What is your earliest memory of a DMC Mixing Final?
“My earliest memory of the DMC’s must be back in the early 90’s. I was just starting to get into the art form when my friends and I got a hold of the DMC champions VHS tape. Started out with Chad Jackson and worked it’s way up all the way to the Rock Steady DJ’s. It just blew my mind and haven’t looked back since.”
How did you decide on your own name as a Turntablist artist?
“My name Dopey was actually just a nickname that ended up sticking with me throughout my childhood. Mainly due to the size of my ears, I had friends calling me dopey. But as Hip Hop grew on me more and more, the word ‘dope’ also became such a prominent word in my vocabulary that I just decided t stick with it.”
Who is the best technical Turntablist of all time?
“Oooh, that’s a tough one. But at the end of the day I’d have to go with Q-Bert. Just because of how technical he got with the cuts. Always amazing.”
What are the most important five records that you have ever used as a Turntablist…
‘Thriller’ – Michael Jackson
‘The Watcher Pt.2 ‘ – Jay Z’
‘Ya Bad Chubs’ – Chubb Rock
‘Echoes of an Era’ – Maynard Ferguson
Super Duck Breaks
What track that when you hear up on stage spun by a rival, do you always think, ‘oh god not again’
“There was a point in time in the early to mid 90’s when everyone was doing something with ‘It Takes Two’. It just got so overdone after a certain point that it made me cringe every time I heard it.”
What has been your best ever display on the wheels of steel?
“Probably the shows after the DMC 2003 Finals”
What is going through your mind as you are waiting to step up on the biggest stage of your life moments before you hit the stage?
“Honestly, I tried not to think about too many things. I didn’t want to get too nervous about what was about to happen (a dream coming to fruition). I basically tried to keep calm and repeatedly tell myself to take my time and not to rush through my routine.”
Who in your opinion, has been the best ever DMC Champ we have ever had?
“Craze”
Best Hip Hop record ever made
“Nas ‘Illmatic'”
How many weeks/months before the big night do you start planning your set?
“Close to a year.”
How many records do you own?
“I’ve sold a bit but I’m guessing I’m still up in the 5000’s – 6000’s range. Never really did keep count.”
What did your parents think back in the day of your chosen career profession?
“They hated the fact that I wanted to pursue something that wasn’t “for sure”. Filipino parents tend to be traditional in every way, shape, and form. But all that changed after I won.”
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?
“Changed quite a bit. It gradually went from more physical tricks (Chad Jackson, DJ David etc.) to more and more musical composition (Dream Team, C2C etc.).”
How did winning the DMC title change your life?
“It pretty much got my foot in the door for the industry. It gave me opportunities that I might not have gotten without the title. Also, gave me the confidence that I can have a sustainable career doing what I love!”
What country/city that you have visited after winning the DMC title has really blown your mind?
“I would have to say Mongolia. Just the fact that they had a hip-hop scene there blew my mind enough. Probably the weirdest club experience as well but that’s a whole other story.”
What one Turntablist would you choose from 1985 to the present day – any category – would you like to battle against?
“Ha ha, that’s a tough one. I would probably have to say Q-Bert because he’d bring the best out in me.”
Can you breakdance?
“Not anymore. I can up-rock though! Does that count?”
Who is your opinion is the greatest ever Hip Hop DJ and why?
“DJ Jazzy Jeff… he’s always been able to rock a party like no other as well as keep his technical skills pretty sharp.”
And finally, please give DMC a message of love for pioneering this amazing art-form we have…
“DMC, thank you for bringing our art form to the forefront! You guys created the excitement and the competition that escalated us Turntablist’s to unbelievable heights!”