Rucker Park Podcast

Darrell “Digga” Branch, also known as Six Figga Digga, is a Harlem-born hip-hop producer and educator. He was part of Children of the Corn, the Harlem crew that included Cam’ron, Big L, Ma$e, Bloodshed, and McGruff. His production work with Six Figga Entertainment appears in the credits for Cam’ron’s 1998 debut album, Confessions of Fire. ⁠

Digga went on to produce 50 Cent’s “Many Men (Wish Death)” and produce music for artists including Jay-Z and Jennifer Lopez. He also brought his industry experience back to Harlem as a teacher at Renaissance Leadership Academy, where he taught students about copyright and music contracts.

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Michael Ek Shahid Biography

Michael Ek Shahid (a.k.a. EK Mike C of the Crash Crew. Born July 17, 1962.

Michael Ek Shahid, also known as EK Mike C of the legendary Crash Crew, has been a

pioneering force in hip-hop and entertainment since the mid-1970s. His journey began at

the age of 13 when he helped build a disco club called “The Pitts” in a loft on 125th Street (x-apple-data-detectors://embedded-result/354)

between Park and Lexington, where he honed his skills in DJing, mixing, sound, and

lighting. It was inspiring to learn so much.

In 1977, Michael joined the influential rap group “The Crash Crew” , which included The

Force of the Five emcees and Poison Clan under Mike & Dave Productions. The group

quickly rose to prominence, releasing their first hit, "High Powered Rap," in 1980.

Their success led to a signing with Sugar Hill Records in 1981, a pivotal milestone in hip-

hop history. We released “We want to Rock”.

Throughout the early '80s, the Crash Crew released a series of impactful records including

"We Want to Rock" (1981), "Breaking Bells" and "On the Radio" (1982), *"We Are

Known as Emcees"* (1983), and "2,4,6,8 & Here We Are" (1984). During this period,

Michael also co-founded the Entertainers Basketball Tournament with Greg Marius,

alongside The Disco 4.

n 1985, Michael and DJ Darryl Cee expanded our horizons by participating in the first hip-

hop stage production with The Magnificent Force ( poc lock) Dancers, which was held at

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM).

The Play “Blacktop Highway” was part of BAM's "Black Theater Season", The production

toured internationally in Germany and Switzerland. The play incorporated elements of

break dancing, rapping, and DJing, reflecting the diverse forms of hip-hop expression.

The group's final performance was at the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop at Boardwalk Hall in

Atlantic City.

My Primary goals as a Hip Hop Legend, is to progress as an artist. From all of my music

accomplishments and experiences in the industry, I want to continue to do road trips,

outdoor and indoor events to spread my Love of music.

Today, Michael owns Meks Entertainment, a versatile production company specializing in

DJing, photography, and videography. His enduring influence and commitment to the

culture continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans

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Coach Dee is a basketball coach and player development specialist whose experience spans youth programs, NBA camps, and Harlem’s legendary Rucker Park. He has worked with NBA players including James Harden, Brandon Jennings, and Anthony Morrow. With 20 years of experience at the YMCA and eight years working with Brooklyn Nets Summer Camps, Coach Dee has dedicated his career to developing players and teaching the game.

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Thomas “Duke Tango” Mills is a legendary streetball announcer whose voice became part of the identity of Harlem’s Rucker Park and the AND1 Mixtape Tour. As one of the original announcers at the Entertainers Basketball Classic, he teamed with Al Cash as “Tango & Cash,” helping develop an announcing style that brought together basketball, hip-hop, humor, and crowd participation.

Known for his booming delivery, creative player nicknames, and signature call “Oh, baby!”, Duke made every crossover and dunk feel like a major event. He later became the official announcer of the AND1 Mixtape Tour, taking that playground energy to audiences around the world. His work helped make the announcer an essential part of the streetball experience—entertaining the crowd while building the reputations of the players on the court.

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Edward Allen, Jr. is a Harlem-born motion picture producer, screenwriter, and real estate entrepreneur. Raised through the New York City public school system, he pairs decades of property receivership and urban business operations with authentic community storytelling. An ordained deacon in the Church of God in Christ and the patriarch of four generations, Edward serves as a principal at 140th Street Production, developing historical urban dramas, stage productions, and digital broadcast media.

