Ego Trip’s Book of Rap Lists
Sacha Jenkins, Elliott Wilson, Chairman Mao, Gabriel Alvarez and Brent Rollins
F JAMAICA–179 STA INWOOD–207 ST
F CONEY ISLAND–
STILLWELL AVA FAR ROCKAWAY–
MOTT AV
STILLWELL AVA FAR ROCKAWAY–
MOTT AV
A / F SHARED STOPSWest 4 St · Jay St
AT THEPLACETO BE
Born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens
An early Queens hip-hop voice.Step into Dr. Glenn Toby’s living exhibition.
Press to listenHIP-HOP / NEW YORK / STILL IN MOTIONHear the stories in his own words
Venues named on the original flyers: Jamaica Roller Dome, Audubon Ballroom, Empire Roller Disco, Old Terrace Ballroom, Dance Connection, Olympia Palace, The Palace Discotheque, Martin Van Buren High School, The Rink, Skatin' Palace, Sky Jammers, Springfield Gardens High School Auditorium, Biltmore Theatre.
VIDEOS / THE OFFICIAL ARCHIVE
SEE IT. HEAR IT.
Choose a film — it plays right here.
Music, memories and the people who were there. Choose a film and press play.
The legacy, in their own words. Doug E Fresh, DMC and Chuck D open the wall; the music videos and recorded voices follow.
LegacyDoug E Fresh & Mr. Sweety G
Doug E Fresh co-signs Mr. Sweety G.Watch video
Start here · LegacyMr. Sweety G Legacy Video
Meet Mr. Sweety G through his official legacy film.Watch video
LegacyChuck D & Mr. Sweety G
Chuck D of Public Enemy co-signs Mr. Sweety G.Watch video
Music VideosMr. Sweety G & Saigon "I CAN ZONE"
Watch Mr. Sweety G and Saigon in “I Can Zone.”Watch video
Music VideosMr Sweety G "GATHER"
Official music video.Watch video
LegacyRUN-DMC & Mr Sweety G
DMC of RUN-DMC co-signs Hip-Hop pioneer Mr. Sweety G.Watch video
LegacyPositive K & Mr. Sweety G
Positive K co-signs Mr. Sweety G.Watch video
LegacyGrandmaster Caz & Sweety G
Grandmaster Caz co-signs Sweety G.Watch video
LegacyRA Tha Rugged Man & Mr Sweety G
RA Tha Rugged Man co-signs Mr Sweety G.Watch videoTHE FIRST AUDIENCE WAS IMAGINATION.QUEENS / AN ORAL HISTORY
LISTENING AND REHEARSING
MAKING
PAUSE TAPES.
Press 01 or 02 to hear the tape.
Before he could enter the party,
he could hear it on a tape.
CUE THE MEMORY
Hearing the party on tape.
In his 2012 oral history, Sweety G recalls making pause tapes and hearing Grandmaster Flash tapes. He imagined being inside the party. [1]
“I wanted to be inside that building.”
SWEETY G / REMEMBERING THE EARLY YEARS
Rehearsing with DJ Understanding.
DJ Understanding remembers practicing routines with Sweety G. Rehearsal, movement and a melodic voice made the performance more than a sequence of rhymes. [1]
Read their recollections“At the Place to Be” on record.
“At the Place to Be” later appears on BBE’s 2014 collection of early disco-rap, Rock It, Don’t Stop It. A new way for listeners to find an earlier sound. [18]
Explore the label’s releaseThese cues explore the story. Audio starts only when you choose a recording.
THE COLLECTION IN PRINT
BOOKS FEATURED IN
Press a cover to open the publication.
Hip Hop Flyers ’74–’84
Beyond the Streets
50 Years of Hip Hop Flyers
Fineart.HipHop
The Rap Records
Freddy Fresh
Publication photographs from the original archive. No endorsement is implied.
25 ORIGINALS / NEW YORK HIP-HOP
OLD SCHOOL
CLASSIC FLYERS.
Press for more to turn the page. Every card opens the story behind its flyer.
Read the names. Find the venues. Follow the nights that put Sweety G on the bill.
Explore the original flyers ↓25 ORIGINALS · ONE AT A TIME
Twenty-five originals, one at a time.
