Tony Touch
Tony Touch (born Joseph Anthony Hernandez; July 2, 1969) is an American hip-hop DJ, record producer, rapper, and former breakdancer of Puerto Rican descent, best known for his pioneering work in the mixtape genre and his contributions to the New York City hip-hop scene.[1][2] Born and raised in Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood, Touch began his career as a B-boy in the early 1980s, influenced by legends such as the Rock Steady Crew, Grandmaster Flash, and DJ Red Alert, before transitioning to DJing amid the rap music renaissance.[3] Touch gained widespread recognition in the 1990s for his innovative mixtapes, particularly the landmark 50 MCs series (Parts 1–3), which showcased exclusive freestyles from over 150 artists including KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, and Mos Def, earning him consecutive Mixtape Awards for Best Freestyles and the moniker "Mixtape King."[2][3] His debut studio album, The Piece Maker (2000), released on Tommy Boy Records, sold over 400,000 copies worldwide and featured collaborations with high-profile rappers like Gang Starr and Wu-Tang Clan affiliates, blending hip-hop with Latin influences reflective of his heritage.[3] Follow-up releases such as The Piece Maker 2 (2005) and the gold-certified Latin album ReggaeTony further solidified his versatility across genres, including house, R&B, and reggae.[3] Since 2004, Touch has hosted the influential radio show Toca Tuesdays on Sirius XM's Shade 45, where he continues to spotlight emerging and established talent, and he has toured over 30 countries, performing at major events and appearing on shows like Saturday Night Live and Chappelle's Show.[3] As a bridge between Latino culture and mainstream hip-hop, his work has been instrumental in elevating Afro-Latino voices in the genre since its inception in 1980s New York nightlife.[4]Early life
Childhood and family background
Joseph Anthony Hernandez, professionally known as Tony Touch, was born on July 2, 1969, in Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Puerto Rican descent.[5] Raised in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, Touch grew up in a household steeped in salsa music, which underscored his strong Latino cultural roots and later influenced his genre-blending style in hip-hop.[3] This environment provided a foundation of Latin rhythms that contrasted with the emerging street culture of New York City during his formative years.[5] In the late 1970s and early 1980s, as a young boy in Bushwick, Touch became captivated by the nascent hip-hop movement, transitioning from playground activities to actively engaging with the scene as a B-Boy breakdancer.[3] His early exposure to these elements—combining familial Latin traditions with the raw energy of Bronx-born hip-hop—shaped his multifaceted identity within the culture.[5]Introduction to hip hop culture
Tony Touch's introduction to hip hop culture occurred during the genre's renaissance era in the early 1980s, when he first embraced breakdancing as a young B-boy on the streets of Brooklyn. He quickly fell in love with the art form through dancing, which served as his initial gateway into the four core elements of hip hop: DJing, MCing, graffiti, and breaking.[6] At around age 12 or 13, he began participating in the vibrant street dance battles that defined New York's urban youth culture, drawn to the energy and creativity of the movement.[7] This period marked his early fascination with hip hop's communal and expressive spirit, amid the socioeconomic challenges of his neighborhood.[6] Heavily influenced by pioneering figures such as the Rock Steady Crew and its leader Crazy Legs, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Red Alert, and "Little" Louie Vega, Tony Touch honed his B-boy skills while absorbing the broader hip hop ethos of innovation and competition.[3] These icons inspired him to transition from dancing to DJing by the mid-1980s, as he sought greater control over the music that fueled the parties and ciphers he frequented.[7] His early experiences as a breakdancer not only shaped his technical foundation but also instilled a deep appreciation for hip hop's roots in Bronx and Brooklyn street culture, emphasizing authenticity and cultural preservation.[6]Career
Early DJing and breakdancing
Tony Touch, born Joseph Anthony Hernandez in Brooklyn, New York, on July 2, 1969, immersed himself in hip-hop culture during his early teens in the early 1980s. He began as a breakdancer, or B-boy, inspired by the burgeoning rap music scene and films like Flashdance (1983), which featured the Rock Steady Crew. Joining the legendary Rock Steady Crew, he performed dynamic routines at local block parties and community events in Brooklyn, honing skills alongside pioneers such as Crazy Legs and Frosty Freeze. These experiences in New York's vibrant hip-hop ecosystem, including influences from Grandmaster Flash and DJ Red Alert, laid the groundwork for his multifaceted career.