Originally conceived and started by Tom Silverman in his cramped New York City apartment in early 1981, Tommy Boy released the definitive hip-hop 12” single, Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force. This was the record every DJ coveted and had in their crates. This was the record that inspired countless MC’s to pick up the mic. This was the record everyone rhymed over. This was the break dance anthem. Tommy Boy brought “Planet Rock “ and the exciting New World of an urban Bronx street culture to the rest of America and the entire world. Industry insiders predicted hip-hop music to be a passing trend, a momentary fad, with no commercial viability, but Tommy Boy silenced critics as “Planet Rock“ quickly went gold, moving over 600,000 units, and being among the only 12” singles to ever do so. It is one of the most sampled songs in the history of recorded music. Its beat and production style is credited with inspiring and launching new music genres from Freestyle and Miami Bass to West Coast Rap and Dirty South.