The Legacy of Dr. Mar tin Luther King Jr
Black History
DJ Kool Herc: The Father of Hip-Hop and the Original Beat Architect
Before hip-hop headlined Super Bowls…Before DJs were global icons…There was a young man from Jamaica spinning magic in a Bronx rec room.
Clive Campbell, known to the world as DJ Kool Herc, is the undisputed Father of Hip-Hop. In August 1973, at a back-to-school party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, Herc did something revolutionary: he used two turntables to extend the break—the most danceable part of a record—looping the beat live. That moment wasn’t just a party trick. It was the birth of a cultural movement.
The Breakbeat Legacy
Herc noticed that dancers—later known as B-boys and B-girls—came alive during the instrumental "break" of a song. Using James Brown records, funk, soul, and even obscure Latin tracks, he perfected what’s now known

as breakbeat DJing, laying the foundation for hip-hop's four elements: Emceeing DJing Graffiti Breakdancing.
His style, passion, and community-centered parties inspired a generation of DJs, including Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and the global hip-
hop movement that would follow.
Herc to the 517: Why He Matters to Lansing
Though the Bronx was the birthplace, Lansing has its own hip-hop roots—DJ Crazy Caz, Timothy "TJ the DJ" Jackson, The Master Mixer, and
many others carried Herc’s legacy into Michigan’s airwaves, clubs, and communities. Herc’s influence is felt in every scratch, every crossfade, every Lansing dance floor that ever came alive to a beat drop.
Honors & Legacy
Though he stayed mostly underground, DJ Kool Herc’s impact has been officially recognized:
Named to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Honored at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture
Revered globally as the man who started it all, without ever releasing a hit record
DJ Kool Herc taught the world that you don’t need fame to be legendary. Just a speaker, a record, and a crowd ready to move.
From the Bronx to the Block Party: A Brief History of the Hip-Hop DJ

In the beginning, there was the beat. Before the bars, the bling, and the billion-dollar record deals, hip-hop was just sound and soul—spun live, raw, and revolutionary. And it was the DJ who lit the match.
The Origins
Hip-hop’s roots trace back to August 11, 1973, when DJ Kool Herc set up two turntables at a backto-school party in the Bronx. What he did next changed everything: he looped the “break” of the record—the part dancers loved most—by switching back and forth between copies of the same vinyl. The crowd went wild.
This innovation birthed a culture. The DJ became the architect, the pulse of the party, the one who moved bodies and sparked minds before any-
one ever picked up a mic.
As the 1980s took hold, names like Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and Jam Master Jay turned turntablism into art, cutting, scratching, and blending with surgical precision. The DJ was no longer background. The DJ was the main event.
More Than Music
Being a DJ wasn’t just about beats—it was about connection. The best DJs could read a room better than any psychologist. They knew when to lift the vibe, when to slow it down, when to hit you with the track you didn’t know you needed.
They were community anchors. Griots with crates. Historians in

Jay Price "The Morning Mayor" Honoring the Life and Legacy of A Founding Voice of Lansing's Black Media
Before the digital age. Before streaming. Before social media platforms replaced street corners and print presses, there was Jay Price.
Born Larry Carter and known professionally as Jay Price, this visionary made it his life’s mission to amplify the voices of Black Lansing—first through radio, and later, through the pages of The Chronicle Newspaper. His influence touched countless households, hearts, and histories.
Radio Trailblazer & Cultural Architect
Jay Price was instrumental in launching Lansing’s first urban contemporary radio station, WXLA 1170 AM, in 1984. He didn’t just talk into the mic—he shaped what the mic meant. Under his on-air moniker “The Morning Mayor,” Jay brought humor, local flavor, and authentic representation to the airwaves. The station later became WXLA 1180 AM, expanding its reach.
Not only was he a trusted voice, but also a sharp strategist. Jay worked as Sales Manager at WXLA and later at its FM sister station, WQHH 96.5, helping launch its format and grow its advertising base. He was as respected behind the scenes as he was in front of the mic.