[3][7][8] In 1984, at age 15, Touch relocated to Orlando, Florida, where he continued breakdancing at venues like Electric Avenue on Amelia Street while adapting to the local scene. Frustrated by inconsistent music selections at parties, he transitioned toward DJing, starting to throw his own events in 1985 at banquet rooms in places like the Roadway Inn on Orange Blossom Trail. By 1986, he had fully embraced DJing, securing his first professional gig at the Pandemonium roller skating rink in Pine Hills, where he earned around $100 per night and earned airtime on local radio station BJ105-FM. This period marked his shift from dancer to turntablist, blending hip-hop with genres like reggae, freestyle, and house music, influenced by early records such as Kurtis Blow's "The Breaks" and Grandmaster Flash's "The Message."[9][10] Touch returned to New York in the winter of 1987, bringing honed DJ skills back to Brooklyn's competitive landscape. His early breakdancing roots with the Rock Steady Crew continued to inform his sets, ensuring they were dancer-friendly and energetic, as he aimed to support B-boys like those he once was. This foundation in both disciplines propelled him toward mixtape production and broader hip-hop involvement.[9][3][8]Mixtape production and rise to prominence
Tony Touch emerged as a prominent figure in New York's hip hop underground during the early 1990s through his prolific mixtape production, where he skillfully blended raw rap verses, R&B tracks, and house music to appeal to both street and club audiences. Drawing from his roots as a B-boy and early DJ influences like Grandmaster Flash and Jam Master Jay, he released dozens of tapes that circulated widely in Brooklyn and beyond, building a reputation for high-quality mixing and exclusive content. By the mid-1990s, Touch had produced over 50 mixtapes, earning acclaim for his ability to capture the era's urban sound without relying on gimmicks.[11][12] His ascent to national prominence accelerated with the launch of the influential "Power Cypha" series in 1996, beginning with Power Cypha: Featuring 50 MCs, his landmark 50th mixtape. This project innovatively compiled exclusive freestyles from 50 artists, including heavyweights like KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and emerging talents such as Mos Def and Black Thought, demonstrating Touch's vast network and curatorial prowess. The tape's format—eschewing gunshots or hype in favor of seamless cypher-style flows—revitalized the mixtape tradition and highlighted Latino voices like Cuban Link and Triple Seis, underscoring Puerto Rican contributions to hip hop. Released amid the East Coast rap renaissance, it sold thousands of copies independently and cemented Touch's nickname as the "Mixtape King."[13][12][14] The success of Power Cypha spawned sequels, including Power Cypha 2: Tape Kingz (1997) and Power Cypha 3: The Grand Finale (1999), which continued to feature 50-emcee lineups with artists like Guru, Method Man, and Nas, further expanding Touch's influence. These releases, totaling over 300 mixtapes across his career, not only drove bootleg sales but also fostered collaborations, such as the 1990s "5 Deadly Venoms" tape with Brooklyn peers DJ Premier, DJ Mister Cee, PF Cuttin', and DJ Evil Dee. By prioritizing unpublished verses and cultural fusion, Touch's mixtapes bridged underground credibility with mainstream appeal, positioning him as a pivotal tastemaker and paving the way for his major-label debut.[11][15][16]Major album releases and collaborations
Tony Touch's major album releases primarily revolve around his signature "Piece Maker" series and explorations into Latin and reggaeton influences, showcasing his role as a DJ and producer who bridged underground hip-hop with mainstream collaborations. His debut studio album, The Piece Maker, released in 2000 on Tommy Boy Records, marked a breakthrough with its all-star lineup of hip-hop talent, including Gang Starr on the title track produced by DJ Premier, Flipmode Squad on "Set It On Fire," Cypress Hill on "U Know the Rules (Mi Vida Loca)" produced by DJ Muggs, Wu-Tang Clan on "The Abduction," Xzibit, Tash, and Defari on "Likwit Rhyming," De La Soul and Mos Def on "What's That?," and D12 featuring Eminem on "Get Back" produced by The Alchemist.[17] The album sold over 400,000 units worldwide and highlighted Touch's scratching and mixing prowess, earning praise for its high-energy cyphers and cross-coast appeal.[2] In 2002, The Last of the Pro-Ricans on Sequence Records emphasized his Puerto Rican roots, featuring tracks with Doo Wop and explorations of Latin hip-hop fusion. The series evolved with The Piece Maker 2 in 2004, which included appearances from P. Diddy, Black Rob, G. Dep on "Non-Stop," Def Squad on "How You Want It," and reggaeton influences like Rubén Blades on "Tony Navaja," reflecting Touch's growing interest in Latin rhythms.[18] Touch expanded into reggaeton with The Reggaetony Album in 2005 on EMI Latin, a compilation-style project featuring collaborations with artists like Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderón, and Ivy Queen, blending hip-hop beats with dembow rhythms to introduce the genre to broader audiences.[19] Its sequel, Reggaetony 2 in 2007, built on this by incorporating U.S. hip-hop crossovers such as KRS-One and Greg Nice. Touch released the house album Moody 3000 in 2012, collaborating with vocalist Soni and remixers like Todd Terry.