RODNEY 'C!' Rodney Stone a.k.a. (Lil’ Rodney C) currently performs as MC Rodney C! was born in the Village of Harlem, New York City, and raised the first 10 years of his life in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York moved in August 1973 to the South Bronx, the home of Hip-Hop. Rodney C! is a true pioneer in the hip-hop/rap industry who started writing and rhyming back in 1975.

Rodney’s dedication to becoming an MC was influenced by his association with the legendary Keith Cowboy of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Daily, Rodney C! dedicated hours to writing and sharpening his skills as an MC. He teamed up with Stephen Washington, aka DJ Stevie-Steve, a friend from his South Bronx neighborhood. Stephen used a make shift stereo system that he assembled himself. Rodney C! stepped in as the head MC and the formation of "The Magnificent 7 Crew was born. In 1979, several transitions took place within the world of hip hop, including the departure of Rahiem and Sha-Rock, two members of the (original) Funky Four, Rodney C! and Jazzy Jeff landed the 2 openings. The group then became known as The New Funky Four, with the return of Sha Rock the group then became the Funky Four Plus One More and later, The Funky 4+1.  

Rodney’s MC style was deeply admired by his crew members. His outgoing persona influenced and motivated members of the group to reach for the sky. Within four months of his joining, the group was offered their first recording deal and "Rappin' and Rockin' the House" was released in NYC on Enjoy Records in 1979.  The fourth rap record ever released it sold over 60,000 copies within two weeks- before it ever played on the airwaves. The success of this record took The Funky Four Plus One More supported by Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five on their first tour.

The next year, the group joined Sugar Hill Records and their 2nd single "That's The Joint" was released. While at Sugar Hill Records, the group attracted the attention of Debbie Harry of the famed punk rock group “Blonde”. They were her musical guest on Saturday Night Live and became the first Hip Hop artists to perform (live) on national television.

Rodney C! and K.K. Rockwell departure from Sugar Hill Records lead them to create the duo – Double Trouble. In spite of the ups and downs of the entertainment business, success continued to cross their paths, and they were featured in (1983) in the first Hip-Hop, Break-dance & Graffiti movie ever created “Wild Style” produced by Charlie Ahearn and Fab 5 Freddy.

Rodney Stone is currently the Executive Director of The Ground Breakers Entertainment a newly formed entertainment company started by some of hip hop’s original pioneers for the purpose of re-establishing their rightful place in hip hop. The Ground Breakers are working in association with Praise, Peace & Pride, Inc. (a non profit-organization) to provide medical health and dental care assistance for all hip hop pioneers and their families while simultaneously building a strong foundation that will enable them to help themselves and their communities.

2009 marked the 30th year anniversary of hip hop on wax, and The Ground Breakers have put together tribute performances to “1979” and all the artist who recorded and released hip hop music in that year. These performances are like no other, the first of its kind, original hip hop pioneers paying homage to original hip hop pioneers.