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Watch Grandmaster Flash’s Lecture on the Development of Hip-Hop DJing
Grandmaster Flash (credit: grandmasterflash.com)
DJ and hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash recently gave a lecture at New York’s Hot 97 on the development of hip-hop DJing. The presentation came just one week after the debut of The Get Down, a new Netflix series that explores the rise of hip-hop in the late ’70s.
The hour-long lecture focused on Flash’s technical contributions to hip-hop DJing, including the “peek-a-boo” system, which combined a microphone mixer, preamps, and a studio mixer. As Scratch DJ Academy’s book On the Record states: “this new setup enabled [Grandmaster Flash] to preview the combined sound of two records through headphones before it went through the speakers.”
Flash also explained and demonstrated his “quick mix theory,” which was made possible by the peek-a-boo system. Quick mixing enabled Flash to extend the drum break of a song indefinitely so that crowd could keep dancing to it. The technique was not only a major advancement in hip-hop DJing but led to the development of rap music.
While the innovations that Flash discussed were introduced over 30 years ago, they are still considered standard DJing techniques today.
Watch the full video below.
Topics discussed:
– Some of the most famous samples in hip-hop history (7:00)
– Discovering that the conical stylus is the best type of needle for DJing (13:10)
– Inventing the slipmat (15:10)
– Discovering that the Technics SL-23 was the best turntable at the time for DJing (17:50)
– Inventing the “peek-a-boo” system (21:00)
– His fascination for electronics as a child (22:50)
– Inventing the “clock theory” and “quick mix theory” (28:00)
– Embracing the latest DJ technology (34:00)
– Mentoring Grand Wizzard Theodore, who is credited as the inventor of scratching (36:50)
– Demonstrating his “quick mix theory” and finger drumming with the “beatbox” (42:00)
– The story behind the beatbox (52:00)
Related: Hot 97 Honors Grandmaster Flash
Watch Ichy the Killer and Bakon One Scratch with the New Mixars DUO Mixer
Earlier this month, DJcityTV’s Mojaxx provided an in-depth review of the new Mixars DUO mixer. Today, DJcityTV has returned with a video of Battle Ave‘s Ichy the Killer and Bakon One putting the DUO to the test. Both DJs are experienced turntablists, with Ichy having won the DMC San Francisco Championship in 2014.
Diztortion Teams up With Melissa Steel & Beenie Man for New Single ‘I’ll Be There’
Following a successful year that saw him crowned Best Producer at the GRM Rated Awards and nominated for a MOBO, London based artist and producer Diztortion returns with his new offering “I’ll Be There” featuring dancehall legend Beenie Man and British artist Melissa Steel.
Download: Diztortion ft. Beenie Man & Melissa Steel – I’ll Be There Remix
Watch a Recap of DJ Jazzy Jeff’s ‘PlayList Retreat’ Event
DJ Jazzy Jeff recently hosted the second annual PlayList Retreat, a private networking event that boasts a who’s who of influential DJs, artists, producers and more.
Like last year’s inaugural retreat, the 2016 event took place at Jeff’s sprawling estate in Delaware and featured a diverse group of attendees. They included legends such as Z-Trip, Shortkut, Lord Finesse, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad, along with new school figures like Aloe Blacc, Grandtheft, Skratch Bastid, and Four Color Zack. Also in attendance were two of hip-hop’s most respected engineers, Bob Power and Young Guru.
“[The PlayList Retreat] is basically a collection of people who put creativity before anything,” Jeff said in his opening address. “Being in a music space [where] that’s not always the case, that’s what makes gatherings like this very special.”
“This is an incredible, life-changing experience,” Teeko commented. “The inspiration will resonate with me for the rest of my life.”
Aloe Blacc added, “This has been the best event in my music career. I haven’t met so many great friends and got a chance to work with so many talented artists [before].”
Watch the official recap video of the retreat below.
