THE DMC USA DJ FINALS – Rocking The Big Apple
What was the highlight of New York’s biggest DJ event of the year last weekend?
“Being at the US Finals itself was a highlight for me. I love being in New York and at the event and seeing the different flavour the US has to offer – and of course, watching Kool DJ Red Alert hosting the DMC’s again!”
Tell us about the DMC feature in the New York Times?
“I’m so happy for Christie and DMC USA. The Finals made the New York Times, which is amazing, it’s rare for events of our nature to make the NY Times. I brought back a couple of copies, one for me and one for Tony Prince.”
What legends did you bump into at The Crotona Park Jam in The Bronx Sally…?
“Dan it was unreal. I wanna be back at Crotona Park! I met Kool Herc, Biz Markie, Tony Tone from the Cold Crush Brothers, Grandmaster Caz, Lord Finesse, DJ Scratch, I bumped into Steve Dee too. So many legends just hanging out enjoying the Hip Hop, it’s everything I imagined Hip Hop back in the day to be.”
I hear you were on the A List Radio ‘Table Manners’ show in New York – what was that like? Does Terry Wogan have to start quaking in his shoes?
“I love being on radio Dan, no lie! It was great, I was there, Christie Z who organises DMC USA, Fat Fingaz (DMC US host, and DMC enthusiast), Donnie D (US Finalist judge) and two of the DMC US Finalists – DJ Lodus and DJ Ohm. We did a two hour show, which will be available to watch again on www.dmcdjchamps.com in a few days! Terry Wogan…watch this space!”
Who is your favourite turntablist ever?
“That would be DJ Craze for me without a doubt. I love watching him perform, he just becomes part of the turntable.”
Best ever Turntablist Performance?
“I absolutely loved C2C’s 2005 performance, I loved the showmanship and the musicality of these guys, they truly are amazing artists…”
The most underrated Turntablist who hasn’t won a world title?
“The most underrated DJ to not win a World DMC title in my opinion is DJ Woody or DJ Dexter from his 2000 World Final set when he came runner up to Craze…”
So. A monumental event. Shiftee from NYC crowned again – but I understand there’s a West Coast dude right behind him…?
“Indeed, first of all congratulations to Shiftee though. He was excellent and a contender for this year’s title I’m sure. Runner up went to Mista B from San Francisco who is part of the 4onefunk crew – I loved his set, so musical and funky. He definitely deserved runner up, watch out for Mista B.”
Why haven’t you moved to New York – you are the DMC Turntable Queen?
“Ha ha! Dan. I would love to move to NYC. Not sure the DMC family would be too happy about that one though would they?”
What is the greatest thing DMC has brought to the DMC / Turntable / Hip Hop world?
“The platform that is there for the DJ once they win that World title. I’m so proud of DMC and so happy to be such a main part in this event. DMC are truly one of the DJ pioneers and longest running DJ organisation, plus we care about the DJ and the artform.”
What was it like witnessing our host DJ Red Alert for the first time – back in the day during the 80s you were far too young to have seen him, what were your impressions of the Hip Hop maestro?
“Yes I was never allowed to come along to the Royal Albert Hall days when I was like 8. I wouldn’t have been a pain though, I would have been as quiet as a mouse!!! But it was amazing to watch Red on stage instead of watching the footage! Hearin his famous ayyyyyyy yooooo, and what a brilliant year for him to host being the 25th anniversary year”
What is the best thing about New York?
“The people, being an English girl in New York, the Hip Hop park jams and I have some great friends out there.”
Who is going to win the titles at DMC 2009 in your opinion?
“There are so many surprises each year Dan – any country can win, which is why DMC is such a great event. Everyone needs to come down and witness the show DMC are planning for the 25th anniversary World Final, its gonna be a very special year. See you there people…”