[20] The franchise culminated in The Piece Maker 3: Return of the 50 MCs in 2013 on Touch Entertainment and Red River Entertainment, reviving the cypher format with over 50 artists including Busta Rhymes, Joell Ortiz, Royce da 5'9", KRS-One, Redman, Method Man, and N.O.R.E., produced in part by The Beatnuts.[18] In 2022, Touch released Apaga La Luz on Vega Records, a Latin house project that included remixes by David Guetta and others, further showcasing his electronic influences.[21] Throughout his career, Touch's collaborations have been pivotal, often through his extensive mixtape series like the "Power Cypha" volumes, which featured freestyles from 50 MCs including Boot Camp Clik, M.O.P., and AZ, setting a template for battle rap and group sessions.[22] He frequently partnered with Latino hip-hop pioneers such as Big Pun and Fat Joe on tracks like "The Foundation" with Sunkiss and Reif-Hustle from The Piece Maker, and earlier mixtapes like 5 Deadly Venoms of Brooklyn with Evil Dee, Mister Cee, PF Cuttin, and DJ Premier.[23] Additional high-profile team-ups include work with Guru and The Roots on tours, production for Sunz of Man and Cocoa Brovaz, and remixes for artists like Trina and Sean Paul, solidifying his reputation as a connector in hip-hop's diverse scenes.[2]Radio hosting and media involvement
Tony Touch began his radio career in 2004 when he was recruited by Eminem and manager Paul Rosenberg to host the weekly show Toca Tuesdays on Sirius XM's Shade 45 channel, a hip-hop station they launched that year.[24] The program, which features exclusive interviews, freestyles, and new music from hip-hop artists, has aired continuously for over 21 years, establishing Touch as a key voice in the genre.[24] He has also broadcast on prominent New York stations including Hot 97, Power 105, and WBLS, contributing to mix shows and specials that highlight emerging and established talent.[24] Beyond radio, Touch has made notable appearances in television media, including performances as a DJ on Saturday Night Live and The Dave Chappelle Show, where he provided turntable support for Eminem during live segments.[12] These high-profile gigs underscored his versatility in bridging club DJing with mainstream broadcast platforms. In 2023, he expanded into documentary production as a co-producer and on-screen contributor for MIXTAPE, a Paramount+ film exploring the history of hip-hop mixtapes, which premiered on August 1.[25] To accompany the documentary, Touch curated and presented The Def Tape, a companion soundtrack album released by Def Jam Recordings on limited-edition cassette, featuring rare tracks and collaborations that celebrate mixtape culture.[26]Other pursuits
Acting appearances
Tony Touch has made a few cameo appearances in film and video projects, often portraying himself or DJ characters within hip-hop themed contexts.[27] In the 2001 video Luke's Freakshow, Vol. 1, Touch appeared as himself, contributing to a showcase of hip-hop and urban culture elements.[28] He portrayed a DJ in the 2003 television movie Undefeated, a drama about a Puerto Rican boxer's rise, directed by and starring John Leguizamo, where Touch's role supported the film's exploration of Latino experiences in sports and music.[29] (Note: Wikipedia cited here only for film description, primary credit from IMDb.) Additionally, in the 2002 hip-hop compilation video Hip-Hop Honeys, Touch appeared as himself, featuring in segments highlighting artists and performers in the genre.[30][31] These roles reflect Touch's broader involvement in hip-hop media, though acting has not been a primary focus of his career.Live performances and tours
Tony Touch has been a prominent figure in live hip-hop performances since the early 1990s, often serving as a DJ for major artists and hosting his own events at clubs and festivals across the United States and internationally. One of his earliest notable appearances was DJing for Nas at The Fever nightclub in the Bronx in 1994, shortly after the release of Illmatic, where he supported performances of tracks like "One Love" and "N.Y. State of Mind," capturing the raw energy of New York's emerging hip-hop scene.[32][33] Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Touch toured extensively with influential hip-hop acts, including Guru of Gang Starr, The Roots, Fat Joe, and Big Punisher, bringing his turntablism and mixtape expertise to stages worldwide. These tours highlighted his role in bridging underground and mainstream hip-hop, with performances that emphasized freestyle sessions and beat juggling to engage diverse audiences in cities like New York, Miami, and Puerto Rico. His club residencies, such as Toca Tuesdays at various New York venues, evolved into high-profile live sets that blended hip-hop, Latin, and house music, fostering collaborations with artists like M.O.P. at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Manhattan.[2][34] Touch's festival appearances underscore his versatility and enduring appeal. In 2018, he performed at SummerStage in Central Park's Rumsey Playfield alongside DJs like Clark Kent and D-Nice, celebrating hip-hop's golden era for thousands of attendees. That same year [2015 for Electron], he took the stage at the Electron Festival in Geneva, Switzerland, sharing bills with electronic and hip-hop acts such as Boys Noize and Rampa, demonstrating his crossover into international electronic scenes. Additional documented shows include a 2016 New Year's Eve gig at BSP Lounge in Kingston, New York, reflecting his consistent global touring presence into the 2020s. In June 2024, he DJed for The LOX at Radio City Music Hall, and in July 2025, he performed at Crotona Park Jams in the Bronx.[35][36][37]Legacy and influence
