It's Just Begun

May 1, 2009
Cedeno, aka DJ Disco Wiz, is regarded as the pioneer Latino DJ in hip-hop music. Born in the Bronx, NY, to a Puerto Rican father and a Cuban mother, Wiz attended his first Kool Herc jam in 1974 at the age of 13, and he was hooked. Teaming up with Casanova Fly (later known as Grandmaster Caz), Wiz created the Mighty Force crew. Here, with Sanchez ("Next Stop: Growing Up Wild-Style in the Bronx"), he provides fascinating insight into the South Bronx scene and his developing craft. Even more compelling is the story of Wiz's personal struggles, including the early death of an abusive, alcoholic father, a mother who suffered from breast cancer, and imprisonment at the age of 17 on an attempted murder charge. Discussing his music and in his self-analysis, Wiz doesn't hold back, and it is his honesty and attitude that make his autobiographylike his musica captivating mix. Recommended for popular music collections.Bill Baars, Lake Oswego P.L., OR

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