The devastating Bronx fire that left 17 people dead has deeply affected the former residents of the complex where the tragedy occurred. Kurtis Blow held a Zoom meeting on Thursday, Jan. 20, to discuss initiatives to help those most affected. The Hip-Hop godfather was joined by Whodini’s Grandmaster Dee, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious 5’s Melle Mel and Rahiem; and Stevie D of The Force MDs, Chuck D of Public Enemy and Bishops Cathaye Jones and Eric Gailliard.

“This was a sudden event that happened, so this is why we had to stand up and come together at the last minute,” Blow tells HipHopDX around the 15-minute mark. “We want to give to these families that have been affected by this fire, mostly people of color, Black and brown people, that are affected. So, we wanted to come by and show our support by way of donations.

Kurtis Blow praised fellow Bronx native Cardi B for her contributions to the families who lost loved ones to the fire.

“Now I have heard that Cardi B came forward and she has promised to pay for the funerals of the people who passed away, which is incredible. God bless her heart. We love you Cardi B. We thank you for your involvement. Our new governor Kathy Hochul has vowed to put up $2 million to give to the families that were traumatized by the fire. Those are good, good blessings and miracles that came about within the last 48 hours.”