Harlem, NYC, native and pioneering Hip Hop battle rapper Silver Fox, née Reginald Hobdy, was an original member of The Light Brothers before Tito of The Fearless Four would later introduce Fox to Larry D and Charlie Rock. From there, the Fantasy Three were born.
First things first, last year (August 11th 2023 to be exact) marked the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop — What exactly does that mean to and for you?
Fifty Years of Hip Hop is significant to me because the Real culture of peace, love and having fun should be honored and remembered. However, like all history it gets distorted. Everyone has an opinion of when the culture started. No matter the year, 50 years is a milestone.
To quote the late, great The Notorious B.I.G., “You never thought that Hip Hop would take it this far!” — Was this something that you ever could’ve imagined?
I always knew Hip Hop would go far, and who would take it there. Going to parties in the ‘70’s was an experience. Seeing groups like (The) Fearless Four, Crash Crew, Masterdon, Doug E. Fresh amongst others; also the way cassette tapes were distributed from north to south. Yes, I knew. I also expressed this to Kool G Rap and LL Cool J before they made records. Both I met and mentored when they were young.
What are some of your fondest, most stand-out moments / memories during your lengthy tenure in this thing called Hip Hop?
I have a few stand out moments…the first was in 1977 when I saw DJ Hollywood And Eddie Cheeba at Columbia University. I couldn’t believe how packed it was. Another was when my group Fantasy Three performed in The Roxy in New York, I witnessed the introduction to Run-DMC, oh, and of course, when we [Fantasy Three] released our first record, “It’s Your Rock,” and hearing it for the first time on the radio. Also, when I recovered my Team Fearless Honor from Devastating Tito of (The) Fearless Four, and the award for Fantasy Three from Hip Hop Hall of Fame!
That said, what are your future plans and / or goals throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond?
I’m living my future goals; I have my music company [Silver Fox Music U.S.], I have NEW music distribution on all streaming Platforms. MC Silver Fox even has a Clothing Line! I record in my own studio. One goal I want to achieve is recording new artists, showing them the ins and outs of the business to avoid the pitfalls that befell many artists.
Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Well, with my New projects I want to bring joy back. I already let them know where I’m from, saw my Gangsta, my swag. Now as an elder statesman of Hip Hop, I’m really enjoying making good music. As my newest release is titled “Love To The World.”
If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with LL Cool J and Kool G Rap, first of all because those are the ones I knew as youngsters. Eminem because of his lyrical prowess. Big Daddy Kane…I was going to Collab with DJ Mark (The) 45 King, a good friend, however he passed away.
If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?
To perform in any avenue…hmm…well first or all, at a Rock The Bells event. Be good to be amongst my peers. Next would be anywhere in Utah; I have a big fan-base there. I have done many venues and outside events, so I have nowhere special I’d like to perform at.
On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Hip Hop is obscure because Radio is not playing Hip Hop, they play Rap. There is a distinct difference. Everybody and anybody can Rap; it all depends on the subject matter. Most are promoting Sex, Drugs, Alcohol and killing. What it does is Condition the minds of the youth. Rappers appear one day and get un-alive the next. Gang culture and stripper culture has invaded Hip Hop, making the state of Hip Hop corrosive.
What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
The key to mine and anyone’s longevity is Hard Work, promotion, distribution, recording, finding ways to diversify, having a plan A B C…recognizing and appreciating Fans, listeners and consumers of my product and services.
Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
My future aspirations are to leave a legacy for my Children to continue Silver Fox Music U.S. long after I expire. Retirement is in my future aspirations; I set myself up on the Jersey Shore to relax in comfort.
What’s an average day like for you?
My day on average is long. Between promotion, distribution, managing, marketing, recording, writing, making videos, contacting, internet and college radio, interviews, photo shoots, listening parties, meetings, collaborations, etcetera, I get about 3 hours of sleep each day, and live on coffee. Long days!
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
I’m very hands on with fans of MC Silver Fox; there are about 5 pages on Facebook, I’m on Messenger and IG…I keep communication lines open. I love my fans and respect them, because I have fans in all demographics; some that wasn’t born when the first record we made “It’s Your Rock” was out.
What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
My favorite part is the enjoyment of people upon hearing and seeing me perform my music. The least fave is the process it takes to get there. Hard work and dedication.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
My footsteps are not made to follow, because many a time I deviated from well made plans. My advice is to adhere to your plan, and beware of the distractions. Everything free comes with a price.
Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?
In five years, I’ll be sitting on the beach chilling; understand I’m good. I’m financially stable, retired from my regular position in corporate world. This music is my enjoyment and life. However, it take more work and money to keep the business going. The true question is: “Will the world still be here in five years?”
Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?
I have been in music one way or another since childhood; I’m a musician. Started on the steel drums at 8 years old. Receiving a scholarship to Manhattan School Of Music, attended City College of New York majoring in Music…if I could continue forever, I would.
Any “parting” words for our readers?
I want to shout out (a) few people influential to Legendary MC Silver Fox: Johnnie Prescott R.I.P., Jay Tha Mac, Kevin Sheppard R.I.P., LL Cool J, Kool G Rap, Devastating Tito, Master OC, Wayne Roe, Chey Drastic and Da Enterprise, Tracey Tan Parker, Mike Nitty, AJ What, Stephon Evans, Van Silk, DJ Speed, Lord Kaos OCF, Debra Coco of Just Gimme The Mic, PRincess Lanita, My Producer Darryl Fortune, and all the Fans of Legendary MC SILVER FOX!
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