THE OFFICIAL ARCHIVEBorn in Brooklyn, raised in Queens
An early Queens hip-hop voice.Step into Dr. Glenn Toby’s living exhibition.
VIDEOS / THE OFFICIAL ARCHIVE
Music, memories and the people who were there. Choose a film and press play.
LegacyFEATURED VIDEO / MR. SWEETY G & DMC
Start with the Mr. Sweety G legacy film, then explore the music videos and recorded voices below.
Choose a video ↓
Music Videos
Music Videos
Legacy
Legacy
Legacy
Legacy
Legacy
LegacyWatch, listen, or choose a chapter. Move through the exhibition at your own pace.
LISTENING AND REHEARSING
Before he could enter the party,
he could hear it on a tape.
CUE THE MEMORY
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
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” 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 release ↗These cues explore the story. Audio starts only when you choose a recording.
THE ORIGINAL COLLECTION
The names. The nights. The original bills. Begin at Jamaica Roller Dome, then move through all 25 flyers.
Swipe or scroll sideways. Use the arrows to turn the page.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 01 OF 25
1983-02-20 · Jamaica Roller Dome, 92-07 New York Blvd., Queens
Photo montage, school lists and award categories connect MC performance with borough and school identities. The advertisement says taped for cable TV; the recording has not been located in this archive.
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Crash Crew; Mr. Sweety G. Mike & Dave presenters.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 02 OF 25
1981-12-31 · Audubon Ballroom, Manhattan
New Year's Eve interborough program with a college/high-school audience. Museum of Pop Culture independently catalogs the event.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 03 OF 25
1983-04-03 · Empire Roller Disco, Empire Blvd. & Bedford Ave., Brooklyn
Sweety G is credited as a producer on this bill. The Cold Crush portrait is credited to Joey Kane.
On the bill
Cold Crush Brothers; Treacherous 3; Crash Crew. Mike & Dave / Mr. Sweety G enterprise production.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 04 OF 25
1982-02-06 (year inferred) · Old Terrace Ballroom, 26 E. 125th St., Manhattan
Photo-based multi-act promotion. The banner reads 'boogie for 82'; February 6 was a Saturday in 1982.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 05 OF 25
November 24; year unknown · Dance Connection, 206-10 Hillside Ave., Queens Village
Three rooms offered different DJs, with free refreshments. A useful local nightlife record beyond headliner-centered hip-hop history.
On the bill
DJ K.B.; DJ Acoustic Sound; DJ Bill Ponsot; special guest Sweety G.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 06 OF 25
Undated; Wednesdays · Dance Connection, 206-10 Hillside Ave., Queens Village
Weekly disco promotion with separate historical admission prices and a no-sneakers dress instruction.
On the bill
K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 07 OF 25
1982-11-19 · Olympia Palace, 206-10 Hillside Ave., Queens
A school-oriented bill with an E.T./Smurf dance contest and cash prizes.
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Crash Crew; Mr. Sweety G; DJ Devine of Infinity Machine. Mike & Dave presenters.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 08 OF 25
1980-12-21 · The Palace Discotheque, 518 Main St., New Rochelle
Combines comedy/ventriloquism, press, modeling and music. Named guests are advertised participants, not proof of attendance.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 09 OF 25
1982-12-04 · Martin Van Buren H.S., 231 St. / Hillside Ave., Queens
Competition flyer lists group/solo prizes and says crowd picks winners. Roster is invitation/promotion evidence, not a verified attendance list; small right edge is cropped.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 10 OF 25
1981-12-25 · Martin Van Buren High School, Hillside Ave. / 232nd St., Queens
This Christmas high-school bill advertises autographs and pictures alongside the performances.
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Mr. Sweety G; Wiz Theodore; Busy Bee Starsky; Boogie Boy MCs; Lohnnywood. Mixmaster Mike & Disco Dave.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 11 OF 25
Undated; Friday/Saturday sessions · The Rink, 500 Main St., New Rochelle
Roller-skating advertisement identifies him as a New Star Records recording artist and added attraction.
On the bill
Mr. Sweety G; A.J. Mix production.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 12 OF 25
1982-12-24 · Skatin' Palace, 930 Soundview Ave., Bronx
Christmas Eve program combines school dedication, skating, awards and MC performance. 'Party of 1982' appears in image.
On the bill
Treacherous 3; Fearless 4; Mr. Sweety G; Darryl Cee; Boogie Boys. Mike & Dave.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 13 OF 25
1979-08-17 · Dance Connection, 206-10 Hillside Ave., Queens Village
Dated disco-era booking promoting Birdsong's records, a dance contest and autographed photographs; establishes advertised Sweety G billing by August 1979.
On the bill
Edwin Birdsong; music by K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 14 OF 25
1980-02-15 · Sky Jammers, 106-24 Pinegrove
Documents a Queens sound-system/MC network and a separately billed light show by Disco Derick.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 15 OF 25
October 7; year unknown · Dance Connection, Francis Lewis Blvd. / Hillside Ave., Queens
Casual fashion-themed pre-Columbus Day event, connecting disco programming with neighborhood dress culture.