Related: DJ Jazzy Jeff Discusses Why DJ AM Was So Influential
Rafik – DJcity DE Podcast – 24/08/16
This week we have an exclusive DJcity DE Podcast from Düsseldorf’s Rafik! The 5x ITF and 1x DMC champion tours round clubs across the world from China to the UK. His production work has seen him work alongside the legendary Craze for his latest track ‘Feel My Sound’. Stream or download the open-format bass loaded mix below.
Download on iTunes HERE
Tracklist:
01. Skrillex & Benni Benassi – Cinema – Luca Lush Edit
02. Mr. Carmack – Pay For What – Alexander Lewis Trombone Flip
03. T-Pain – The Champ
04. Drake – Trophies – GUSHI MIX
05. Rafik – Samir’s Theme Routine
06. KRNE & Deon Custom – Royal
07. Skrillex & Rick Ross – Purple Lamborghini
08. Ben Esser – Love You More – Rafik Remix
09. Flux Pavillion – I Can’t Stop – Ekali Edit
10. Tunji Ige & Makonnen – Don’t Do Too Much
11. Rafik – Hotline Bling Routine
12. Stormzy – Know Me From
13. Desiigner – Panda (Inst.)
14. Migos ft. Gucci Mane – Now
15. Rickyxsan – Growlin’
16. Diplo & Sleepy Tom – Be Right There – Boombox Cartel Remix
17. DJ Snake – Propaganda – Hello Bootleg
18. Kanye West – Champions
19. Lil Uzi Vert – Money Longer
20. Eskei83 & Drunken Masters – Rave
21. Rafik & Craze – Feel My Sound
22. Fat Joe & Remy Ma ft. JAY Z & French Montana – All The Way Up Remix
23. Zoey Dollaz – Couches
What Is the Best Turntable, Controller, Mixer, Etc.?
DJ TLM‘s video series Share the Knowledge is now available exclusively on DJcityTV. The show, which is aimed at beginner and intermediate DJs, is one of the most popular educational series for DJs on YouTube.
Unlike DJcityTV’s Tips and Tricks series, Share the Knowledge focuses on the cultural and business aspects of DJing, such as branding, marketing, and industry politics. DJcity has been watching the show for years and is excited to bring it to a larger audience.
To kick off the partnership, TLM has released a new episode that answers one of the most frequent questions he receives: what is the best turntable, controller, mixer, etc.?
Watch above and subscribe on YouTube for updates.
DJ Neil Armstrong Will Perform on the Next MikiDz Show
Veteran party rocker and turntablist DJ Neil Armstrong is set to perform on DJcity’s MikiDz Show next Monday, August 29.
Born and bred in New York City, Armstrong is best known for co-founding the legendary 5th Platoon turntablist crew and serving as Jay Z’s tour DJ in 2008 and 2009. He is also a global brand ambassador for Adidas and a renowned foodie.
The live stream will begin at 7 p.m. PST and include sets by hosts MikiWAR and DJ Dainjazone.
DJ Stylus – DJcity UK Podcast – 22/08/16
Manchester’s DJ Stylus presents this weeks DJcity UK Podcast! Stylus went in the mix with fresh mash ups including a selection of tracks from the pool. His open format style meant he jumped genres from RnB, hip hop, and UK grime. Stream or download below.
