Feva TV called Sooooo Special and was the former Director of Media Production for RX Music from 2014-2021, a music consultancy agency that helps create captivating guest experiences for retail stores, hotels, bars, restaurants, spas, and other experiential spaces. Tony was also proud to be host and producer of their online series, RX Music Live. Master T pulled back the curtain and brought a fresh perspective on the life, times, struggles and the story behind some of today’s brightest stars. This Includes the likes of BeBe Rexha, Neon Dreams, Kardinal Offishall, Vance Joy, Talib Kweli, Maestro, Little Dragon, Sean Paul, Clean Bandit, Lee Fields, Classified and many more!
Currently he is the host, producer, and director for Esor Productions, providing online content and creating properties for the brand he has helped establish with his wife over the years.