aka Joseph Saddler, was born in
Barbados and is well known in the
hip-hop scene for his scientific invention of many
Dj techniques. These have morphed into current skills, see:
scratch dj terminology.
Flash took
DJ Kool Herc's established full break track invention and lengthy
breakbeat segues to the next level for the
b-boys wanting
non-stop breakdance action. The full on mixing also provided
MCs the opportunity to
rock the mic longer and steadier.
Flash and his
MC crew (headed by
Melle Mel) the Furious Five (Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five), became a huge sensation and are the most widely known innovators of the early
hip-hop era.
The name Grandmaster came from Mr. Saddlers' skills on the level of
martial-arts mastery and intellectual moves such as a
chess chief strategist. Flash came from the comic book hero of the same name, reflecting the hectic fast pace at which the talented
DJ performed.
Afrika Bambaataa and
Kool DJ Herc were the other most well known figures at the genesis of hip-hop.