Flyer 1 of 25
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 01 OF 25
First Annual Rappers Awards
February 20, 1983 · Jamaica Roller Dome, Queens
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Crash Crew; Mr. Sweety G. Mike & Dave presenters.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 02 OF 25
Citywide Boro Boogithon
December 31, 1981 · Audubon Ballroom, Manhattan
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Boogie Boys; Caz and J.D. El; Disco Twins; Sweety Gee; Dr. Rock & Force MCs; Mr. Magic.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 03 OF 25
Easter Sunday at the Empire
April 3, 1983 · Empire Roller Disco, Brooklyn
On the bill
Cold Crush Brothers; Treacherous 3; Crash Crew. Mike & Dave / Mr. Sweety G enterprise production.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 04 OF 25
Boogie Boys / Master Don / Mr. Sweety G
February 6, 1982 (year inferred) · Old Terrace Ballroom, Manhattan
On the bill
Boogie Boys (Kid Delight, Kool Ski); Master Don & Death Committee; Mr. Sweety G; Devastating Three MCs. Mike & Dave Records.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 05 OF 25
Big Three Spectacular
November 24; year unknown · Dance Connection, Queens Village
On the bill
DJ K.B.; DJ Acoustic Sound; DJ Bill Ponsot; special guest Sweety G.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 06 OF 25
Wild Wednesday
Undated; Wednesdays · Dance Connection, Queens Village
On the bill
K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 07 OF 25
Super Big Bad High School & College Throwdown
November 19, 1982 · Olympia Palace, Queens
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Crash Crew; Mr. Sweety G; DJ Devine of Infinity Machine. Mike & Dave presenters.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 08 OF 25
Entertainer's Press Party & Award Ceremony
December 21, 1980 · The Palace Discotheque, New Rochelle
On the bill
Wayne & Charlie plus G.Q.; recording artist Mr. Sweety G; Al Jordan music. Friends of Sammy Lee presenters. Mr. Magic, Chriss Curry and Commander Johnny G named.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 09 OF 25
NYC's Great M.C. Showdown
December 4, 1982 · Martin Van Buren H.S., Queens
On the bill
Host Mr. Sweety G; extensive group and solo roster including Cold Crush Four, Fantastic MCs, Force MCs, Crash Crew, Boogie Boys, Treacherous 3, Death Committee, Fearless Four.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 10 OF 25
It's the Fly Girl Celebrational
December 25, 1981 · Martin Van Buren High School, Queens
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Mr. Sweety G; Wiz Theodore; Busy Bee Starsky; Boogie Boy MCs; Lohnnywood. Mixmaster Mike & Disco Dave.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 11 OF 25
Special Weekend Sessions
Undated; Friday/Saturday sessions · The Rink, New Rochelle
On the bill
Mr. Sweety G; A.J. Mix production.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 12 OF 25
Second Annual Hip Hop Anniversary
December 24, 1982 · Skatin' Palace, Bronx
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Fearless 4; Mr. Sweety G; Darryl Cee; Boogie Boys. Mike & Dave.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 13 OF 25
Edwin Birdsong at Dance Connection
August 17, 1979 · Dance Connection, Queens Village
On the bill
Edwin Birdsong; music by K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 14 OF 25
Cipher of Sounds at Sky Jammers
February 15, 1980 · Sky Jammers, 106-24 Pinegrove
On the bill
DJ Understanding; DJ Prince; Fabulous Five MCs (Arnie Arn, Kevie Kev, Rapper K.C., Spanky, Young God); special attraction M.C. Mr. Sweety G. T.R. Productions.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 15 OF 25
T-Shirts & Jeans Night / Guardians of Power
October 7; year unknown · Dance Connection, Queens
On the bill
Furlough & Co.; DJs Rudy, Rahsheem, Hardy, Divine; DJ Allen G; K.B. & Sweety G; High Fidelity live.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 16 OF 25
Award Presentation / Love Spell Associates
July 9, 1981 · Jamaica Roller Dome, Queens
On the bill
Denroy Morgan; Unlimited Touch; Crown Heights Affair; host Mr. Sweety G; DJ Kevin. Honorees Raymond Reid, William Anderson, Bert Reid, Ronny Miller.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 17 OF 25
Disco Extravaganza
Undated; every Friday night · Dance Connection, Queens Village
On the bill
K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 18 OF 25
Tribute to Mr. Sweety G / At the Place to Be
Printed June 25, 1981; verify original · Jamaica Roller Dome, Queens
On the bill
Love Bug Starski; Cipher of Sounds / DJ Mixmaster U.G.; Infinity Machine / DJ Devine; Disco Twins; DJ Kevin. Several special invited guests.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 19 OF 25
Free Style Dance Contest
Undated; every Friday · Dance Connection, Queens Village
On the bill
K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 20 OF 25
Good Times
Undated; every Friday night · Dance Connection, Queens Village
On the bill
K.B.; return of Sweety G.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 21 OF 25
The Sweety G Show
July 18, 1980 · Olympia Palace, Queens
On the bill
Sweety G; Tony G; three unnamed guest DJs. William G. Toby & David G. Bradford presenters.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 22 OF 25
Blue Magic & The Trammps
April 18, 1981 · Springfield Gardens High School Auditorium, Queens
On the bill
Blue Magic; Trammps; special guest Chris Curry; master of ceremonies Sweety G.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 23 OF 25
Night of the Leather Freaks
April 3, 1983 · Jamaica Roller Dome, Queens
On the bill
Cold Crush Brothers; Fearless 4; Mr. Sweety G. Mike & Dave Organization.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 24 OF 25
NY's Best in Concert
September 12, 1980 · Audubon Ballroom, Manhattan
On the bill
Crash Crew / Darryl C; Grand Wizard Theodore & Fantastic Five; Marvelous 3; Busy Bee Starski; Kool DJ AJ; DJ Smalls; Love Bug Starski; Mr. Sweety G; Treacherous 3; Rayvon & Johnny Wah.
