....some of these people out there call themselves a DeeJay, DJ, Disc Jockey, beat digger, breaks DJ....psht...
The point of this entry isn't to bitch about a certain individual or call anyone out. I am simply stating the facts that I have observed over the course of eight years. During these eight long years of constant struggle for recognition, I have done enough homework for you, me and the rest of your graduating class. So step off for a minute and read/listen/skim over what I have to say before you begin your judgement. This is my history. Along with my reasons behind my opinions.
Enjoy...
Of course when I started in this DJ/diggin' in the crates/record collecting game, I was the TOY of all TOYS. Hype off of my first set of NEXT turntables (that were actually direct drive*) and my two channel mixer with the shittiest cross-fader made at the time. I had a Eric B & Rakim - I Ain't No Joke 12" single and KRS', Return of the Boom Bap LP. I was convinced that I had it made in the shade. So, on my quest to the present day, as I write this blog, I taught myself everything. Never took a class or even bought a " how to DJ " video, NOTHING. I learned because that shit was running through my viens. I was a fiend from day one. Addicted to a substance that I had no knowledge of, at all...not even grasping how it would shape my future.
Bboying also played a big part in my musical influences. Since I was doing it before I ever bought a LP, I had to incorporate it into djing. I wish i would have known the affinity the two had towards one another. Now, eight years later, I see how important they are to each other and to me. That's something that has to build over time. There has to be a foundation, a cornerstone and, the relationship between djing and bboying was it. Shit had me shook as if I was getting robbed at gun point with the chrome to my dome testing my manhood. Foreal.
Eight years into it, I have seen the typical dj trends, the groupies who have NO knowledge and the people who try to exploit you through, " hooking you up with a gig ". Haaa! Right! (=/ I have my own path now. No one can tell me no, say I am not good enough or denounce the work I have put in to get to this point. It is an amazing feeling to say that you can posses that. To know that you are successful without being dishonest to yourself.
So this is what I am salty about:
I was recently at an event in California (Hollywood). Disappointment at its finest. I heard 'Give It Up or Turn It Loose' nine times over the two days I was there. C'mon man, are you telling me that out of the 10+ DJs scheduled for those days, NOT one of them could change it up? They ALL had to play the same tracks? Where is the originality? These are also cats that have been doing this gig for the past 10 years. It's depressing. Then during the battles, the music was suited for a upbeat country bar. The simple ass 1-2, 1-2, back and forth beats. Wow. Let me know when your collection surpasses the Ultimate Breaks & Beats Volumes, 1 -20, you fucka.
I put work into digging for the BEATS YOU DON'T HAVE. I know how to bring it harder than the erection you had when you got your girl pregnant. So eat some 45's for breakfast, pull the headphone jack out of your ass and find some real breaks for once. For all of those who continue to doubt, please keep doing so. It's just another compliment to me. (=For all of the people that support me locally, and around the globe, the love is appreciated. I do this first and foremost for me but, if you dig how I flip it, then all I can say is THANK YOU. The funky-jazzy-nasty-freaky-filthy-dirty-ness is unlimited. So expect more until it's my time to pass.
Ha, peace.
-soul