On the bill
Furlough & Co.; DJs Rudy, Rahsheem, Hardy, Divine; DJ Allen G; K.B. & Sweety G; High Fidelity live.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 16 OF 25
1981-07-09 · Jamaica Roller Dome, 92-07 New York Blvd., Queens
Producer awards, live music and skating place Sweety G in a hosting role across disco and R&B.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 17 OF 25
Undated; every Friday night · Dance Connection, 206-10 Hillside Ave., Queens Village
Recurring teen-disco bill identifies DJ/MC roles and venue amenities.
On the bill
K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 18 OF 25
Printed June 25, 1981; verify original · Jamaica Roller Dome, 92-07 New York Blvd., Queens
The flyer announces awards and advertises a June 19 ‘Mr. Sweety-G Day’ associated with Borough President Donald Manes.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 19 OF 25
Undated; every Friday · Dance Connection, 206-10 Hillside Ave., Queens Village
A freestyle dance contest flyer advertising a Jerry Lewis muscular-dystrophy danceathon signup and a television appearance prize.
On the bill
K.B. and Sweety G.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 20 OF 25
Undated; every Friday night · Dance Connection, 206-10 Hillside Ave., Queens Village
Recurring neighborhood disco flyer explicitly advertises Sweety G's return.
On the bill
K.B.; return of Sweety G.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 21 OF 25
1980-07-18 · Olympia Palace, 206-10 Hillside Ave. / Francis Lewis Blvd., Queens
Mature-adult disco and fashion program distinguishes this bill from teen/high-school events at the same address.
On the bill
Sweety G; Tony G; three unnamed guest DJs. William G. Toby & David G. Bradford presenters.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 22 OF 25
1981-04-18 · Springfield Gardens High School Auditorium, 143-01 Springfield Blvd., Jamaica, Queens
Two-show soul/disco bill; advertised benefit for The Need to Succeed Program and afterparty at Club Encore.
On the bill
Blue Magic; Trammps; special guest Chris Curry; master of ceremonies Sweety G.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 23 OF 25
1983-04-03 · Jamaica Roller Dome, 92-07 New York Blvd., Queens
Easter Sunday photo bill. Cold Crush photograph credited to Joey Kane. Separate event/venue from MSG-F003.
On the bill
Cold Crush Brothers; Fearless 4; Mr. Sweety G. Mike & Dave Organization.
View full-size flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 24 OF 25
1980-09-12 · Audubon Ballroom, Manhattan
A shared bill at the Audubon Ballroom, independently cataloged by the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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 flyer ↗ORIGINAL FLYER / 25 OF 25
1983-02-25 · Biltmore Theatre, Church Ave. between Bedford & Flatbush, Brooklyn
Photo bill provides a clear host credit and links rap acts with radio promotion. NMAAHC records this design.
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.
View flyer & inquire to collect ↗MSG-F013 · Original flyer design
AUGUST 17, 1979 / QUEENS VILLAGE
The giveaway was part of the music. This flyer advertised Edwin Birdsong at Dance Connection on August 17, 1979, promising free lollipops and autographed photographs, with music by K.B. and Sweety G. There was a challenge, too: invent the Lollipop Dance and win $100 in records.
Six days earlier, Record World reported Birdsong handing out lollipops to promote his single “Lollipop.” The Queens Village flyer places the same playful promotion on a local club bill. In his later interview with Lenny Fontana, Toby recalls working as Dance Connection’s house promoter and MC.
The flyer advertises the event and giveaways; it does not establish attendance or confirm what happened that night.
View flyer & inquire to collect ↗MSG-F024 · Also cataloged by the Smithsonian
SEPTEMBER 12, 1980 / AUDUBON BALLROOM
“NY’s Best in Concert” brings Sweety G’s name together with the Treacherous Three, Grand Wizzard Theodore and the Fantastic Five. The Smithsonian holds the same flyer design in its collection.
Mike and Dave presented the advertised event. Alongside the names, the flyer includes travel, dress and entry information. In his later interview, Toby describes learning promotion from Mike and Dave and taking flyers to schools and stores.
The testimonials below discuss Sweety G’s reputation. They are not accounts of this particular event.
View flyer & inquire to collect ↗MSG-F001 · Jamaica Roller Dome
FEBRUARY 20, 1983 / QUEENS
That detail is right there on Mike and Dave’s First Annual Rappers Awards flyer. The bill paired the Treacherous Three, the Crash Crew and Mr. Sweety G with lists of schools, colleges and neighborhood names.
The small print promised no skating and advertised cable television taping. Photographs fill the center of the page; award categories sit beneath Sweety G’s name. It was an invitation aimed at young New Yorkers across the city.
The flyer lists award categories and plans for taping. Winners and a completed broadcast have not been verified.
