Some people just have a good ear - whether it be for talent, music sound, or both. Kool DJ Red Alert has it for both. After watching and studying Kool Herc at some of the first hip hop parties, Red Alert decided to try his hand (no pun intended) at DJing. After teaching his cousin some of the finer points he picked up, his cousin, DJ Jazzy Jay, in-turn introduced Red to Afrika Bambaata. Soon after, Red Alert became the DJ for Bambaata's Zulu Nation.

From there, things began to take off. Red became the DJ at New York's 98.7 KISS FM, becoming the top DJ and staying with the station for 11 years. He then moved over to Hot 97 for several years and held two daily shows before returning to KISS FM in 2007. Between his mixes, his albums, and breaking in new artists, Red Alert became one of the most notable DJs in hip hop, and is still recognized as such today.

Along with a long list of credits, Red Alert is often noted as the one that introduced several hip hop legends to the world, including Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, and Queen Latifah. He also managed many of these artists and more through his company Red Alert Productions (RAP), which was home to the Native Tongues. From albums, to radio, to breaking talent, he's definitely left his stamp and mark on hip hop, so to Kool DJ Red Alert we say...Respect Due.

What are your thoughts on DJ Red Alert? Leave all thoughts and comments below. Send any e-mails to straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.

Sources:
http://www.kooldjredalert.com/html/bio.html
http://www.billboard.com/artist/dj-red-alert/bio/12435#/artist/dj-red-alert/bio/12435