Photo — Jay Price behind the mic at WLTH Radio in Gary, Indiana, spinning records and shaping the sound of soul in the early days of his broadcast career.
The Chronicle is Born
In May 1986, Jay and his wife, Carolyn Carter, founded a newspaper originally called The Capital Chronicle, later renamed The Chronicle News. With determination, a typewriter, and family support, they launched what would become Lansing’s trusted voice for the Black community.
Mentor to the Mic Masters
Jay’s presence in the music and broadcasting world helped shape a generation of DJ talent, including:
• DJ Crazy Caz, whom he worked with early in his career
• Timothy “TJ the DJ” Jackson, whom Jay mentored and who helped name Caz
• Rob Roy “The Lover Boy” Nelson, whom Jay encouraged to go on-air
• Dexter Chandler (Dexter C.), a respected radio collaborator
National Recognition
In February 2023, U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin honored Jay Price before Congress for his decades of contributions to journalism, radio, and advocacy for Black Lansing. She called him “a community lifeline.”
The Legacy Lives On
Though Jay and Carolyn have passed on, their work endures. Today, The Chronicle News continues under their daughter Yanice Jackson and remains a vital resource across Mid-Michigan. Rest in power, Jay. Thank you for helping us be seen, heard, and understood.
Honoring Crazy Caz: DJ Cutt Nice, The Turntable Brotherhood, and a Legacy That Won’t Fade
When it comes to spinning records with precision, soul, and a deep love for the culture, few can match the consistency and cool of DJ Cutt Nice. With decades in the game and a reputation for keeping dance floors lit and spirits lifted, Cutt Nice isn’t just a DJ—he’s a cultural cornerstone.
But this Sunday, it’s more than a party. Cutt Nice will return to the turntables for a deeply personal purpose: honoring the life and legacy of his cousin, mentor, and DJ brother—Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz” Henderson at A Memorial Celebration for Caz “The Final Set” Day Party
This event isn’t just about music— it’s a celebration of life, legacy, and the beats that bring us together even through grief.
Paying a tribute to Caz through music is what he plans to do.
During this Set, Payne will also be joined by two other Lansing Legendary DJs, DJ Hollywood and DJ Butcher, spinning tunes in honor of DJ Crazy Caz.
For Brian Payne, this set hits different. It’s a tribute to the man who helped shape his journey. Caz didn’t just inspire him, he helped teach him how to move a crowd, how to respect the craft, and how to lead
with heart behind the booth. That influence lives on every time Cutt Nice touches a turntable.
The upcoming event is more than just a tribute—it’s a gathering of the community. A space where laughter, tears, and memories will mix with basslines and hi-hats. And at the heart of it will be Cutt Nice, making sure the vibes are exactly what Caz would have wanted: uplifting, unforgettable, and full of love.
Come out this Sunday and show your support. Let the music move you—and let’s celebrate the life of a hometown legend, led by one of the city’s finest.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY
The Chronicle News Presents: A Glossary for the Culture
Sidebar Feature: 10 DJ Terms Every Music Lover Should Know
1. Turntablism: The skilled art of manipulating turntables to create new sounds. Scratching, beat juggling, and battle routines are all part of this technique.
2. Crate Digging: Searching through vinyl— sometimes for hours—to find rare grooves, samples, and breaks. A rite of passage for any real DJ.
3. Beatmatching: Lining up the tempo of two songs so they transition seamlessly. Without it, the party doesn’t flow.
4. Crossfader: The horizontal slider on a DJ mixer that lets you move between two audio channels. A DJ’s magic wand.
5. Scratch: Moving the vinyl back and forth on the turntable to make percussive or rhythmic sounds. A signature move in hip-hop DJing.
6. Breakbeat: The instrumental drum section of a song. Early hip-hop DJs like Kool Herc isolated and looped these to keep dancers hyped.
7. Cue: The exact moment where a DJ drops a track. It’s precision meets instinct.
8. Blend: When a DJ overlays two tracks—vocals from one, beats from another—to make a whole new vibe. Good blends are like good gumbo.
9. MC (Master of Ceremonies-): The voice on the mic, hyping the crowd and supporting the DJ. But in hip-hop’s early days, the DJ was the headliner.
10. Digital Crates: Modern music libraries organized by genre, vibe, or energy. It’s iTunes on steroids, and every DJ’s lifeline today.

