Dude, looking forward to your appearance at the DMC 25th Anniversary. But before we go there, the name Teeko. An abstract strategy game invented in 1937 – ever played it?
“No Dan, actually never played it. My nickname Tico was given to me before I started DJjing and would use it as the acronym for The Innovative Creative One, but then I just changed the spelling… creativity in action.
What are the big tunes you are playing at the moment?
At the moment, anything by Dam-Funk, Hawthorne Headhunters and F.A.M.E. (Fresh Analog Music Experience)”.
We have been running up to the DMC Final interviewing our GREATEST ever champs – Q-Bert came back to us with the line…”My boy Teeko, man he’s got style.” – Thoughts on such a prop?
“Very nice of Q of say that, he is a good dude and a pioneer in this artform – especially for the Bay area scene. He and I have very different styles and we both have great respects for each other.
Best ever…5 Hip Hop Album’s made…?
“I hate this question but here it goes…
Lord Finess -‘ Funky Technician’
Nas – ‘Illmatic’
Casual – ‘Fear Itself’
ATCQ – ‘Low End Theory’
RUN DMC – ‘Raising Hell'”
Best ever Hip Hop Lyric…?
“Through the lights cameras and action, glamour glitters and gold
I unfold the scroll, plant seeds to stampede the globe
When I’m deceased, by then the beast arise like yeast to conquer peace leaving savages to roam in the streets
Live on the run, police paying me to give in my gun
Trick my Wisdom, with the system that imprisoned my son
Smoke a gold leaf I hold heat, nonchalantly
I’m grungy, but things I do is real it never haunts me while, funny style niggaz roll in the pile
Rooster heads profile on a bus to Riker’s Isle
Holdin weed inside they pussy with they minds on the pretty things in life, props is a true thug’s wife
It’s like a cycle, niggaz come home, some’ll go in
Do a bullet, come back, do the same shit again
From the womb to the tomb, presume the unpredictable
Guns salute life, rapidly, that’s the ritual” –
…Nas on Raekwon’s ‘Verbal Intercourse'”
Best ever Hip Hop act?
“The Beastie Boys”
The best ever Hip Hop live performance you have ever seen?
“The Roots with Big Daddy Kane and Mc Lyte.”
You started your DJ path with the legendary DJ crew with Divide and Conquer (DAC) jamming the Bay Area – what have been the best clubs you’ve rocked there?
“Yeah, DAC was how I got my feet wet and learned how to play to any crowd. They had me busy doing events every weekend for about 3 years. We eventually started doing clubs when I was old enough to get in. Overall, the experience taught me about sound systems and crowd control. As for the actual names of the clubs, there are too many and probably insignificant.
Tell us about the San Fran 4onefunk crew – AlesOne, B.Cause and Mista B – who brought what to the decks…?
“Yes my brothers. B.Cause – he is my favorite DJ and I have learned so much from watching him. I call him “your favorite DJ’s DJ”. He has an amazing ear for remixing and in my opinion is one of the best at it. He also came up with the name ‘4onefunk’. His blog is also bookmark-worthy http://www.diamondsinthedust.blogspot.com/ . Mista B – He is a true funk soldier who has stayed true to his very unique and original style. He has been in more battles than just about anyone I know and every time he brings something funky, new, and original. He is also a great party rocking DJ and does a great job of blending his techniques into a party vibe. Max Kane (formally AlesOne) – He and I have been on a mission to bring the freshest in live turntable arts. We have been progressing with our use of the controller one turntables and his amazing approach with using it connected to his vocoder has added an entirely fresh idea to our live performances. He is also a producer in the F.A.M.E. collective. A humble talent who has been in the lab perfecting his work. Expect to see and hear much more from him and the rest of F.A.M.E. http://www.FreshAnalogMusicExperience.com
Who is the best Turntablist ever in your opinions?
“Wow, as much as I don’t want to answer this because I don’t believe there is a “best”, there are too many styles to have a “best”. There are Qbert, Atrak, Dstyles, Craze, etc. but for me Ricci Rucker aka Ruckazoid has been the most prolific and gifted turntable musician.”
Your musical career is different to probably many other spins…you collaborated with some of Jazz’s finest musicians, members of the Charlie Hunter Quartet and the John Scofield Trio – where did this Jazz love come from ?
Very early on, I was introduced to Jazz from my father who plays piano and blues guitar. My best friend’s dad growing up would also take me to many Jazz concerts and always give me music to study.
Who are the best ever…
Jazz artists ever made…
“Herbie Hancock
Chick Corea
Miles Davis
John Coltrane
SunRa”
Coolest Jazz artist to ever take to the stage
“Anytime you mention “Cool” and “Jazz” in the same sentence you have to say Miles Davis.”
What was the maddest sight you have ever seen in the Haight district in San Fran?
“It’s all just the norm to me. It only seems mad to the outsiders really… but I got mad when I saw some crazy fool on acid peeing on the street while cars were coming.”
Who is gonna win DMC this year?
“Everyone’s a winner in my book!! Seriously, the winner will be whoever goes out there and does it for their own expression.
“Your debut album ‘My SoundStation’ kicked so many charts in 2006 – what was your best tune on that album?
“Ohh… how dare you….hmmmmm … I haven’t really gone back and listened to that in a while but I’d say maybe ‘Seas of Infinitees’ or ‘Sonic Sunrise’ or ’43 Swing’ or ‘It’s a Journey’ or ‘The Masked Mombler’.
Tell us about the development of the new Vestax turntable – the Controller One…how is this gonna change things…?
It was developed by Ricci Rucker, Dstyles, Mike Boo and Myself. If there were other contributors (possibly Woody) I don’t know exactly what they did. I remember having conversations with Ric about what our dream turntable would be. Ric and D went to Japan and started the design. Later, Mike Boo and myself went and added our designs. A year or two later they were created. This changes things as much as you want it to. It has completely changed my life as I have been able to directly apply my knowledge as a musician to the turntable in a more direct way than any other turntable. If you are a musician, a musical turntablist or a producer who uses records or midi in any way at all, this instrument will take you to the next level. Welcome yourself, we are there.
www.TeekoMusic.com
What is your proudest ever moment behind the wheels of steel…?
“Top 3 moments…
Jazzy Jeff at the 2003 DMC saying to me “That was the funkiest I ever seen”.
The creation of the Controller One turntable with Ricci Rucker, Mike Boo and Dstyles.
Being the first turntablist group to be invited to the Monterey Jazz Festival.”
