Music at the Intersection aims to honor 50 years of hip-hop with St. Louis DJ tribute

DJ G. Wiz opened a recent set on community radio station KDHX on a relatively somber note. He dedicated the show to his friend Troy Major, a dancer who died in August. Major was known for pop-locking, a complicated breakdancing technique instrumental to hip-hop dancing.

The style was created by Don Campbell, a St. Louis dancer whose moves shaped hip-hop and funk dancing and became an essential component of breakdancing. Wiz explains the history with excitement and reverence, describing Campbell’s contributions and those of Fred Berry, the St. Louis dancer and actor who played Rerun on the TV show, “What’s Happening.”

“No one can tell the complete story, I just know what I know and what I witnessed,” Wiz said. “Everybody else can do the same and hopefully everybody's stories match up.”

As DJ G. Wiz, Ron Butts has been one of the most respected hip-hop historians in St. Louis. He's showcased the genre through documentaries and video mixes, keeping the music fresh for generations of fans. On Saturday, Wiz will use that history to honor 50 years of hip-hop by curating a tribute at the third annual Music at the Intersection festival.

Wiz selected a handful of local DJs who will mix and play sounds from local and national artists between artist performances. He said the DJ sets will provide a soundtrack for the festival and honor the music that has shaped culture over the past 50 years.