In a time when technology continues to change the face of music as we know it, there are still tiny, little glimpses of what hip-hop was built on to be found. One place you can still find the art and level of competition that birthed hip-hop is at the DMC US Supremacy Battle. In the world of DJing this continues to be one of the most respectable battles in the world.
The DMC DJ Battles are the longest running, most prestigious DJ Battles in the world. In DMC battles, legends are made. Being a DMC World or National Champion continues to be one of the most sought after titles for turntablists world wide! DMC USA is especially ecstatic that the reigning DMC World Champ is NYC’s own DJ Shiftee (and a Harvard graduate no less!)
Some examples of World Famous DJs who have battled in DMC DJ Battles include:
95 DMC World Champ: Roc Raida (RIP) DJ’d for Busta Rhymes
DMC World Champs: A-Trak (1997) & Craze (98-2000) DJ'd for Kanye West
DMC World co-Champ: Mix Master Mike rocks for The Beastie Boys
2003 DMC US Champion: DJ Enferno tours with Madonna
1998 DMC US Finalist: DJ Dummy has been Common's DJ for years
1999 DMC US Finalist: DJ Abilities DJs for Eyedea
DMC US FinalistsB DJ abu DJs for Dilated Peoples and DJ Rhettmatic DJs for The Visionairies
1996 DMC US Champ: DJ Swamp DJ'd for Beck
09 DMC US Supremacy Champ: DJ Supreme is the former DJ for Lauren Hill.
This year I got to experience the best of the best on the East Coast battle at Santos Party House. I secretly went hoping my homeboy DJ SPS would take back the title that he was robbed of last year – but I left with a new found respect for the craft. As I entered I felt like I teleported into the movie Juice, when Q was battling. It’s the same idea. Artists work countless hours on a 1 minute set that will somehow showcase all their skills and techniques. That is a challenge in itself. But on top of that you want to do something over theatrical to "diss" your opponent and stand out. When I started to see what went into these sets, I grew a new level of respect for all involved.
A lot of great DJS came out to showcase including: Cysko Rokwel (CO), Concept (FL), DJ K.O. (NY), DJ Solo (NJ), Eradicate (NH), Etronik (CA), Fascinate (NH), Supreme (?), Juyadek (CA), SPS (FL), Swan...John Swan (NY), The Don Santos (TX), Tony Skratchere (LA), Polarity (NY), Esquire (NY) - DJs all performed one minute sets and the judges selected their top 8 to battle head to head. The most controversial battle from 2009 was DJ Supreme vs. DJ SPS so the crowd gasped in amazement as they were randomly paired up again to battle.
In the end, it came down to DJ Solo (NJ) vs. Cysko Rokwel (CO). Sadly, my homie SPS didn’t make it past the second round despite his dope ambidextrous skills and eclectic mix of music. Sigh. What I did notice about the two contestants that did make it was they both had a very New York sound. You know, they made sure to include every recognizable New York anthem made from the 90’s on. I thought at first this was to win over the crowd but now I am thinking more so for the judges. It was DJ Solo (a Tri-state native) that took the title. Last year it was also a local DJ, DJ Supreme who won. So, it got me thinking- can it be THAT blatantly biased? Do you have to stick to the confines of what traditional New York Hip-hop is to advance? So what happens to evolving the sound? What happened to growth? What happened to diversifying? If you grew up abroad in Europe like DJ SPS for instance, and was raised equally on hip-hop and electronica, do you just ignore that part of you? If that is the case, I just wonder if keeping the New York sound is doing more harm than good for us as a region over all. Cause while we are here fighting to preserve a sound that makes us distinct, on the national level our sound is nowhere to be found.
If you missed the Roc Raida tribute at BB King's a few weeks ago then definitely get this show on your calendar.
In order to raise proceeds to benefit Roc Raida's family this all-start tribute event will have DITC, IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE, BRAND NUBIAN,THE BEATNUTS performing live with the music being provided by DJ BOOGIE BLIND (frome the X-ECUTIONERS). LORD SEAR will host the benefit.
GRANDMASTER ROC RAIDA TRIBUTE-BENEFIT CONCERT
Tuesday, November 17, 7PM
SOB's, 204 Varick Street, Manhattan
$18 in advance, $22 day of show
If you still have any gas left in the tank after rolling through both of the Bodega events on Tuesday and Wednesday, then hit up BB Kings on Thursday night for an awesome event. Roc Raida is being honored with a special tribute featuring members of the X-Ecutioners, Z-Trip, DJ Scratch and many others. All proceeds from this event will be going to Roc’s family. This show is a part of the CMJ music marathon.
Roc Raida Tribute
Thursday, October 22, 11 PM
BB Kings, 237 W 42nd Street, Manhattan
$20 in advance, $25 at the door
