According to his sister Cindy Campbell Hip-Hop’s Founding Father Kool Herc is currently at home recovering from recent surgery to remove a kidney stone.
Kool Herc’s sister reportedly told The New York Times that the Hip-Hop pioneer underwent surgery for kidney stones in October 2010, despite not having any health insurance.
The legendary DJ went to St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx NY and had a man made tube or “stent” temporarily inserted to relieve pressure on blood vessels post surgery but bad weather and sickness prevented him from returning to have it removed.
According to reports, Kool Herc must now undero further surgery for the kidney stones, prompting an outpouring of support from DJ’s, rappers and fans, who have vowed to help him pay the medical bills he incurs during the procedure.
“There isn’t any type of medical program for these artists,” Cindy Campbell told The New York Times. “Maybe it takes a visible person like Herc for people to pay attention.”
Although not with out his problems in recent years the break through style and innovative nature of Kool Herc’s music led to what is now globally recognised as one of the most relevant forms of music in recent times. Whilst other artists of the era such as Grandmaster Flash went “commercial” (according to Herc) and reaped the huge economical rewards, Herc stayed firmly attached to his decks and his b-boys and b-girls, never truly crossing over to the mainstream. However every Hip-Hop artist and fan owes this visionary a debt of gratitude for without him there would simply not be a genre that so many of us relate to so deeply.
As well as providing the basis for the movement that is a global phenomenon the current situation that Herc finds himself in should also serve as a warning to any young artist who thinks that they are on easy street should they be blessed with the talent. Be prepared people, live for today, plan for tomorrow.
Hip-Hop historian, publicist and former Def Jam Records executive Bill Adler voiced his concerns for those who choose to pursue a living as an artist in the industry.
“The reality is that the majority of people who choose a life in the arts make a tough economic choice. They’re almost choosing voluntary poverty,”
WORDS // SEAN DOYLE