Cultural impact on hip hop and Latino representation
Tony Touch has significantly influenced hip hop culture through his innovative DJing and production, particularly by bridging Latino heritage with the genre's evolution. As a Puerto Rican artist from Brooklyn, he grew up immersed in salsa music at home while embracing hip hop in his daily life, which informed his signature style of blending Spanglish lyrics, salsa rhythms, and hip hop beats. This fusion not only enriched the sonic landscape of 1990s and early 2000s hip hop but also highlighted the urban Latino experience, making him a pivotal figure in representing Afro-Latino contributions during the genre's formative years in New York City.[4][13] His mixtape series, notably The 50 MCs (also known as Power Cypha), revolutionized the format by featuring freestyles from over 50 artists, including underground talents and established names like Boot Camp Clik and Royce da 5'9", providing a platform for diverse voices in an era when mixtapes were essential for breaking new music before widespread internet access. Released in the mid-1990s, these tapes captured the raw energy of New York hip hop's Golden Era, preserving its essence through scratching techniques and exclusive content that influenced DJ culture globally. By including Latino MCs and blending cultural elements, Touch amplified Puerto Rican and broader Hispanic participation, helping to diversify hip hop's narrative beyond its predominant Black American roots.[38][13] Touch's 2000 album The Piece Maker further solidified his impact, peaking at No. 57 on the Billboard 200[39] and featuring collaborations with hip hop icons like Gang Starr, Wu-Tang Clan, and Eminem alongside Latino artists such as Big Pun, Cypress Hill, and early reggaetón pioneers Daddy Yankee and Ivy Queen. This project united Latinx hip hop with mainstream sounds, foreshadowing the bilingual and global evolution of the genre, and elevated Latino visibility by showcasing their integral role in hip hop's history. In interviews, Touch has emphasized his commitment to representing Latinos and Afro-Latinos in hip hop, stating that he has been able to "represent Hip-Hop, represent New York, represent Puerto Ricans and take that all over the planet" (RapReviews, 2005).[14][4][40] His work has inspired subsequent generations of DJs and producers to embrace multicultural influences, contributing to hip hop's worldwide appeal.Awards and recognitions
Tony Touch has received several accolades throughout his career, particularly recognizing his pioneering contributions to hip-hop mixtapes and DJing. In the late 1990s, his mixtapes Power Cypha: 50 MCs (1996) and Power Cypha 2 (1997) earned him the Best Freestyles award at the annual Mixtape Awards two consecutive years, highlighting his innovative approach to freestyle cyphers featuring dozens of prominent rappers.[2] In 2008, at the 11th Annual Mixtape Awards (also known as the Justo Awards), Touch was honored with the Mixtape Pioneer Award for his longstanding influence in shaping the mixtape format and underground hip-hop culture.[41] Further affirming his radio presence, Touch shared the Online Radio DJ of the Year award at the 2013 Global Spin Awards, alongside DJs Whoo Kid, Drama, Scream, and Radamas, acknowledging his work on platforms like SiriusXM's Shade 45.[42] In the realm of Latin music, Touch's 2005 album The Reggaetony Album, released via EMI, achieved gold certification in the United States, selling over 500,000 copies and marking a commercial milestone for his fusion of reggaeton and hip-hop elements.[3] More recently, Touch was nominated for the Latin House/Reggaeton category at the 2025 DJ Awards, reflecting his ongoing versatility across genres, though the award went to Hugel.[43]Discography
Studio albums
Tony Touch has released seven studio albums as a primary artist, beginning with his debut in 2000 and continuing through explorations in hip hop, Latin fusion, and reggaeton influences. These projects emphasize his role as a DJ and curator, often featuring extensive collaborations with prominent rappers and producers to showcase diverse beats and freestyle elements. His albums reflect his impact in both underground and commercial scenes.[18]| Title | Release Date | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|
| The Piece Maker | April 18, 2000 | Tommy Boy Entertainment[44] |
| The Last of the Pro Ricans | November 26, 2002 | Ultra Records / Sequence Records[45] |
| The Piece Maker 2 | February 24, 2004 | Koch Records[46] |
| The Reggaetony Album | March 29, 2005 | EMI Latin[47] |
| Reggaetony 2 | June 5, 2007 | EMI Latin[48] |
| The Piece Maker 3: Return of the 50 MC's | July 9, 2013 | Touch Entertainment / Red River Entertainment[49] |
| Tony Touch Presents: The Def Tape | July 28, 2023 (digital); August 11, 2023 (physical) | Def Jam Recordings[50] |