Ben “Cosmo D” grew up listening to all types of music, but it was nascent sound of hip hop in the parks that really grabbed his attention, inspiring him to become a DJ in 1976. While only a sophomore in high school, he started Jam On Productions with his two cousins and future wife, and began throwing neighborhood block parties. After crafting their own tracks under the name Positive Messenger, they eventually morphed into the group known as Newcleus. They released two seminal 12-inch singles, “Jam On Revenge,” which cracked the Top 40 on the US R&B chart, and “Jam On It” which reached #56 on the Billboard Hot 100, both of which capitalized on the computerized, electro sound that “Planet Rock” made popular. [READ MORE]