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Artist
Antonio Ocasio
12+ albums
world fusionUSAworld grooveWorld Fusion Radios Unearthed Gems
about
Antonio Ocasio grew up in the South Bronx where the neighborhoods were thriving with a rich sound in music including the African American and Puerto Rican/Latino culture. The combination and sometimes integration of both cultures made an excellent arena for Antonio to have a broad and rich musical experience. “There was always music playing in our home. My mother would have the music playing while she cleaned, cooked and during regular weekend gatherings with family and friends to socialize and play dominoes (My mother was a champ in dominoes). “ At a very early age, his older brother exposed Antonio to the music of Carlos Santana. “I was instantly hooked on his music and he has been a major musical influence in my life." In 1972, Antonio met a neighborhood DJ by the name of Rookie. "He basically took me under his wing and not only was he teaching me the art of mixing but also allowing me to play with him at parties. I was just a boy but I remember one day Grandmaster Flash walked into the bedroom, where Rookie had his setup, so that Rookie could show him how to mix. We also played music at public parks. This is a very important aspect of the underground music scene that is rarely mentioned, but it was an integral part of the movement.” During his upbringing in the South Bronx, Antonio was exposed to several genres of music especially the old Latin Boleros, Latin Jazz, African rhythms (Yoruba religion/Santeria), Soul, Funk, Disco, Gospel and Rap. As a teenager, Antonio st
