Heroes of 2008 Sally McLintock
Hi Sally, you organise the DMC World DJ Championships for DMC and you do an incredible job. What was the 2008 competition like in comparison to recent years, what’s changing if anything?
Thanks Dan. This year and say the past two years has definitely seen changes. Pressed records seem to be the current trend. Lots of European DJs using producers and getting their own music pressed up onto vinyl…”
How did you feel after you were presented the award from Ortofon for your services to the DJ Community?
“Well I was pretty blown away. It was at The Rex Club in Paris. I went over for the Scratch Boom party to celebrate the French victories and Ortofon had an award ceremony for the DJs, and there I am at the side of the club in VIP sipping champagne and all of a sudden my name is called out to come to the stage…I finally got to the stage to find a gold disc award with my name on it, I was really surprised.. all the French press there taking pictures and I was stood there on stage with all the greatest French DJs from the past 10 years – C2C, Netik, Birdy Nam Nam, Dee Nasty, DJ Momo to name but a few!”
What countries in the different competitions at DMC have started to surprise and impress you?
“I think I have to mention the French/German DJs right now. France and Germany are producing some amazing DJs. In recent years we have seen C2C, DJ Netik, Rafik, and this year’s DJ Fly and DJ Nelson, Rob Bankz…Europe is finally giving America and Japan a run for their money.”
How shocked were you when DJ Skully turned up to enter in the UK this year?
“I was quite shocked, but it was a good thing for the UK competition. It certainly pulled in a lot of interest/press and we felt good this year going into the World Final with DJ Switch and DJ Skully…DJ Skully wasn’t the only DJ who was a past DMC champion to re-enter this year. DJ Slyce from the USA also re-entered after a nine year break! Who knows who will enter in 2009?”
Sounds like you have inside information Sally. So you’ve had quite a good year at Passport Control, tell us, what was your favourite and also maddest memory at…
a) Miami at The WMC Conference
“I loved the Winter Music Conference, it was my first time and I will certainly be going back. It was a pretty blurry week, but my favourite moment by far was the Jazzy Jeff party at The Shelbourne where people like Skillz, Common, Biz Markie all came down to rock the show and have fun. This dance crew called the Retro Kidz turned up, with full on 90’s gear, bright neon colours, Kid N’ Play hair styles, you name it, it was there.”
b) Dubai
Dubai is known for its hot temperatures, so maybe the maddest moment was sunbathing (well not in my case) with towels wrapped around me because it was so cold! Or maybe it was my sister nearly trading me in for a few camels to the locals?! Or a holiday rep who fell in love with me? Hmmmm interesting trip!”
c) Your two trips to New York
“My first trip to New York in August was fantastic. I flew out for the DMC USA Finals. DMC USA is now in the hands of the legend Christie Z! Christie Z is the lady out in NYC. She looks after all the DJ legends out there and puts on the famous park jams at Crotona Park. Christie also runs Tools of War with her husband Pop Master Fabel of the Rock Steady Crew. I felt like royalty when I went over, everyone was so nice, calling me up on stage, I was also given the free drinks vouchers to distribute too…I became quite popular that night. Christie had an amazing line up of performing and also judges on the night which included – GrandWizzard Theodore (Inventor of the Scratch), DJ Steve Dee (Inventor of the Beat Juggle), Grand Master Roc Raida (DMC World Champion 1995) and DJ Boogie Blind (X-ecutioner and Pharoah Monch’s DJ). The event was hosted by DJ Fatfingaz who really knows how to keep a crowd goin’! My second trip out to New York this December was just as great, I ended up hanging out with Normski (from the movie Flashdance), Scotty, the former head of the Shaka Zulus and Andy (Baby Love from the Rocksteadies brother)! Either way, I am loving New York!”
Who was the best DJ/act at the 2008 DMC World DMC Finals and why?
“All of the acts where great at this years DMC World Finals, I choose them all! We had Million Dan with his full live crew performing, Jungle Drummer VS DJ FU, DJ Rafik (DMC World Champ 2007), Killa Kela and his full live crew and a special set from DJ Vajra! The actual competition itself was great.. I wouldn’t have wanted to judge that competition…a really strong year! We also came away with our UK Champion DJ Switch who was crowned Champion of the Battle For World Supremacy, so well done Switch!”
What was your favourite sporting moment of 2008?
“My home city of Manchester United winning the Champions League Final.”
Who have been your bezzie mates out in the hip hop world in 2008?
“I have many many bezzie mates out in the hip hop world, but this year the Urban Nerd crew seem to have been pretty prominent in my year. Urban Nerd’s are London’s finest underground club night with a residency at Brick Lane’s 93 Feet East. They hosted my London heat this year, along with providing the music for the DMC World Championship after party.A great set of guys, and we have partied the year away, and we will be finishing the year off at their big NYE party at Cordy House!”
What was the most drunkest you’ve been in 2008?
“Hmmm, I think August was pretty messy! Particularly my birthday @ Fabric in London on Friday August 8th – there was a big night on, Urban Nerds hosted one of the rooms and Scratch Perverts, Tinchy Stryder, DJ Q, Yoda, DJ Format all performed that night. Myself and my friends don’t talk about that night post 3am!!“
