Celebrating the Legacy of Keeling Beckford: Pioneer of Early Hip-Hop Culture and Dancehall

New York, NY – Music visionary Keeling Beckford is being celebrated for a groundbreaking career that has spanned decades and bridged reggae, R&B, and the rise of hip-hop. From his early recordings in Jamaica to shaping the soundscape of New York street culture, Beckford’s influence remains unmatched.

Early Roots and Reggae Foundations

In 1968, Beckford’s early work with Ms. E Barnett on Deltone Records was licensed to Trojan, Island, and Jet Star, marking his first international breakthrough.
Collaborations with reggae greats Phil Pratt, Clancy Eccles, Bunny Lee, and Lee “Scratch” Perry cemented Beckford’s role in the foundation of Jamaican music.
By the late 1970s–1980s, he worked closely with Peter Brown (Do You Wanna Get Funky With Me) and continued evolving sound production in reggae and rap music.

Bridging Reggae & Hip-Hop in New York

Beckford pioneered the connection between reggae DJs and rap MCs, working with Phil Pratt to explore the roots of toasting and its influence on hip-hop.
He helped guide early artists such as TJ Swann, Barry B, Pee Wee Mel, and Queen Barry B, who would later shape the Maximus Three movement.
He frequented venues like the Bowling Alley on 145th Street, Studio on 34th Street, and the legendary Fever, which ties him directly to the birth of New York’s hip-hop and breakdancing scene.

Radio & Recording Milestones

Partnered with Mr. Magic, who was first at WHBI on Riverside Drive, Beckford co sponsored the city’s first hip-hop radio programs.
Through his work with Cardinal Records and Arthur Baker, Beckford promoted groundbreaking releases such as Rock The Message, which sold 50,000 copies instantly and became a Brooklyn street anthem with Chilly T and Stevie T of Brownsville.
His projects with the Express label, Pratt, and Beckford carried reggae and party rap further into the mainstream. He also collaborated with his cousin Nicodemus, who along with Supercat, were major influences on hip-hop in the 1990s. Be on the lookout for upcoming releases with Nicodemus and Keeling.