How do you become a Grandmaster ?
Flash, Melle Mel, Caz.
Flash was substituted for Melle Mel in this 1984 track, which featured in the film “Beat Street.” This came out at the height of a breakup over unpaid royalties. This group had splintered with Melle Mel forming his old band with Mr. Ness/Scorpio and Cowboy. New rappers King Lou, Kami Kaze, and Tommy Gunn joined, as did Flash’s best friend E. Z. Mike as DJ.
Grandmaster Flash went his own way taking The Kidd Creole, and Rahiem with him for Elektra Records and added three new members “The Lord LaVon” (Kevin L. Dukes – Phenomenal writer, Rapper and Bassist), Russell Wheeler (Rapper – “Mr. Broadway”) and “Larry-Love” (Larry Parker – Dancer)
On the record Doug Wimbish and Bernard Alexander add bass and guitar to make it a more “live” sounding and funky. Scratching is by Leland Robinson (Vicious Lee) In terms of the lyrical content it seems times haven’t changed much.
“Don’t be a slave to no computer.”
The B-side (which I’ve kept as one continuous mix as it segues with the vocal) is more quality and maybe a dig at Grandmaster Flash. Wimbish in full throttle and the band taking it on a Rick James funk vibe. I think I prefer it to the A-side!
NEW LINK 2022
Sugar Hill Records – SHL 9659
| A | Beat Street | |
| B1 | Internationally Known (Vocal) | |
| B2 | Internationally Known (Instrumental) |
myvinyldreams 
No idea why but I’m looking for the New York New York 12” Something grabbed about that mix !!