The Spirit of Hip Hop · 1975–1979
Hip hop had a special era that most people don't talk about.
From 1975 to 1979, the spirit of hip hop was born. The Groovematic Movement was there for it, and still is.
DJ. Producer. Songwriter. A&R. Educator at five universities. 50 years in hip hope, hip hop's true first generation.
#TapeEra brings you inside hip hop culture before rap was recorded on records or on the radio. It was on the streets of New York and circulated by cassette tape. This was the most authentic period in hip hop.
The Spirit of Hip Hop · 1975–1979
The history of hip hop has a missing decade.
Tony Evans was there for it.
DJ. Producer. A&R. Educator at five universities. 40 years inside hip hop's true first generation.
Tape Era brings you inside the music, the people, and the moments that built hip hop before the world was watching.
40+ Years in the culture
05 Universities tught
03 iconiclabel credits
1975 Where it started
About the Show
Most people talk about hip hop. The Groovematic Movement embodies it.
#TapeEra is the education people rarely teach about. From DJing for RCA Records group Two Kings in a Cipher to producing tracks for Bad Boy Records' Hitman, Kool G-Rap, and a Russell Simmons movie soundtrack the show. Tony's music career has lasted over thirty years.
"He teaches what most people never learn, because most people weren't in New York City in the 1970s, or they weren't born yet."
He blends classic hip hop, break beats, R&B, house, rare grooves, and soul with a signature he calls #transparenttransitions.
Feature · The Host
Tony Evans a.k.a. The
Groovematic Movement.
Photograph — The Groovematic Movement / 2026
1975 to 1979 , the spirit of hip hop
From the Suburbs of New York City
The Groovematic Movement, born Tony Evans, is a fifty-year veteran of hip-hop culture whose roots trace back to the suburbs of New York City. A triple threat artist — master DJ, music producer, and songwriter — over five decades he has remained an authentic force in the culture by preserving its roots, history, and authenticity while educating the next generation.
Currently
Currently enjoying retirement, teaching hip hop history, developing freestyle rap and DJ cyphers, and building new podcasts. A true artist who loves creating everything dope, especially new business ventures.
THE FRAMEWORK
The Groovematic
Movement
It's not just a name, it's a whole movement. Tony Evans has major label song placements as a music producer, songwriter, and DJ.
DJ
Master DJ of blends, beat juggling, scratching, and record digging. Has DJed on tour, radio, corporate events, and is a lounge vibe curator.
Producer & Songwriter
Credits with Bad Boy Records, Kool G Rap, and Russell Simmons' 'The Show' movie soundtrack.
Teacher
Teacher — hip hop history and culture at Howard University, Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta, Emory, and the City of Atlanta After School Program.
A&R & Artist Development
An independent A&R helping to develop new and established artists.