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Jim Jones taking us back to his earlier days inside Rucker Park Jim Jones is a Harlem-raised rapper, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the legendary hip-hop group The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He released his debut solo album, On My Way to Church, in 2004 and gained nationwide recognition with his 2006 hit “We Fly High,” famous for its “Ballin’” catchphrase. His music and signature style helped bring Harlem’s street culture to audiences around the world.

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The Brotherly Love Pro-Am League is a Philadelphia basketball program that brings professional players and local talent together while supporting the community.

How it started: Novar Gadson and former Temple standout Ramone Moore developed the idea during the pandemic. The league began playing in 2021, with Stefan Thompson and Brett Oslon also identified as co-founders in the original reporting.

Where it began: Its first two seasons were held at the Kroc Community Center in Camden, New Jersey, because of Philadelphia’s pandemic restrictions. It moved into Philadelphia in 2023, playing at Benjamin Franklin High School.

Its purpose: Along with competitive summer basketball, the program promotes mental health awareness, supports mental health organizations, and provides food for people experiencing homelessness.

Rucker Park connection: A 2023 “Legacy Day” was announced featuring Brotherly Love League all-stars against Rucker League stars from New York.

Novar Gadson is a key person behind the program, serving as founder and CEO of the Brotherly Love League Pro-Am Foundation. He is a Philadelphia native who played at Bartram High School, Rider University, and professionally overseas.

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John G. Stote III, the creator of The Rock basketball

His basketball roots are in Kingston, New York. In a 2018 interview, Stote said he attended John A. Coleman High School and invented The Rock around 1982.

Rucker Park inspired the name. He described taking the bus to Harlem, watching streetball legends, and playing in the later games. Hearing players call the basketball “the rock” gave him the idea for the brand name, which he said he trademarked.

His connection included running the business. That interview identifies him as president of Anaconda Sports, which produced The Rock, and also refers to him as the owner of Rock Basketball.

The business changed hands. DIRT’s official company history states that Genesco acquired Anaconda Sports in September 2010, through Hat World/Lids Team Sports. GOAT’s current website separately confirms that Stote invented The Rock and that the former company was sold. These references establish the sale history, although they do not detail his personal ownership stake or a separate sale of The Rock brand.

He also supported youth basketball. Stote discussed helping bring Smush Parker to Kingston for youth clinics and helping install baskets at Block Park around 2000. Today, GOAT credits him with basketball construction and material development alongside co-founder Heather Swart.

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LaVaba Edouard Vonzell Mallison

THE VISIONARY

Since his formative years as a member of the CBS Records group " Kids At Work" alongside Teddy Riley; DougE. Fresh and the "Get Fresh Crew"...and long before he became a solo artist at Sugarhill Records; ack for anticipating the "next cutting edge, big picture". Long before the Grammys, and American Music Awards recognized Rap music; LaVaba was producing New York's Urban Teen Music Awards at the famed

Apollo Theater. Mentored by the entertainment and financial industry's iconic movers and shakers; LaVaba's roster of strategic alliances and mentors includes: Sugarhill Records joe Robinson, Quincy Jones, Kenny Gamble, Motown Records Joe Medlin, International Financier Marc Rich, Mark Cristini, Esq

and Norby Walters. Their guidance taught him how to leverage every technology, colleague and contact to augment his skills

in order to produce optimal outcomes From A&R consultant for Jive and Motown Records; to a publishing and production deal with Qwest Records; to CEO of Roof Top Records; "Market-Maker" LaVaba was responsible for over $300 million dollars in record sales. Helping shape the music and/ or careers of Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Steve Arrington, Kool Moe Dee, R. Kelly and 3X Dope; his influence, explicit or otherwise, is a

fundamental part of making "their music" engage with a global audience. With each new project LaVaba continues to reinvent himself anew. His latest venture, Gen-Muni, is a film and music production company for linear and non-linear platforms. "This company will create

impactful conversations for a global culture"

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Visual Stimulations is a cultural visual storyteller whose work captures the people, energy, and culture that shape communities. Best known for his impact at Rucker Park, he has built a reputation for documenting basketball culture and the stories surrounding it with an authentic, cinematic eye.

His creative experience includes collaborations with SLAM, Skechers, Monster Energy, Ballislife, Jr. Knicks, DRNX, and more. Beyond photography, Visual Stimulations is passionate about short film, music, art, and exploring the ways creative expression can influence and preserve culture. Through his work, he continues to build a visual archive that connects sports, art, music, community, and cultural impact.

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