UZ (Photo credit: Mike Holtberg)
Influential trap DJ/producer UZ has revealed himself as DJ Troubl, an award-winning French turntablist.
Quality Goods Records founder has been wearing a black-and-gold mask in public for the past five years. Although there had been speculation about his true identity, this is the first time he has publicly confirmed it.
“The anonymity was fun when I started it, but now I feel like there’s too many masked artists and it really has become more of a gimmick than a message,” UZ told Billboard.
“Our motto at the time was to let the music speak by itself and not focus on the artist. It’s still true, but now that I’m a curator, and I’m working full-time on my label Quality Goods Records, I need to make myself heard, talk to people face to face, etc.”
Troubl won several turntablism battles between 2000 and 2006, most notably the 2002 and 2006 DMC France Battle for Supremacy.
UZ’s announcement coincided with the release of his new album, Layers. The project includes “Inferno,” a track featuring fellow turntablist Craze and Australian DJ/producer Oski.
Watch below to see DJ Troubl compete in the 2006 DMC Battle for World Supremacy.
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