It is said that, ” In order to know where you’re going, you have to know where you came from.” Well, a recent trip to New York City reminded me of how beautiful hip-hop culture is. While people usually go site-seeing during their trips, we decided to take a trip back to the roots of hip-hop. “HusH Tours” uses a unique approach to the usual site-seeing routine, and is something all hip-hop lovers should check out whenever they’re out in NYC.
This isn’t just any regular New York City tour, it mainly focuses on the culture of hip-hop and is hosted by many of hip-hop’s pioneers and legends, such as Grandmaster Caz, or DJ Kool Herc, to name a few. It was a dope experience getting to meet some of the pioneers as they shared their experiences during the early years of hip-hop. It was craazy! Words can’t even describe the feeling I felt taking the tour, from being at the Graffiti Wall of Fame to hearing Caz speak about the block parties was definitely one of the many highlights for myself.

One Cypher had the honor to interview Debra Harris, the Owner and Founder of HusH Tours Inc., who is a pioneer herself for creating such a unique and enlightening tour in preserving the roots of hip-hop.

One Cypher: What made you want to start HusH tours?
Debra: The desire to preserve the history of hip hop culture while offering visitors as well as scholars the opportunity to pay homage and meet the Pioneers while they are still here to tell their own stories.

One Cypher: What was your involvement in the early years of hip hop? dancer? dj? emcee? etc
Debra: Actually I am old enough to remember when hip hop did not exist and young enough to still enjoy and respect the current day style.

One Cypher: What places does the tour bus take it’s guests? Why those particular places?
Debra: We travel through Manhattan, Harlem and the Boogie Down Bronx. The first five to eight years of hip hop was primarily only known and being told in Harlem and the Bronx so its relevant to the foundation, the tour is not really a scenic tour it is all about what happens on the bus (although we do point out several points of interest along the way) it’s the interactive aspect that makes us unique. That’s what HusH stands for, “Us in Hip Hop”. We conveniently depart from midtown Manhattan in an effort to accommodate the visitors who are guests at the Hotels in Manhattan.

One Cypher: What is your main goal to achieve with the tour?
Debra: Shine a positive light on hip hop culture as a whole while providing the necessary information to educate and entertain people who are looking for something unique to do while in New York City.

One Cypher: The hosts of the tour are among the biggest pioneers & legends in the culture. Who else is involved with the tour and how did they feel about the whole project?
Debra: Grand Master Caz, Kurtis Blow, DJ Red Alert, Busy Bee, Reggie Reg (Crash Crew) LA Sunshine (Treacherous 3) Sadat X (Brand Nubians) Rahiem (Furious 5). Everyone who is part of Hush Tours is truly thrilled and adamant regarding imparting the message.DJ Kool Herc – Godfather of Hip Hop, one of the many hosts of HusH Tours.

One Cypher: Give us a brief description of what a trip would be like?
Debra: Your on a comfortable bus, Caz picks up the mic and asks the first question? How many people know and love hip hop raise your hand. If you are a fan of the culture this is amazing, if you know very little you will definitely learn. We go back into time utilizing video and a soundtrack along with a mere item or two as a custom to get every one relaxed and willing to have a good time while we explore 3 decades of New York City’s hip hop history. See, hear and feel the true meaning of the elements of hip hop where the Celebrity Pioneers are your personal tour guides, visit the Graffiti Wall of Fame, Rucker Park (Entertainers B-Ball) and various historical landmarks in Manhattan, Harlem and the Bronx; participate in the exclusive “Show your Skills Freestyle” segment where you battle hip hop legends, and top it off with a soulful lunch.

One Cypher: What was your own most memorable moment in hip hop history?
Debra: My first ever hip hop party at the Webster PAL where Flash was jammin, I was the first one there and the first one to leave as I was only 12 years old. I probably stayed for one hour but I was open after that.

One Cypher: Why love hip-hop?
Debra: Its one of the best things created on this planet that has touched so many on a universal level and it has no barriers.

One Cypher: Do you feel the media and radio represent the true essence of hip hop culture?
Debra: Not really, hip hop is so huge no one entity could possibly capture it all using one format. Hip Hop has a way of leaving you wanting more.

One Cypher: Have you ever had any current artists go on the tour?
Debra: No, we’ve had a few call in to say what’s up to the group but that’s about it.

One Cypher: What kind of feedback have you gotten from people who have taken the tour?
Debra: 100% satisfaction and many who want more.

One Cypher: What upcoming projects can we expect to see from you in the future?
Debra: We will be offering a Brooklyn/Queens tour celebrating the second decade of hip hop referencing when corporate America stepped in.

One Cypher:Where can they find out more information about the tour?
Debra: www.hushtours.com

One Cypher: The time I took the Hush tour was very fun, very enlightening, and we’d just like to thank you for taking the time out for this interview. Do you have any announcements or shout outs?
Debra: HusH Tours is currently working on getting another legend inducted in the Bronx Walk of Fame which is an annual event where luminaries from the Bronx receive a street sign in their honor which will be on the Grand Concourse permanently.
I’d like to send a shout out to Onecypher.com for being innovators and young entrepreneurs taking the time out to give RESPECT TO THE LEGENDS while keeping the culture ever growing.

Peace
Debra Harris
CEO, HusH Tours, Inc.

*Interview by Dennis Infante