August 6th 2023.
Coke La Rock is on a mission to get what he believes is rightfully owed. He was the first emcee in Hip Hop, at the Sedgwick Ave party that started the music genre, but he's never been credited or paid for it. Phrases he made that night, such as “you rock and you don’t stop,” are now affiliated with other acts.
La Rock spoke to ABC News Live about his struggle to be recognized for his contributions, "If Herc is the father of hip-hop… everybody knows that, if Herc came out of there and I picked the mic up and I came out of there. Why am I not known for that? Where’s the royalty money of this?”
Fortunately, there are supporters and resources to help La Rock and other foundational artists who have been neglected. Legal representation believes he has a viable claim to backpay, as his mixtapes provide the physical evidence needed to support his notion.
The Hip Hop Alliance created a “Legends Fund” to support financially struggling elders in the Hip Hop community. They are advocating for artists to receive benefits, wages and royalties from their art. This collective fight has united the original era of Hip Hop to gain the recognition and funding they deserve.
La Rock now has a fighting chance to be celebrated for his influence on the genre that changed music forever. He wants to solidify his legacy for his family and ensure his grandkids know the truth about his distinct impact on the musical art form, “It makes you feel good because…it’s really for my grandkids’ kids to be on and just to know the truth.”
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