DANCE CONNECTION / 1979 ↗AUDUBON / 1980 ↗BILTMORE / 1983 ↗ON THE MICROPHONE / ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH
Glenn “Sweety G” Toby emerged from Queens in the late 1970s with a fast, melodic style. His original flyers preserve the bills; his later interviews recall the years behind them. [1]
This photograph comes from his performance archive. Its date and venue are unconfirmed; it is not assigned to any of the events shown here.
Read Glenn Toby’s biography ↗
FROM THE DANCE FLOOR TO YOUR COLLECTION
These bills carried the names, the nights, the neighborhoods. Explore all 25 flyer designs at The King’s Exhibition, then use a flyer’s inquiry link to ask about purchasing, pricing and availability.
Explore the flyers · inquire to collect ↗By February 25, 1983, the Biltmore Theatre flyer billed Sweety G as MC and host. View the Biltmore flyer ↗
THE COLLECTION IN PRINT
Sacha Jenkins, Elliott Wilson, Chairman Mao, Gabriel Alvarez and Brent Rollins
Beyond the Streets
Fineart.HipHop
Freddy Fresh
Publication photographs from the original archive. No endorsement is implied.
Watch DMC, Doug E. Fresh and Chuck D talk about Sweety G.
LegacyLegacyLegacyThese recorded testimonials are presented separately from the event flyers. A name on a shared bill documents billing; it does not establish an endorsement.
Browse all videos ↗PRODUCTION AND ARTIST MANAGEMENT
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]
That wider vision was already taking shape in 1989, when contemporary reporting placed Glenn and Randall Toby’s International Entertainment Network in Queens Village. [5]
Meet the people & connections ↗
Individual portraits from the official archive.
Relationships are identified by role; photograph dates are unconfirmed.
RECORDS, MANAGEMENT AND FAMILY
Read the recording credits and hear how artists describe working with Toby.
Choose a person to read about their connection.
EARLY RECORDING / 1986
Positive K recalls Sweety G helping him reach his first record deal. The project was “Getting Paid,” on the Star Maker compilation Fast Money. NTS also identifies Toby as his first manager and producer of that early recording.
▶ Behind this moment 0:00 ↗Read the record history ↗The later hit “I Got a Man” is a separate chapter; its success is not credited to Toby here.
CULTURAL VIBE / 1980s
The Power sleeve pairs W. G. Toby and Winston Jones as writers, with Jones producing and Tony Humphries mixing. In conversation, Toby credits Jones with creating Cultural Vibe and explains his own later role in performing and promoting it.
▶ Behind this moment 46:10 ↗Explore the recordings ↗Original sleeve: 1987. The interview is a later recollection, not a new writing credit for “Ma Foom Bey.”
ARTIST MANAGEMENT / CONTINUING WORK
Barbara Tucker’s own site names Toby in artist management and as a mentor. It also credits him with introducing her to feeding and clothing people through Book Bank. Their connection reaches beyond music into direct community work.
▶ Behind this moment 57:00 ↗Read Barbara’s own account ↗Her current site confirms the roles. Toby’s account of their duration remains attributed to him.
MANAGEMENT TO MUSIC / 2006 → 2025
A 2006 Sports Agent Blog profile documented Toby’s work with Saigon. Their names meet again on the 2025 release “I Can Zone,” which Apple Music lists as Mr. Sweety G featuring Saigon.
▶ Behind this moment 73:10 ↗Open the official single ↗The credited collaboration is specific to this release; it does not imply a continuing management contract.
FAMILY / INDEPENDENT MUSIC
Toby remembers his brother helping with management and the practical work of building an independent music life. A 1989 Record Mirror dispatch places Glenn and Randall together in the Queens Village operation International Entertainment Network.
▶ Behind this moment 31:00 ↗Read the 1989 dispatch ↗The archive image represents the Cultural Vibe period; it does not identify Randall.
DR. GLENN TOBY / FOREWORD BY CHUCK D
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 book ↗LITERACY. DIGNITY. COMMUNITY.
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
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 merchandise ↗Check sizes and current availability at Rhyme Life Apparel.
2026 ARTIST-SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE
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.
HHEC names five Artist-Scholars-in-Residence:
MR. SWEETY G & SAIGON
Play the 71-second archive excerpt, then explore the official releases below.
▶ Behind this moment 73:10 ↗Open the official music players ↗OFFICIAL MUSIC RELEASES
Choose a release to hear the music. Apple Music previews are available in the player; full tracks may require a subscription.
The One Last One · Gather · Hip Hop Dreams · INSANE ! · TEST 1234
Open this release on Apple Music ↗The official release. The on-site archive audio is a 71-second excerpt.
Open this release on Apple Music ↗DR. GLENN TOBY / MR. SWEETY G
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.
ANOTHER SIDE OF THE RECORD
Explore Cultural Vibe’s records and the account of Sweety G’s 1989 performance in West Berlin.
Enter the House archive ↗BEYOND THE MICROPHONE
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.