What is your earliest memory of a DMC Mixing Final?
“Watching DJ Akakabe and DJ Craze on the 1998 DMC DVD. My first real life experience was DMC 2004.”
How did you decide on your own name as a Turntablist artist?
“…the truth will never be revealed.”
Who is the best technical Turntablist of all time?
“If I had to choose one and only one, has to be DJ Q-Bert.”
What are the most important five records that you have ever used as a Turntablist…
Dirtstyle Deluxe Shampoo Edition (first scratch-break I owned)
A Roc Raida Break I can’t recall (first juggles came out of that)
LOF Workout Essentials 2 (My first Break record)
DMC 06 Dubplates (my first shot at a new approach)
Le Jad & Rafik DMC 07 Dubplates (most important of all)
And also, what track that when you hear up on stage spun by a rival, do you always think, ‘oh god not again’?
“Whatever Tigerstyle puts on…”
What has been your best ever display on the wheels of steel?
“I guess Hip Hop Kemp 2005 (or 04??) and 2008.”
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?
“Go get ’em!”
Who in your opinion, has been the best ever DMC Champ we have ever had?
“I don’t like choosing one, but I have to say DJ Craze and Kentaro.”
Best Hip Hop record ever made?
“The J-Dilla Discography.”
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?
“Kentaro’s 2002 needle drop guitar solo.”
How many records do you own?
“Around 2000.”
What did your parents think back in the day of your chosen career profession?
“Oh shit.” But they were VERY supportive in the end.”
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?
“People argue, but I believe it has gotten more musical in terms of musical rules – and structures are being incorporated in a wider sense today.”
How did winning the DMC title change your life?
“It made me a happy man who reached his goal.”
What country/city that you have visited after winning the DMC title has really blown your mind?
“Hong Kong.”
What one Turntablist would you choose from 1985 to the present day – any category – would you like to battle against?
“DJ David”
Can you breakdance?
Most definitly not! And I will just lose to the previous answer with honour.”
And finally Rafik, please give DMC a message of love for pioneering this amazing artform we have.
“? ? ? ? ? y’all! From the heart. Live long and prosper!”
