Tools of War NYC Summer Park Jams

Grandmaster Caz, Tools of War Crotona Park Jam, 2016 ©EBGallardo All Rights Reserved

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​​Tools of War grassroots Hip Hop is celebrating their 15th year producing old school summer park jams in New York City. 

​​NYC park jams are integral to the origin and growth of Hip Hop during the 1970s-1980s. ​

Park jams, then and now, are an opportunity for us to gather, lay down our differences, and discover our similarities. All while having fun. We could use more of that these days.

Tools of War Crotona Park Jam, 2016 ©EBGallardo All Rights Reserved

​Tools of War co-founders, Hip Hop Pioneer Jorge "Popmaster Fabel" Pabon (Rock Steady Crew, Magnificent Force) and Christie Z (DMC USA DJ Battles) began the series in order to revive the tradition and to keep grassroots Hip Hop culture alive.

Lord Finesse, Tools of War Crotona Park Jam, 2016 ©EBGallardo All Rights Reserved

With Forever Host Grandmaster Caz, sound by DJ Jazzy Jay, and a deep well of talented DJs and MCs like Lord Finesse, they do it right. Tools of War park jams bring together persons of all types and ages into fabulous community.

Tools of War Crotona Park Jam, 2016 ©EBGallardo All Rights Reserved

Tools of War Crotona Park Jam, 2016 ©EBGallardo All Rights Reserved

Family-friendly, free, and open to the public, Tools of War park jams are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Bronx and Harlem through the end of August. Check out their schedule.

This is New York City at its best.

*Photos above are of the final Crotona Park Jam of 2016. For more of the series, follow me on Facebook and Instagram.