in Phoenix, Arizona. But his spirit? Still on the turntables. Still spinning through the stories and soundtracks of a city he helped shape.
Caz wasn’t just a DJ. He was a vibe. A village. A verse in Lansing’s heartbeat. He began his journey interning at WXLA AM 1180 and later brought his unmistakable energy to its sister station, 96.5 FM WQHH (Power 96.5)—quickly becoming a staple on local airwaves
and in the community. From packed dance floors across Michigan to spinning halfway around the world in Sydney, Australia, Caz made sure the music followed him wherever he went.
But his biggest stage? People’s lives. He remembered your birthday. Your kid’s name. Your dreams. He showed up. Every time. That was Caz.
On Sunday, May 4, hundreds gathered at The Studio at 414 in downtown
Lansing to honor Caz’s life in the only way that made sense—through rhythm, love, and legacy.
It wasn’t just a memorial. It was a homegoing set. Family, friends, and fans moved to the beats of DJ CuttNice, DJ Hollywood, and DJ Butcher—three of Lansing’s DJs and Caz’s musical brothers.
At approximately 3:30 PM, the music faded. Silence rose like a prayer. A
moment to honor a man who gave us everything—and only ever asked for love in return.
Original Composition: “Work It Out.”
Among his many contributions, DJ Crazy Caz also wrote and produced the original track “Work It Out”—a pulsing, soulful anthem that still moves bodies and hearts. It's a lasting imprint of his musical genius.
“You, DJ Hollywood, and I held the city down. Southside love—forever.”
“From Churchill to Fielding, from Sydney to Lansing, he touched every block with love.”
“Your mother taught me piano. You gave us the soundtrack to our youth. I hope you’re reunited with her now.”
“Brandon was my safe space. Even when emotions were hard for him, he held space for mine.”
“The world has lost a true musical genius and human light.”
“I’ll carry your words and your encouragement with me forever. Thank you for believing in me.”
“You rocked the flyers. We showed up. Every. Single. Time.”
"First & foremost, my condolences to the family of Brandon Henderson aka DJ Crazy Caz. I'm honored to have known you for most of my life—from middle school at Dwight Rich to J Dubbs, home of the DJs, and beyond. You and Derek Templeton aka DJ Hollywood were Wainwright; I was on the other side of Waverly called Woodcreek. The three of us held the Southside down and took it further. You're a true friend and a DJ legend. Myself, DJ Hollywood, and Brian Payne aka DJ Cutt Nice will keep our city dancing as long as we can breathe. We know you'll be right there in spirit, talkin' smack to get us to go harder—because if we didn’t
bring it, you weren’t gonna leave us any room to rock! Love you, Legend. Lansing and the world do too. R.I.P. to my DJ brother, my great friend, the legend—DJ Crazy Caz, Mr. Brrrrrrrrrrandon Henderson."
"This video contains a dedication mix to my friend, mentor, DJ brother, and cousin Brandon Henderson, DJ Crazy Caz. These are just some of the joints he rocked, especially at THE BINGO HALL. And yes, I’m rocking ALL VINYL—NO laptop or software needed. Cutty the Closer. Enjoy. Salute."
"Lansing is hurting. Our hearts are heavy. We’ve lost a true legend—Brandon Henderson, DJ Crazy Caz. A men-
tor, a mixmaster, a hometown icon. He was the pulse of our parties and the soul of our city. Because Lansing without Crazy Caz? It just don’t hit the same."
"Timothy TJ the DJ Jackson of WXLA coined his DJ name. ‘Crazy Caz’
"I love you, Crazy Caz. You were important. You were vital. You were much more than a great DJ. You were a great HUMAN. I’m gonna miss you forever, my G. May the Gods and Goddesses be pleased with your works upon this wretched Earth and welcome you into Heaven’s DJ booth with open arms and angel wings."#Lansing #Flint #Detroit #Australia #DJCrazyCaz #OldKidDJs

