Grandmaster Flash (born Joseph Saddler, 1958) is an American DJ and producer who helped invent hip-hop in the late 1970s South Bronx, pioneering techniques such as scratching, backspinning and the Quick Mix Theory. With his group the Furious Five he recorded the landmark single "The Message" (1982), one of the first socially conscious rap records. In 2007 he became one of the first hip-hop artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Grandmaster Flash is releasing his second memoir: 'Birth of a Culture', coming in fall 2026 from HarperCollins/Amistad and co-written with journalist Robert 'Scoop' Jackson.
Grandmaster Flash performed in October 2025 at Patronaat in Haarlem, as part of a European tour including London and Copenhagen, among others.
The announcement of 'Birth of a Culture' emphasizes that the book - unlike his 2008 autobiography - places the cultural history of hip-hop at its center, featuring interviews with key figures from that early period.
Grandmaster Flash, one of hip-hop's founding pioneers, performs at SPOT/De Oosterpoort in Groningen.
Legendary DJ and hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash performs live at SPOT Groningen.
Grandmaster Flash, a pioneering figure in hip-hop history, performs at De Oosterpoort. An essential show for fans of classic hip-hop.
Grandmaster Flash, one of hip-hop's founding fathers, brings his legendary turntable techniques to Heerlen. The pioneer behind cutting, scratching and beat juggling performs on 17 October at Poppodium Nieuwe Nor.