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Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams — legendary program director, manager, record label CEO, and producer — has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the foundation of hip-hop radio and the modern rap recording industry.
Williams played a defining role in early New York hip-hop alongside John “Mr. Magic” Rivas and Marlon “Marley Marl” Williams. The trio transformed the airwaves of WHBI and later WBLS with Mr. Magic’s Rap Attack, a groundbreaking radio show that became a cultural catalyst for hip-hop’s expansion and mainstream recognition.
Their influence extended into the recording industry through early releases on Pop Art, NIA, and Prism Records, offering some of the first platforms for future legends from the Juice Crew. After the massive success of Roxanne Shanté’s “Roxanne’s Revenge,” Williams became her manager, and soon, he and his partners founded Bridge Records. However, after disputes over payment from distributors, they regrouped with a new vision — building something bigger.
That vision became Cold Chillin’ Records, named after a casual phone conversation with MC Shan. Williams, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl, Shan, and retail veteran Lenny Fichelburg launched the label, which would go on to define an era. Cold Chillin’ released music from MC Shan, Roxanne Shanté, Biz Markie, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, Grand Daddy I.U., Marley Marl, and even a young Genius (later known as GZA of Wu-Tang Clan).
In 2023, Howard University honored Fly Ty with a special tribute celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary — a fitting acknowledgment of his decades-long commitment to the culture.
From pioneering rap radio to guiding some of the genre’s most influential artists, Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams’ impact reverberates through every corner of hip-hop’s history.
Rest in Peace, Fly Ty — a true architect of the culture.
