Tony Touch: Walking By Faith, Boricuas On The Set & Pioneering The Game

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of Gracias, Come Again, we sit down with DJ Tony Touch, legendary DJ, producer, artist, mixtape pioneer, and one of the most influential cultural figures in Hip-Hop history.  Tony Touch takes us back to his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, sharing how his Puerto Rican roots and musical household shaped his destiny. Raised in a family of musicians, with a grandfather and father who played music and a mother who sang, Tony explains how music was always in his DNA. We explore Tony Touch’s role as a firsthand witness to the birth of Hip-Hop AND reggaeton and how he has remained present and impactful decade after decade, building a global legacy while staying grounded in community.  Going beyond the music, Tony speaks candidly about his private life, sharing that he is both a father and a grandfather, while explaining why he chooses to keep much of his personal life out of the spotlight. He discusses growing up in a religious home, how faith and God have always guided his journey, and how he attributes his success, longevity, and purpose to his spiritual foundation. The conversation also dives into Boricuas in Hip-Hop, Tony’s groundbreaking ReggaeTony era, and his work with icons like Tego Calderón & Ivy Queen. Tony reflects on being a crucial bridge when reggaeton traveled from Puerto Rico to New York, and how he helped introduce the sound to the Spanglish and Latino communities across the United States.  We also get his thoughts on Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl performance, his cultural impact, and what his success represents for Latino music on the global stage. Tony closes the episode by sharing his vision for 2026 and graciously accepting his flowers as a true hip-hop legend whose influence continues to shape generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.