What is your earliest memory of a DMC Mixing Final?
“Mmm, I suppose a 1995-96 DMC video. Then, when I first entered DMC it was, ’98. I was travelling to the States with my family ’till a night before the regional and got smoked at the Tohoku regional with no preparation at all. I was really disappointed with the result. They were my first memories.”
When did you start turntablism?
“Well, I bought my first decks at the age of 14 and was spinning at a night club in Sendai in the same year…”
Please list the most important five records that you have ever used as a Turntablist…
Charlie Baltimore ‘Everybody Wanna Know’
All City ‘The Actual’
Run DMC / You Be Illin’
Swamp ‘Guitar Battle Breaks’
Vestax ‘Tone Record’
What track that when you hear up on stage spun by a rival, do you always think, ‘oh god not again’?
“Dan, I don’t really have that. Too much respect…”
What is going through your mind as you are waiting to step up at the biggest part of your career… moments before you hit the stage?
“Great and pure motivation. All I wanted was to become the champion.”
And the days before that moment?
“Practising every day, every minute. Looking back today, to become the champion was important of course, but practising everyday and digging vinyls everyday was the most important thing to grow my knowledge and skills. Those days made me the DJ I am, now.”
Who in your opinion, has been the best ever DMC Champ we have ever had?
“All champs are awesome, but especially Craze.”
Best Hip Hop record ever made?
“Group Home – ‘Up Against The Wall’|”
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?
“The Vadim Routine by Craze in ’99, without touching it. There was a scratch sound, when I first heard and saw it…I was like what the…???”
How many weeks/months before the big night do you start planning your set – firstly a normal club night, and then DMC?
“It obviously depends on the gigs. Sometimes I perform five days in the roll you know. I always try to check a day before for the gig next day what sort of crowd I’m gonna encounter wherever I am around the world. With DMC, 365 days and my six minutes.”
How many records do you own?
“Between 10-20K”
What did your parents think back in the day of your chosen career profession?
“Put it this way. If I was on a cover on a magazine, they would buy 100 copies…”
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?
“Congratulations by the way, it’s a great thing, it has changed lives for so many people. In the past seeing a routine and thinking, wow, that was sick was so much amazing with a guy with just some vinyl and his vision…things have changed now with like the Team Battles and Serato, which is cool…I sort of miss the basic element of it all, but DMC is so special.”
How did winning the DMC title change your life?
“Gigs, production – everything about my life as a DJ has been better thanks to DMC. I have travelled the world, met incredible people and I appreciate from the bottom my heart to DMC that gave me all this.
What country/city that you have visited after winning the DMC title has really blown your mind?
“Jamaica was unreal. A festival called ‘Mandevil’ where they played Reggae music at the airport, supermarkets, in the taxis – Reggae everywhere!!! I got a few dub plates from Sizzla and Wayne Marshall. The Belgium Dour Fest was great as well.”
What one Turntablist would you choose from 1985 to the present day – any category – would you like to battle against?
“All of them!”
Can you breakdance?
“No, I like Rockin’!!”
Who is your opinion is the greatest ever hip hop deejay and why?
“There are a lot of DJs that I like and respect. But especially, DJ KIYO. I have listened to his mix tapes since the 90s. He is a brilliant Japanese DJ.”
And finally, please give DMC a message of love for pioneering this amazing artform we have..
“Congratulations for the 25th again!! You guys have been on it since I was three years old. Respect. You are facing with the problems of every day changes in technology – and I know that is tough, but I’m just looking forward to your long live life and a great scene leader!!! I respect Tony and DMC. Much love.”