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Spin to Heal: DJing as Therapy for the Mind, Body, and Soul

DJs have been the lifeblood of block parties, dance floors, and cultural revolutions for decades, but behind the turntables lies a deeper truth: DJing is therapy. The late Brandon “DJ Crazy Caz” Henderson, like so many others, found purpose and peace behind the decks. While the crowd danced to the beat, the DJ was often healing in real time, mixing tracks not just for the moment, but for the soul.
Recent articles from DJ Mag and Insomniac spotlight a growing awareness of DJing as a therapeutic practice. In Before We
Were Kings, artists share how the act of DJing helped them process trauma, overcome depression, and reclaim a sense of control in chaotic times. For Black men, especially, where emotional vulnerability is often stigmatized, the DJ booth becomes a sacred space — a place to channel grief, rage, joy, and resilience through rhythm. In DJ Mag’s deep dive on mental health, DJs spoke openly about the psychological toll of the industry — but also about the healing power of their craft.
The curation of music, the energy exchange with a crowd, and
the personal discipline it takes to stay in sync with the beat all contribute to a form of mindfulness that rivals traditional therapy. For many DJs, the booth is both a confessional and a sanctuary. As we pay tribute to DJ Crazy Caz — a Lansing legend, community connector, and cultural torchbearer — we’re reminded that DJs do more than entertain. They uplift, they emote, they heal. Whether it’s in a









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Dexter C on the Mix: Radio Roots, Caz, and Community Legacy
Dexter Chandler, known on the airwaves as Dexter C, got his start in radio with one of Lansing’s earliest cable stations—99.9 WLAN. It was a unique platform, only accessible to those with cable TV or a special receiver.
“That’s where I met Jay Price,” Dexter recalls. “He was doing sales for Larry Red, and right away, he saw something in me. He introduced me to WXLA—and that’s where everything changed.”
In 1983, Dexter officially joined WXLA 1170 AM, marking the start of a decades-long career rooted in hustle, mentorship, and music.
Jay Price and the AM Days
Jay Price quickly became a mentor and a guide, helping Dexter build his on-air identity and navigate the broadcasting business. Starting on 1170 AM, Dexter eventually landed the 10 AM to 2 PM weekday

slot, spinning a mix of R&B and smooth soul.
“Jay always taught me how to move—how to transition into different stations and new markets to advance my career in radio."
From AM to FM: A New Era
By the early 1990s, Dexter was ready to embrace the next wave of radio evolution—FM broadcasting. Under the leadership of Ms. Helena DuBose, he was invited to return as a weekend and overnight anchor, curating a signature blend of R&B and Quiet Storm favorites. This move led to the
launch of The Drive at 5, one of Lansing’s earliest and most beloved mix shows on WQHH (96.5 The Mix). It was during this era that a young DJ Crazy Caz made his on-air debut, contributing pre-recorded mixes from 5–6 PM—a subtle but powerful sign of the legacy he was about to build.
Lessons in Mixing, Mentorship, and Movement
Dexter credits DJ Crazy Caz not just as a colleague, but as a creative partner.
“I remember showing him some things, but he also taught me. We taught each other,” Dexter says. Caz was a really good DJ—top of the line. I wasn’t really into scratching at first, but he showed me the ropes and taught me how to scratch. He had good character. Just a real cool brother to be around.”
They were part of a generation of radio pioneers who defined Lansing’s sound using Technics 1200 turntables,

long before the Bluetooth and streaming era changed the game.
Dexter also worked alongside iconic DJs like Kevin Leek (“The Master Mixer”), DJ Strut, and others who helped shape the sound of Lansing at venues like The Outer Limits.
Community First: DJ Fundraisers & Firehouse Hoops
Beyond the booth, Dexter and his peers were committed to community impact. He participated in events like Firefighters vs. DJs celebrity basketball games, hosted at the old Boys & Girls Club, and helped organize fundraisers for local fire and police departments.
“We gave away music, concert tickets—we made sure the money went back to the kids. We had a purpose. We weren’t

Lansing without Crazy Caz just don’t hit the same. In Loving Memory of DJ Crazy Caz: Lansing Mourns a Legend


