The stars that have stunned us over the years on our DMC World Final stages!
A-TRAK, so Mr Macklovitch, from Montreal, one of the the coolest DJs that we have ever seen, what was it like winning the big one in 1997 at the age of 15? Beats a maths exam huh?
“Thanks. Frankly I never really know how to answer this question. It was really cool. Surprising. Overwhelming. Rewarding.”
Your mom used to go to some of your big gigs/comps… what did she make of your music?
“All I can say is that I’m lucky to have such supportive parents, they’re very open minded!”
What music was on your stereo/radio when you were growing up…who were your idols?
“I got into hip hop when I was about 12 or so. Before that I used to listen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, this is around ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magic’. Also, lots of 70s classic rock, Zeppelin, Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Police, etc. Then I got into hip hop through the Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill. Also the Pharcyde, Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s 2nd album, A Tribe Called Quest’s ‘Main Ingredient’ album. I also used to listen to Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince for the scratches.”
So you used to be the on tour DJ for Kanye West… what was that like?
“Yeah I toured with Kanye for 4 years, but I did more than DJ for him. I worked very closely with him. I really like working with him, he’s extremely driven, he has a great ear and he really brings out the best out of certain people.”
How has the art of Turntablism changed over the last few years, for instance, Chad Jackson scooped the prize back in the 80s scratching a record with a pool cue and throwing a baseball into the crowd… it has evolved a LITTLE since then!!
“It really branched off into its own subculture. It’s funny because working with Kanye showed me that a lot of mainstream hip hop fans don’t know that DJing has evolved since that scene in the movie ‘Juice’. I think around 2000 is when it reached its peak in creativity and pure technique. But I’m sure there will be a new progression in the future.”
Who do you think are the kings of turntablism at the moment…
“There’s a lot of great Turntablists nowadays but I still don’t think anyone has really changed the game since the techniques and styles that were invented in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I don’t want to start naming names because I don’t want anyone to be left out but everyone who’s won a DMC championship since we all retired has been super talented.”
Which DMC Champion has been the best since 1983?
“Craze, in my opinion. Him and Q-Bert.”
Tell us about the new label and the new single…
“I run a label called Fool’s Gold with my friend Nick Catchdubs and it’s really great. A few months ago I released a single called ‘Say Whoa’ on Kitsuné. I have a Fabriclive CD coming out in April. I’m going to start working on an album soon. I also produced the Kid Sister album which is coming out in the early summer.”
Best record of all time?
“Abbey Road?”
I hear you’ve been doing a house swap with DJ Mehdi & Fafi in Paris…
“Yep that was back in October. It was fun but flew by too fast! I want to go back to Paris soon.
Best DJ of all time?
“Jazzy Jeff.”
My dad Tony Prince who gave you your trophy for winning DMC, what did you make of him standing on his head on stage in front of 7000 people?
“He’s a born showman.”
