AL CASH formerly AL B
AL B grew up in Drew Hamilton Projects in Harlem, New York.
AL B learned to DJ at the age of 12 under the mentorship of Larry D, a family friend from the
building. In 1974, AL, along with friends B Fats and Donald Dee, began playing music in the
park. It was in the late 1970s that AL B and his friends created the Sapphire Crew. They, along
with Luv Bug Starski, were commissioned by Willie Gums and the Rose Royce Movement to
give parties at the infamous Renaissance Ballroom.
AL B was one of the founding members of the Disco 4, signed to Enjoy Records. The Disco 4
consisted of Cool G, Greg G, Ronnie D, Country, Mr. Troy, B Fats, and Donald Dee. All were
members of the Sapphire Crew, which at the time, was the largest Hip Hop crew in Harlem.
In 1982, AL B and other members of the Disco 4, while working for Mr. Magic at WHBI,
accepted the challenge to a basketball game against members of the Crash Crew. The game
took place in Mt. Morris Park and gave birth to the Entertainers Basketball Classic.
The EBC combined Hip Hop and street basketball at a level that had not been reached. AL B
paired with fellow Harlemite Duke to become the announcing duo of Tango & Cash. The style of
streetball announcing created by Tango & Cash is emulated all over the world to this day. During
his time at the EBC, AL B hosted a public access show called Ready or Not Videos. Viewers
were able to call in and vote on the latest music videos, much like, the later created, TRL and 106 & Park.
AL B has contributed to Hip Hop in various ways throughout its history and continues to do so.