Follow DJ Stylus on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
Download on iTunes HERE
Tracklist:
01. Rihanna – Needed Me (Acap)
02. Drake – How Bout Now
03. Nafe Smallz – What Do You Mean
04. Beyonce – Formation (Acap)
05. Desiigner – Panda – Majestic Remix
06. PartyNextDoor – Not Nice
07. Rihanna – This Is What You Came For – Stylus Slow Jam Refix
08. Changing Faces – Stroke You Up
09. XTC – Functions On The Low
10. Future – Move That Doh (Acap)
11. Young Thug ft. Travis Scott & Quavo – Pick Up The Phone
12. Giggs ft. CASisDEAD – 501 (Hollow & Heston)
13. Drake – ChildsPlay
14. Drake – ChildsPlay – DJ Paimon Remix
15. Jay Z – Bounce With Me (Acap Loop)
16. French Montana ft. Drake – No Shopping
17. DJ Snake ft. Young Thug, Jeremih & Swizz Beatz – The Half
18. Kiiara – Gold – Tall Boys Club Edit
19. Fat Joe & Remy Ma ft. French Montana – All The Way Up
20. Fat Joe & Remy Ma ft. French Montana – All The Way Up – Stylus ThrowBack Refix
21. Chip & Kranium – Style Dat
22. Giggs ft. Donaeo – Lock Doh
23. Major Lazer ft. Justin Bieber & MO – Cold Water
24. Rae Sremmurd ft. Lil Jon – Set The Roof
25. DJ Mustard ft. Jeremih & Nicki Minaj – Don’t Hurt Me (Acap)
26. Matoma & The Notorious B.I.G ft. Ja Rule & Ralph Tresvant – Old Thing Back
27. DJ Mos – Clap Your Hands
28. Big Sean ft. E-40 – IDFWU (Acap)
29. WSTRN – A-List
30. The Roots – Don’t Say Nuttin (Acap)
31. Drake – Controlla – DJ Paimon Remix
32. Boyz Noise – Rock The Bells
33. Missy Elliott ft. 50 Cent – Work It Remix
34. Sean Paul – Like Glue – David S One Dance Remix
35. Drake ft. Wiz Kid & Kyla – One Dance (Acap)
36. Yellow Claw & DJ Mustard ft. Ty Dolla & Tyga – In My Room – Ego DJ’s Forever Edit
Listen to DJ MBA’s Benelux Podcast
From the Netherlands, DJ MBA hosts this weeks Benelux Podcast for DJcity. He serves up an open format 30 minute mix loaded with hip hop, RnB and dancehall. Stream or download below.
Follow DJ MBA on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
Download on iTunes HERE
Tracklist:
01. Ramriddlz ft. Drake – Sweeterman – Drake Remix
02. Chris Brown ft. Usher & ZAYN – Back To Sleep Remix
03. Bryson Tiller – Sorry Not Sorry
04. Tory Lanez ft. Sean Paul – LUV Remix
05. Kid Ink ft. Jeremih – Nasty – HATO Remix
06. Afro Bros ft. Shockman & Royston – Wine Gyal
07. Cho – Popalik
08. Trey Songz – Say Aah – RAJEEV GUALTIERO BUBBLETON
09. DJ Khaled ft. Drake – For Free
10. Konshens – Bruk Off Mi Cock
11. ASH & Nicolius – Make It Bunx Remix
12. Sevn Alias ft. Jason Futuristic, BKO – Gass
13. Johnny 500 x Jack & Lewis ft. Shockman – Make Dem
14. Eugy & Mr Eazi – Dance for Me
15. GUALTIERO & Ray Mautar – Panya
16. Kwamz & Flava – Takeover
17. Bebucho Q Kuia – Tamo A Vir
18. Full Crate – Bando
19. O.T. Genasis ft. Young Dolph – Cut It
20. Ty Dolla $ign ft. Future & Rae Sremmurd – Blase
21. Young Thug & Travis Scott ft. Quavo – Pick Up The Phone
22. Schoolboy Q – That Part
4 Must-Play Tracks for the Weekend: August 19
DJ Kontrol in the mix. (photo source: Facebook)
R&B Veteran David teams with Hardwell for a UK garage-influenced groover.
Soulja Boy – Crank That – DJ Kontrol & Shan Tha Don Remix
Soulja’s breakout anthem gets trapped out.
Bastille – Good Grief – MK Remix
A house rework of Bastille’s indie pop hit.
Kid Cudi – Pursuit Of Happiness – DJ EU Calavera Bootleg
Cudi’s 2010 single gets blended with Hardwell and KURA’s “Calavera.”
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Featured on DJcity earlier this week:
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DJcity’s weekly picks are selected by Kidd Spin. To receive them via email, click here.
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