FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tony Evans aka DJ Groovematic: "The Soul of Hip-Hop Isn’t in the Mainstream—It’s the Spirit, Community, and Creativity That Started It All." MUBUTV Hosts Ritch Esra & Eric Knight Dig Deep in a Powerful Conversation
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Monday, February 16, 2026 -- MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast welcomes legendary hip-hop pioneer, historian and educator Tony Evans—aka DJ Groovematic—for a compelling, must-hear episode dropping Tuesday February 17th. Evans sits down one-on-one with Ritch Esra and Eric Knight, taking listeners behind the scenes of hip-hop’s birth in New York, the infamous tape era, and its transformation from a grassroots movement to a global cultural force.
Evans, part of hip-hop’s first generation (1975-1979), delivers an eyewitness account of the era’s raw energy, creativity, and sense of community that mainstream culture missed. He explains how hip-hop sprang from youth inventiveness—music, dance, slang—unfiltered by outside influences, and provides rare insights into the evolution of battle rap, freestyle, and turntablism.
This episode explores the impact of commercialization and the influence of corporate America on the art form—what was lost, but also what was gained. Evans reveals his personal journey taking turntablism overseas while serving in the military, and describes how European audiences offered a different kind of respect and appreciation, foreshadowing the genre’s worldwide influence.
Listeners will hear:
Why the early years were hip-hop’s most authentic moment, and what outsiders misunderstood about its spirit and creativity.
The roots of freestyle and battle rap, and why today’s battle rappers are some of the best writers in art.
Evans’ perspective on who “stole the soul” of hip-hop, and why authenticity cannot be taught in a classroom.
Top recommended films and documentaries for true students of hip-hop.
Evans’ inspiring advice for the next generation of DJs, MCs, and producers—on keeping the real spirit of hip-hop alive.
Join us for an exclusive journey through hip-hop history—straight from one of its originators. The Tony Evans Interview, only on MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast.
DJ Groovematic episode of the Music Business Insider Podcast launches February 17th.
For more information on MUBUTV, contact:
John Sanders at:
Phone: 424.245.0416
Website: www.mubutv.com
Ritch Esra & Eric Knight are available for interviews across all media.
ABOUT MUBUTV
MUBUTV™ | Music Business Television is an online music business channel featuring news, original programming, and interviews with leading experts in the music industry. Its mission is to educate, empower, and engage musicians and industry professionals of the twenty-first century.
About MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Video Series:
The video series takes a deep dive into the many challenges and nuances of building a viable and sustainable career in today’s new music business. Guests have included music attorney and author Donald Passman, producer Mike Clink [Guns N’ Roses], A&R legend John Kalodner, independent artist Ari Herstand, and more. Hosted by Ritch Esra and Eric Knight, co-founders of the platform.
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