What is your earliest memory of a DMC Mixing Heat / Final?
“Going down to The Sussex in Streatham to do the UK heat back in ’88.”
Have you a message for DMC for pioneering this amazing artform we have all created…?
“Thank you DMC for supporting all the DJs that practice day in, day out to be champions.”
Tell us what you think was the major factor that won you, your DMC title?
“I think it was bringing something new to the art form. I was the first to do the Drum N’ Bass juggles.”
What is/has been the best part of your Turntablist skill – what is your forte?
“I think simply being an all rounder.”
What are the most important five records that you have ever used as a Turntablist…
“Wow Dan.
1 ‘Change The Beat’ – Fab Five Freddy.
2. ‘Peter Piper’ Run DMC
3. ‘It’s Yours’ – TLA Rock
4. ‘Dance To The Drummers Beat’ – Herman Kelly
5. ‘Welcome To The Terrordome’ – Public Enemy
What track that when you heard up on stage spun by a rival, did you always think, ‘oh god, not that tune again…?
“Rob Base & Easy Rock ‘It Takes Two’ – I still can’t stand it!”
What night has seen your best ever display on the wheels of steel?
“The UK Final, 1989.”
What goes through your mind as you are waiting to step up on the biggest stage of your life?
“Everything and nothing. You are just focussed on the job at hand.”
Who in your opinion, has been the best ever DMC Champ we have ever had?
“Woah, I can’t say as every year the champion has just lifted the level.”
Which one Turntablist over the years has performed the ‘one piece’ of magic in his set that you simply had to look away in absolute disbelief?
“There are a few. Q-Bert and D Styles for cutting, and Roc Raida for his juggles.”
How many weeks/months before the big night did you start planning your set?
“About a year before..”
How many records do you own?
“Too many. I have been selling loads of the spares the last few months but my lock up is still full.”
What did your parents think back in the day of your chosen career profession as a DJ?
“My mother didn’t understand me, but she got behind me when she saw me focused.”
The DMC World Mixing Finals are 25 years young/old this year – how do you think the art of this craft has changed over the years?
“I think today, a lot of DJs focus on the technical side, more then the music.”
How did winning the a DMC title change your life?
“Well it made me a champion and everyone loves a champion. It made it easy to promote my own projects and help other DJs.”
What country/city that you have visited after winning the DMC title has really blown your mind?
“So many, but Japan and Brazil stand out.”
What one Turntablist would you choose from 1985 to the present day – any category – would you like to battle against?
“Ha! I would rather jam with them than Battle them!”
Can you breakdance?
“Not any more!”
The Greatest ever Hip Hop DJ?
“There are just too many to mention for different reasons. But thank you to Grand Wizard Theodore for having the nerve to show the world what you invented.”
Which country’s spinners have really surprised you in recent years?
“Japan, Australia and France.”