DMC gets set for another mind blowing set of UK Championships heats this Saturday April 25th at The White Rabbit in Plymouth. We catch up with our new host and master of ceremonies Inja, Turntablist fans watch out!
2009 sees you stepping up to be the new host of the world’s biggest DJing competition – the DMC World Mixing Finals culminating at the O2 Arena in September. A proud moment for you?
“Yes of course, very proud. I am looking forward to it immensely, I have a big personality and confident and I have hosted a lot of events in the past. I love making people laugh and am very spontaneous on stage. Here we go!”
Who over the years do you think have been the best ever DMC Turntablist stars?
“From the UK scene most definitely The Scratch Perverts and Mr Thing, life’s about turning in different journeys so each year something special arrives, I am a musician and have worked with Mr Thing who mixes it all about which I respect.””
Tell us about the track you’ve got coming out with Skinny Man and Fallacy ‘Hat Low’ an amazing video – something special huh?
“It’s a monster radio banger! Mixes from Ganja Man, Mr Thing and Chimpo. It’s about representing the kids and has an amazing vibe…”
You’re from Cambridge – one of the quietest parts and most beautiful parts of the UK – how the heck did you end up there?
“Well I’m originally from Luton, well you could say it’s a little nicer over here…”
Who are the hip hop MC superstars you grew up listening to that has taken you to the main stages of stadiums and nightclubs around the globe that have inspired you?
“All the old Reggae stars. My cousins and myself were always sneaking off to listen to the radio as it wasn’t really allowed in the house, artists such as Shabba Ranks, Ninja Man, Super Cat and also proper old skool mash up stuff.”
You are known for the longest running drum n’ bass night ‘Warning’, at The Junction. What’s it all about?
“Thank you Dan. Well it’s what it is, great DJs spinning Drum n’ Bass on one level, and Dubstep upstairs. And a really loyal and enthusiastic crowd.”
What has been the best night you have had?
“Well the 14th Birthday just gone by was special. Andy C, Goldie, DJ Hype, Commix, DJ Hazard, Grooverider, The Ragga Twins, Fabio, MC Dynamite, MC Skibadee, DJ Bailey, BeardyMan, MC Eksman, MC Fatman D, Dj Fu, MC GQ, Mc Shabba, DJ Concrete, DJ Blazin, Jungle Drummer, MC Fun, MC IC3, MC Five Alive, Mc Phantom, DJ Barrington, MC Inja and MC Johnny Ka$h all in the house.”
Who though have been your best DJs over the years?
“Andy C is always a star and DJ Craze is just a DJ that just gets it…”
You have your own night, ‘Soundclash’ – what was your inspiration to bring your sound to the overground from the underground.
“Just to bring live music to Cambridge really. I don’t do it for the money at all, I’m just bringing Hip Hop into a city that loves their music and will trip out on new music.”
Where do you think Dubstep began and how long does it take to make a Dubstep record?
“Hah! I have been waiting for a journalist to ask me this! Well it’s late 70s and 80s records now produced by modern day producers with the new age of sound and technical capabilities. A sprinkling of Drum n’ Bass added to the mix too and the added bonus of the not so common dance vocals. It’s raw.”
Best Hip Hop album ever made?
“Wow. Cypress Hill ‘Cypress Hill’, a lot of the Nas stuff and the first Snoop release. All seminal.”
For more information on the DMC UK heats please visit www.dmcdjchamps.com
Photo credit – Kamelia Zaal