The Chronicle News' Community Spotlight: Khari “Needlz” Cain – Crafting Sound, Creating Change
Mr. Khari Cain — Also known by the name "Needlz" , is a Grammy Award-winning record producer who grew up on Lansing’s Northside and graduated from Lansing Sexton High School. He has created music for some of the hottest artists in the music industry, such as Bruno Mars, Drake, and Cardi B. Khari says he has always loved music, but his rise to stardom was not something he planned.
He originally enrolled in a five-year Business Program at Florida A&M University, where he started DJing at parties and local clubs. After realizing this path wasn’t for him, he transferred to Florida State University to complete his undergraduate degree in Marketing. Khari was later accepted into NYU, where he majored in the Music Business Program. While attending NYU, he discovered that the most important thing

he could do was network and build influential relationships to help him pursue his calling. During this time, Khari landed an internship with Sean “Puffy” Combs at Bad Boy Records, which inspired him to begin a career in music production.
Although music is one of Khari’s passions, he has embraced another endeavor that motivates and inspires him: the Makayla Moving Autism project.
The Makayla Moving Autism project is a mobile movement built to uplift communities of color impacted by
Originally published in The Chronicle –June 2020
Autism. Khari and his wife have gone out of their way to find specialized clinicians and educational resources that their daughter Makayla—and every child diagnosed with Autism—deserves.
#MakaylaMovingAutism is the beginning of a way forward in making a difference. Khari and his wife Manana plan to send a fully customized bus into Atlanta's communities of color, offering clinical workshops, therapeutic, and educational resources. They will also provide a virtual experience that allows

Mr. Party: Luther William Brown Sr., Lansing’s Ambassador of Celebration

Luther William Brown Sr. — Lansing’s Mr. Party
Luther William Brown Sr.—better known throughout the Lansing community as Mr. Party—has spent the past four decades living out a mission rooted in joy, friendship, and faith. Dressed sharp, cologne fresh, roses in hand, and a camera always within reach, Mr. Party became a walking celebration: a name-brand personality, a man on a mission to uplift, and a Lansing legend.
The Birth of Mr. Party
Born and raised in Lansing, Mr. Party first began taking photos in the early 1980s to earn an honest income. With his signature tuxedo and ever-present smile, he quickly became a fixture at clubs, community events, weddings—anywhere people gathered to laugh, dance, and enjoy life.
But this wasn’t about photography— this was about purpose.
It was Terry Tyler (former owner of WXLA, now deceased) who first spotted the words "Mr. Party" on an invitation to a local dance event. Recognizing something special, he saw potential in the character and encouraged Luther to build on it. Around 1985—coincidentally, on his birthday, September 1—Mr. Party officially took form. Soon after, he met Jay Price through Terry, who had just been hired at WXLA 1170 AM. They began collaborating on events, and together, a movement was born.
“Jay and I became very close,” he recalls. “I’d sit in on meetings, listen, and learn. He helped me develop the Mr. Party concept—not just the look, but the spirit behind it. I learned to have a professional attitude, to stay humble, and to always be on a quest to
be my best and project that to others.”
That energy grew into a personal mantra and brand mission: "To promote the healthy, safe celebration of life through fun, valued friendships, and pleasant, everlasting memories."
The Many Roles of the Ambassador of Celebration
Some knew him as a photographer. Others, as a friend. Many, as the man who would appear at a random spot— Gregory’s, The Elks, The Black & Tan, The Mustang, Leroy’s—with a rose, a joke, a word of encouragement, and always a presence that lit up the room. Whether it was a rocky relationship smoothed over with a single rose or a party that became unforgetta -

