On August 29th, 1986 one of the most iconic clubs representing hip-hop in NYC opened it’s doors, giving the newer generation of artists a platform to show off their stuff. This laid the foundation for what many call the golden age of hip-hop. From Boogie Down Production, Biz Markie, Eric B & Rakim, Just-Ice, Stetsasonic Salt-N-Pepa, U.T.F.O, Ultra Magnetic & many more, Union Square set a trend of having legendary performing artists. The performances weren’t the only luxury Union Square had to offer, as the music lead to a great party atmosphere which brought people from all 5 NYC boros together.

Spinning at the club was the legend himself and hottest NYC DJ at the time, 98.7 KISS FM’s own Kool DJ Red Alert (now with WBLS). Red went on to break many artists under his Red Alert Productions management company. Union Square was also the spot where the Violators first formed as part of Red Alert’s entourage named by Red for their reputations for stealing other guys girlfriends.

When you mention the mystic of Union Square, Kool DJ Red Alert has to go hand and hand. Any mention of the golden age of hip-hop should include these two iconic names. Big congrats to Union Square for 30 years to the day the doors opened to pave the way for hip-hop and DJs in NYC and around the world. Be sure to check out Red’s Master Mix Party celebrating the occasion.

Ryan Flannery (Twitter:@Flannery15)