View full-size flyerORIGINAL FLYER / 25 OF 25
Party With the Stars '83
February 25, 1983 · Biltmore Theatre, Brooklyn
On the bill
Host Mr. Sweety Gee; Treacherous Three; Fearless Four; Awesome Foursome; Q.P.S.L. No.1 / Imperial Rhyme Masters; DJs Master-D and Lenny-D; Doc-Pill; Mr. Magic. Friends Production.
THE MAN ON EVERY BILL
Twenty-five flyers.
One name on all of them.
He was not the headliner on most of these nights. He was on them anyway.
The music at Dance Connection. Special guest at the Big Three Spectacular. The MC for Blue Magic and the Trammps. A producer’s credit at the Empire. And on the first sheet in this collection, a name on Mike and Dave’s First Annual Rappers Awards — school was closed that Monday, and it says so on the flyer.
That sheet is the one on the wall behind him today.
All twenty-five originals, with their full records, provenance and pricing.
See all 25 flyers and pricingEvery acquisition funds The Book Bank Foundation, the literacy charity he founded.
PEERS · CLIENTS · SHARED STAGES · WITNESSES
ACROSS THE CULTURE.
Open a group to see who is in it.
Shared stages, records, projects and personal recollections. Explore how each person connects to Sweety G’s story.
SIX DOORS · PRESS ANY BOX
Management team
LL Cool J
Toby is described as a former member of LL Cool J’s management team.
Explore the connection
Recorded tribute
Darryl "DMC" McDaniels
DMC shares his recollections of Sweety G in the legacy films.
Watch the tribute
Recorded tribute · foreword
Chuck D
Recorded tribute in the video archive; foreword to The Rhythm of Revenue.
Watch the tribute
Early recording · artist testimony
Positive K
Recalls Sweety G helping him reach his first record deal.
Watch the testimony
Management · recording
Saigon
An artist-management connection and collaborator on I Can Zone.
Explore the connectionTHE ARCHIVE · 43 CONNECTIONS · SEARCH OR OPEN A GROUP
EXPLORE THE
FULL ARCHIVE.
Forty-three connections in six groups. Search a name or a role, or open a group. Each card names the relationship on record: a shared bill, a tribute, a management role.
Hip-hop connections & shared billsBiz Markie · Kool Moe Dee · Treacherous 3 + 13 moreOpen · 16 connections +
Hip-hop archive connection
Biz Markie
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Kool Moe Dee
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Shared bills
Treacherous 3
Billed with Sweety G on original flyers, including the First Annual Rappers Awards.
Explore the connection
Shared bill
The Disco Twins
Named with Sweety Gee on the Citywide Boro Boogithon flyer.
Explore the connection
Shared bill
DJ Divine
DJ Devine of Infinity Machine is named on the 1982 high-school and college bill.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Daddy O of Stetsasonic
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Kurtis Blow
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Grandmaster Flash
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
RUN-DMC
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Shared bills
Crash Crew
Named alongside Sweety G on the original concert and awards bills.
Explore the connection
Event production credit
Cold Crush Four
Cold Crush are billed on the Empire flyer crediting Sweety G as a producer.
Explore the connection
Shared bill
Fearless Four
Billed with host Mr. Sweety Gee on Party With the Stars ’83.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Spyder D
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Jimmy Spicer
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Kool Kyle The Starchild
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connection
Hip-hop archive connection
Easy Mo Bee
Included in the original artist archive’s hip-hop collaborator group.
