So, The 2005 USA Supremacy Champion… what do you remember about the night / the occasion… where you nervous beforehand?
“Not quite nervous, more anxious if anything. When it came to head-to-head Battles, I always did a great amount of research towards the other competitors entering and tried to get an idea of who I can use a mediocre or powerful set against. Luckily, my strategy paid off. A great way to end off the night was being kicked out of the venue immediately after winning since I was the only contestant under 21, 18 years-old at the time. Hooray!”
So as I remember, didn’t you start DJing at the age of ten? How on earth did that happen?
“My older brother bought a pair of turntables back in 1997 and he was very strict as to who would use them. I always had a keen interest in music mainly because I was taking saxophone lessons at the time and besides that, all I had was school, Japanese comics and video games to hold me over. When I came across his turntables, it was something that grabbed my attention, but not fully at first. It wasn’t until I sat down with him to watch a couple of the DMC US and World Final videos along with a couple volumes of Turntable TV. That really solidified a big interest for me to start exploring more. Anyway, to make a long story short, I ended up discreetly practicing on his decks for about 4 years until I saved up enough money to purchase my own.”
By the age of 19 you won the DMC USA and Gong World Supremacy titles in 6 months. No other DJ has accomplished such a remarkable act within a short period of time – quite a ride huh?
“I didn’t have anything else better to do, ha ha.”
Best ever hip hop record made?
“‘Amen Brother'” by The Winstons released in 1969. Hip-Hop wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for that record.”
What were the suburbs of Washington DC like to grow up in?
“Loved it, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to have grown up in. Both of my parents are from South America so to take their life, musical interests and mix it in with the D.C. melting pot of people and go-go music – you get me now? An eclectic hybrid producer/turntablist!!
What are your thoughts on Obama?
“Most people talk about solely his race being a monumental victory but personally, what I treasured the most about Obama is how much of a struggle portions of his life were, the complete embracement of his troubled past and how tough his road was to get where he was at today. This was my first time voting and he definitely inspired me to get deeper into politics since there was someone I could realistically relate to. Also, I think he’ll rejuvenate the world’s perspective of the US in the 21st century. As far as hip-hop goes, I think he could drastically change the lyrical content and actually inspire artists to make stuff thats timeless without constantly spreading materialistic or negative things.”
Best ever scratch DJ?
“Why is this even a question? Q-Bert.”
How important do you think DMC have been in the development of the Turntablist/Hip Hop World…?
“Extremely vital. DMC made the turntablist scene what it is today and will always serve as the most prestigious platform for those seeking such exposure, period. DMC literally changes peoples lives, myself included.”
What record will never leave your box?
“Michael Jackson – ‘Billie Jean’.
Where do you see the turtnablist world going…
“I really don’t know. The advancement of technology has definitely had its pros and cons towards the scene. I think if a lot of DJs would put more focus and effort towards developing a sufficient skill level, then they can find their own style and personality. Right now, I feel that everyone just wants to learn the hottest scratch/juggling pattern or work with a producer like Le Jad for example to take their set to the next level. I have no issue with the DJs who work with producers, my problem lies with those who are just average DJs and rely too much on the production to do the work for themselves. To the untrained eye, it sounds amazing and thats where I feel the essence is being lost and becoming something entirely different.”
I once saw you DJ in some mad place, which I think was in the Czech Republic – you have travelled everywhere around the world… what have been the best clubs / countries you have been to? South America and China must have been a trip…
“Best club for me had to be Xaga in Taichung, Taiwan. The crowd there was going bananas and showed me love more than anywhere else I’ve been, even my hometown.”
Tell us about New York’s Central Park And Performing on the Summer-stage…
“A really amazing outdoor park. Myself and Jean Grae did a show there on a hot summer afternoon back in 2006. We ended up just spraying the crowd with water guns at the end.”
You have shared a stage with Lady Sovereign… how did you find her and what do you think of her music?
“At first, she looked 13 without me realizing she’s actually a grown woman, older than me for that matter. Cool performer, lots of potential. I know she was going through some personal issues but I hope she can get past them. She hasn’t even scratched the surface yet with her sound.”
What is 2009 gonna bring to us from you?
“Hopefully another album or at the very least, an EP. Getting my tracks out to the masses is my top priority. Currently, I’m all about just knocking original material in the studio and figuring out the best way to transcribe it to a live format. Most turntablist albums are heavily multitrack so my goal in 2009 is to get past that stage when it comes to doing performances with my songs.”
Your new video has been played on National TV. Tell us more…..
My latest music video “Swollen Dome” was featured on a show called “X-Play” on the G4TV Network here in the states. The video/song is a 16-bit animation tribute to the video games of the 90’s while I poke fun of myself through different impersonations. It was great seeing turntablism making its way back onto the mainstream stage and that itself was the highlight for me, reaching out to this generation of aspiring DJs.
You now reside in Miami and get to enjoy the Winter Music Conference, which was your favourite year and why?
My favorite year had to be 2007. I remember Craze’s Bass Sessions that year had a killer line-up with himself, A-Trak, Z-Trip, Krafty Kuts, Klever, the Scratch Perverts, and so on. I haven’t been to a show as dope as that one and more than likely, it probably won’t happen again anytime soon.
Have you ever participated in the Winter Music Conference Spin Off DJ Competition which DMC sponsor?
I was a judge for the Spin Off in 2006 and 2007. Whats great about the competition from what I’ve noticed is that the majority of contestants have never entered a battle before. Its been a great way to break the ice for the ones that are really curious about the competition scene or just want to improve on their stage presence no matter the genre of music their style of DJ-ing caters to.
We sent DMC’s Sally Mclintock to last year’s Winter Music Conference and we heard you partied. What was the highlight of this years conference?
I always have a blast hanging out with Ms. Mclintock whether it be overseas or here in Miami. She definitely knows how to get down, thats for sure. I think we’d both agree that the WMC Pool Party at the Shellbourne was the highlight… without a doubt. It was Jazzy Jeff’s party and all his friends came out to have fun: Skillz, Common, Biz Markie. There was even this dance crew called the “Retro Kidz” who rocked 90’s gear to the fullest, everything from the high top fades, bright neon clothes, Knicks jerseys, you name it.
What are your current Top Ten Tunes?
1. Ludacris – ‘MVP’ (produced by DJ Premier)
2. Kid Sister – ‘Get Fresh’
3. DJ I-Dee – 1991
4. Kanye West – ‘Paranoid’
5. Wale – ‘Nike Boots
6. Charles Hamilton – “Enter the Hedgehog”
7. Asher Roth – ‘Roth Boys
8. Mike Relm – ‘Tron’
9. Tittsworth – ‘WTF’
10. Ill Bill – ‘Society is Brainwashed’
And finally, highlight of 2008?
“Releasing my debut album this past August was a monumental mark for my DJ-ing career and the beginnings of a producer. Go buy it on iTunes and Amazon.com.
Thank you Dan”