The Mighty Span Daniel – Mic Skills, Soul Work, and the Legacy of Sound
In Lansing, radio has always been more than just airwaves—it’s a heartbeat, a rhythm, a legacy passed mic to mic. Few embody that spirit today like The Mighty Span Daniel, the #1-mid- day radio personality in Mid-Michigan and proud co-host of The Sunday Chronicle on Stacks 92.1 FM, sister station to Q106 FM. Span’s journey to the mic wasn’t a straight line. Born and raised in Detroit, he once juggled life as a two-sport AllState athlete and Honor Society student. Over time, his pursuit of education spanned three institutions and 222 credit hours, but what stuck wasn’t a degree. It was his voice. His presence. His ability to strike a chord every time he cracked the mic.
“Every time I get on the mic, I get to say something uniquely difficult,” he says.“There aren’t many ways to express the Black perspective in rock radio—but we’re out here. Black people invented this music too.”
Known for his interviews with icons like Slash, Gavin

Rossdale, and Sammy Hagar, Span has built more than just a following—he’s built trust. As a creative voice in radio, podcasting, and comedy, his presence helps bridge audiences, genres, and generations.
From Detroit to Lansing: A Legacy Connection
Though he never met Chronicle Founder Jay Price, Span is connected to the legacy
through Yanice Jackson, Jay’s daughter and current publisher of The Chronicle News. More than a co-host on The Sunday Chronicle, Span is a mentor, collaborator, and cultural amplifier.
“I saw a small business from a Black person that happened to be a woman, and I wanted to be a part of it. The Chronicle is more than a paper—it’s an expression of Black humanity.”
He stepped in to help produce the show when needed and quickly became integral to its growth. His motivation?
Seeing Black stories told with power, depth, and dimension. From podcasting and standup comedy to his own rock/ MMA show, Beats and Beatdowns, Span sees media as a vehicle for impact, not just content.
“Teaching is a way a piece of yourself can live on. Watching the show evolve—and knowing I’m helping pass something forward—that’s legacy work.”
Tied to the Tribute
As part of the Crazy Caz Memorial Issue, Span adds perspective not just as a fellow DJ but as someone shaping the next phase of Black media in Lansing. He’s a reminder that legacy doesn’t end with one era—it transforms. He doesn’t seek immortality, but he’s certain some part of him should live on—if it helps push the culture forward.
“No matter what happens, what I’ve seen in The Chronicle is an expression of our humanity. It enriches people. And hopefully, they’ll remember that.”
The Bio You Didn’t Know You Needed
“My name is Span, and I’m aware it’s unusual. That’s OK. Just say it slowly, let it roll over your lips like a sip of something smooth. Listening to my voice will have a calming effect... proven by no science whatsoever.”
Span is also a martial artist, stand-up comic, podcast host, and public announcer for pro sports and wrestling. He’s dedicated to becoming a world-class harvester of hearts through entertainment. And honestly? He’s already halfway there.
Catch The Mighty Span Daniel on-air at Q106 FM, online at YouTube.com/spandaniel, and every Sunday with Yanice Jackson on The Sunday Chronicle on Stacks 92.1 FM.
Rob-roy Nelson: Airwaves, Grace, and a Calling Beyond the Mic
Rob-roy Nelson was born in Illinois but raised on the Southwest side of Lansing, Michigan—a neighborhood that shaped his rhythm, resilience, and purpose. A proud graduate of Everett High School, he found his early calling on the drumline under the direction of legendary bandleader Mr. Amel Eiland. “It was us against the world, but in a good way,” Rob-roy recalls. “We learned discipline, focus, and how to move in unity—rain, sleet, or snow.”
His voice soon found new power in broadcasting. In the early 1980s, he joined the Radio and TV program at Harry Hill High School and began interning at local stations, including WILS, LCC Stars Radio, and later, WXLA. It was at WXLA that Rob-roy connected with Lansing’s legendary radio host and mentor, Jay Price, one of the most influential figures in
the city’s Black media scene.
“Jay was always willing to share his platform,” Rob-roy reflects. “He made room for others to rise. A lot more is caught than taught, and under his wing, we were catching more than we even realized.” From potluck parties hosted by Jay’s wife, Carolyn, to latenight studio sessions and early morning sign-ons, Rob-roy soaked in the culture and community that pulsed through Lansing’s early radio scene. It was during that era that he met a young intern named Brandon Henderson, known to many as DJ Crazy Caz.
“I didn’t work with Brandon long,” Rob-roy remembers, “but he made an impression. He had that ‘it’ factor—quiet con-