Explore the connectionProduction & remixesR. Kelly · Mary Wilson · DJ Victor Simonelli + 3 moreOpen · 6 connections +
Production / remix archive
R. Kelly
Listed in Sweety G’s original archive: Remixed by Sweety G.
Explore the connection
Production / remix archive
Mary Wilson
Listed in Sweety G’s original archive: Remixed by Sweety G.
Explore the connection
Production / remix archive
DJ Victor Simonelli
Listed in Sweety G’s original archive: Production partner.
Explore the connection
Production / remix archive
Groove Committee
Listed in Sweety G’s original archive: Remixed by Sweety G.
Explore the connection
Production / remix archive
Nu Civilization
Listed in Sweety G’s original archive: Remixed by Sweety G.
Explore the connection
Production / remix archive
Cultural Vibe
Listed in Sweety G’s original archive: Vocalist / songwriter.
Explore the connectionArtist-management archiveDavid Banner · Jay O Felony · Free (Host, 106 & Park) + 2 moreOpen · 5 connections +
Artist-management archive
David Banner
Listed in the artist’s original management network. Specific contractual roles are not detailed.
Explore the connection
Artist-management archive
Jay O Felony
Listed in the artist’s original management network. Specific contractual roles are not detailed.
Explore the connection
Artist-management archive
Free (Host, 106 & Park)
Listed in the artist’s original management network. Specific contractual roles are not detailed.
Explore the connection
Artist-management archive
Kamilah Shani
Listed in the artist’s original management network. Specific contractual roles are not detailed.
Explore the connection
Artist-management archive
Damion Hall
Listed in the artist’s original management network. Specific contractual roles are not detailed.
Explore the connectionSpit Or Quit ProjectIce-T · TREACH of Naughty By Nature · DJ Kay Slay + 1 moreOpen · 4 connections +
Spit Or Quit
Ice-T
Named as a project connection in the original artist archive.
Explore the connection
Spit Or Quit
TREACH of Naughty By Nature
Named as a project connection in the original artist archive.
Explore the connection
Spit Or Quit
DJ Kay Slay
Named as a project connection in the original artist archive.
Explore the connectionSpit Or Quit
Rahiem of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5
Named as a project connection in the original artist archive.
Explore the connectionSports & representationAsante Samuel · Bernard Hopkins · Don King + 3 moreOpen · 6 connections +
Sports-business connection
Asante Samuel
Listed in the original sports-management archive; individual representation roles are not specified.
Explore the connection
Sports-business connection
Bernard Hopkins
Listed in the original sports-management archive; individual representation roles are not specified.
Explore the connection
Sports-business connection
Don King
Listed in the original sports-management archive; individual representation roles are not specified.
Explore the connection
Sports-business connection
Damien Robinson
Listed in the original sports-management archive; individual representation roles are not specified.
Explore the connection
Sports-business connection
Antonio Freeman
Listed in the original sports-management archive; individual representation roles are not specified.
Explore the connection
Sports-business connection
O'Neil "SuperNova" Bell
Listed in the original sports-management archive; individual representation roles are not specified.
Explore the connectionRecorded voices & cultural connectionsGrandmaster Caz · RA The Rugged Man · Hip Hop Museum Bronx NY + 3 moreOpen · 6 connections +
Recorded tribute
Grandmaster Caz
Shares a recorded tribute to Sweety G in the official video archive.
Watch the tribute
Recorded tribute
RA The Rugged Man
Speaks about Sweety G in the official video archive.
Watch the tribute
Cultural institution
Hip Hop Museum Bronx NY
Listed among the original artist archive’s legacy connections.
Explore the connection
Archival collection
Cornell University
The original site identifies Cornell’s Hip Hop Collection as an archival connection.
Explore the connection
Founded by Glenn Toby
Book Bank Foundation
Literacy and community service, serving since 1997.
Explore the connection
Legacy archive connection
FreshestFM
Listed in the original artist archive: Broadcast partner.
Explore the connectionOriginal photographs and categories from the artist’s archive. Relationships and recordings are identified where documented; inclusion does not imply a current business partnership or endorsement. Open the complete archive
03 / THE NEXT MOVE1990s → 2000s
PRODUCTION AND ARTIST MANAGEMENT
ARTIST
MANAGEMENT.
Open a card to follow the connection.
The next move.
Working with artists behind the scenes.
Toby’s work includes writing, production and remixes, a role on LL Cool J’s management team, and work with Saigon. He also moved into sports representation. [6]
Explore the connectionsMANAGEMENT
MANAGEMENT + MUSIC
SPORTS MANAGEMENT
Individual portraits from the official archive.
