On the latest episode of In Godfrey We Trust, comedian Godfrey sits down with hip-hop pioneer Crazy Legs to discuss the Puerto Rican and Black contributions to hip-hop, the internet’s role in cultural division, and why his boxing debut is on hold.
Crazy Legs, a key figure in breaking and hip-hop culture, reflects on the collaborative nature of hip-hop’s early days. He and Godfrey push back on modern debates that try to split hip-hop’s ownership into percentages, with Crazy Legs noting, “Nobody was documenting numbers back then—hip-hop was built together.”
The discussion highlights early figures like Tex Hollywood and DJ Mario, as well as the impact of photographers like Joe Conzo, who captured the rise of hip-hop from the Bronx. They also connect hip-hop’s roots to older cultural traditions, including Capoeira and the influence of James Brown practicing with the Fania All-Stars.
Both Godfrey and Crazy Legs emphasize that hip-hop in its early days didn’t have the same racial tensions seen today. Crazy Legs, who was deeply involved in the scene from the start, states, “We never discussed any of that shit back then.” He points to figures like Mr. Freeze, a white French-Jewish breaker in Rock Steady Crew since 1976, to show how hip-hop welcomed all backgrounds.
They also touch on colorism within Latino and African American communities, breaking down terms like “Moreno” and “Mulato”, and exploring how different cultures experience racial categorization.
Beyond hip-hop, Crazy Legs and Godfrey also touch on their personal lives. Crazy Legs, who had been preparing for a celebrity boxing match, explains why the fight is on hold. While details remain unclear, he mentions a past challenge video he posted, which was later taken down. The conversation briefly touches on Lord Jamar, though it’s unclear if he was the opponent.
As the episode wraps, Godfrey and Crazy Legs reinforce the importance of cultural unity rather than division. They reflect on how economic and political forces often fuel these debates and argue that hip-hop’s origins should be celebrated as a collective effort rather than dissected through a modern lens.
