William “Gums” Johnson (Hip-Hop Culture's Renaissance Man)

Hip  hop was born in the late 70’s. Through out the city and the Bronx a new art was being practiced on broken concrete, basements, lounges, and skating rinks. Hip-hop was more than an art, it was survival. It was the way you greeted your brother or sister in the streets. Hip hop was the rap you would use to get that girl or seize the opportunity that was presented. Hip - Hop became the soul of the streets. It was a creative and rebellious social message. Hip- hop music fostered a sense of dignity for young urban listeners. Your position in the game was determined by how close an individual followed the principal and fundamental rules.These same rules are applied to todays most successful businesses conducted with Hip-Hop.

Harlem 1976 was a time of literal and figurative movement. With the glamour of downtown and the stars from uptown Harlem set a stage for the hip-hop movement and its presentations. The Rolls Royce Movement would cruise through Harlem.  The leader of Rolls Royce Movement,  William “Gums” Johnson also known as L.A. boy Willie Gums.

Gum’s had formed an idea of that consisted of going downtown to rent Rolls Royce luxury vehicles. He took a chance and was successful. His Business savvy assisted him as he applied the full uptown pressure to the very biased Rolls Royce salesmen. His communication skills were an undeniable asset as he negotiated with the owner. He made the vehicles into taxis with two covering Harlem and one exclusively in the Bronx. The ballers, players, and community royalty of that time enjoyed the private ride to and from locations. The movement also catered to more intimate rides with their lady.

The Renaissance aka "The Renny"

Gums organized the $1.00 parties at the Renaissance. The renaissance was an uptown ballroom that is now owned by the Abyssinian church. Today if you look at the Renaissance, you would see a building that looks as if it could be abandoned. In 1976 from 6pm-11pm on Friday and Saturday kids could party. The “no guns” policy was in full effect and fish wire to the outside would guarantee your piece at the end of the party. 

The Renaissance Ballroom currently on 7th Avenue at 138th Street

Gums at work

During the hard economic times of the late 70's early 80's, many neighborhood kids were left in the cold. Gums and other entrepreneurs saw the opportunity in Hip-hop. Gums promoted one of the largest hip-hop events at that time in the Audubon Lounge and the Renaissance.

The NYCHA Senior center that "Gums" currently directs.

DJ AJ, Lovebug Starski, Busy Bee,  and Kurtis Blow are all former names that Gum’s has worked with.  William Gums Johnson currently works for NYCHA. He is a staple in his Harlem Community. After being a Renaissance man of early hip-hop Gums has given back to the Harlem community as a brother of Minisink mentor, coach, single father, and director of his senior center operated by NYCHA. Gum's is a proud grandfather of two beautiful twins from his only daughter Tameika. 2012

Hi. I wrote this 6 years ago for my Uncle Gums. He was a big man in stature and had the heart to match. He would help those he cared for until the goal was completed. He inspired me to be who I am today in 2018. I am an award winning youth activist, community center director, media consultation entrepreneur and forever grateful. 

Gums brotherhood to Minisink gave his unforgettable spirit exposure and love. Gums rest in peace.

-Preem

Neckbones was on the menu at the senior center today.

Love Turbo