Relationships are identified by role; photograph dates are unconfirmed.
THE VOICE FINDS ANOTHER PAGE.THE RHYTHM OF REVENUE
DR. GLENN TOBY / FOREWORD BY CHUCK D
FROM
THE RHYME
TO THE READ.
Press the book to open it.
The Rhythm of Revenue.
The Mr. Sweety G System for Scaling Life, Legacy, and Leadership. Toby brings the experience behind the music into his writing, with a foreword by Chuck D. [8]
Explore The Rhythm of RevenueTHE BOOK BANK FOUNDATIONSERVING SINCE 1997
LITERACY. DIGNITY. COMMUNITY.
PASS IT ON.
Press through to the Foundation.
Give the next person a way forward.
Through The Book Bank Foundation, Toby’s work reaches beyond the stage to literacy and community service. The Foundation gives this part of the story its own purpose: serving the lost, the lonely and the forgotten.
The Foundation reports its founding year as 1997. A 2006 profile already documented Toby’s community work alongside his music and management career. [7] [14]
Meet The Book Bank Foundation
Collection images · Rhyme Life Apparel
SWEETY G MERCHANDISE
WEAR THE
LEGACY.
Press a piece to see it in the shop.
The name beyond the record.
“At the Place to Be,” “A Queens King,” and 1979 move from the music and flyers onto graphic T-shirts and hoodies. Explore the designs carrying Sweety G’s name and Queens roots.
Explore the merchandiseCheck sizes and current availability at Rhyme Life Apparel.
THE LIVING ARCHIVEHIP-HOP DAY / AUGUST 11, 2026
2026 ARTIST-SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
HIP-HOP
SCHOLARSHIP.
Open the cohort, or read the original release.
Dr. Glenn Toby joins HHEC’s 2026 residency.
On August 11, 2026, the Hip-Hop Education Center announced Dr. Glenn “Sweety G” Toby as one of its five Artist-Scholars-in-Residence. The program recognizes creative practice, cultural knowledge and lived experience as forms of scholarship. [HHEC]
The residency brings Toby’s experience in Hip-Hop into research, education and archival work.
HHEC’s announcement describes a residency involving independent projects, research, archives, educational initiatives and public programming.
Meet the 2026 cohort
HHEC names five Artist-Scholars-in-Residence:
- Denise “Dee” Barnes
- Odylle “Mantis” Beder
- Dr. Glenn “Sweety G” Toby
- Paradise Gray
- Prime Minister Pete Nice
Read the original release · PDF, 2 pages
OFFICIAL MUSIC RELEASES
KEEP
LISTENING.
Press play on the deck. The room lights with the music.
The records survived too.
IN THE DECKMr. Sweety G
2025 / FIVE TRACKSAt the Place to Be — EPOpen player & track details+
The One Last One · Gather · Hip Hop Dreams · INSANE ! · TEST 1234
Open this release on Apple Music2025 / SINGLEI Can Zone feat. SaigonOpen player & track details+
Mr. Sweety G & Saigon · 71-second archive excerpt
▶ Behind this moment 73:10The official release. The on-site archive audio is a 71-second excerpt.
Open this release on Apple MusicDR. GLENN TOBY / MR. SWEETY G
BRING THE
STORY FORWARD.
Press to start a conversation.
Hip-hop history, through a voice that lived it.
For films, exhibitions, classrooms and conversations: invite Dr. Glenn Toby to share firsthand memories and explore the flyers, records and people behind them.
Oral history & interviewsCultural context & archivesEducation & public conversations
ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE CONVERSATION
You may know something this archive does not. Seven of the twenty-five flyers carry no year that can be established from the paper, and one has two designers claimed and neither settled. Those gaps are printed on the cards above because they are still open.
- Share a memoryA night, a room, a name on a bill — the part the paper lost.
- Ask a questionAbout a flyer, a record or a person here. Questions have corrected this collection before.
- Request archive updatesHear when new material is identified, dated or published.
Send a private inquiry to the team about memories, questions or archive updates.
ANOTHER SIDE OF THE RECORD
NEW YORK CITY
HOUSE MUSIC PIONEER.
Press through to the House Music archive.
Explore Cultural Vibe’s records and the account of Sweety G’s 1989 performance in West Berlin.
Enter the House Music archiveBEYOND THE MICROPHONE
BOOKS, ART
& COMMUNITY.
Press any door to open that project.
You’re exploring Sweety G’s personal music history here. Continue into the distinct projects below for the collection, broadcasts, books, professional work and community initiatives.