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
This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew welcomes back returning guest @DJZimmie! The crew discusses how having a camera operator during Club DJ Sets has now be...
This week’s notable adds on DJcity to power your weekend DJ sets Download all 10 tracks here. This week’s picks include: (* indicates DJcity Exclusive) SAT...
DJcity's Bar Anthems playlist is built around familiar favorites, paired with modern DJ edits that make them easier to mix and more effective on today’s da...
DJcity’s February 2026 download charts highlight the most popular tracks globally, alongside regional breakdowns across key markets – including charts for...
Pioneer DJ has introduced the DDJ-SZ2, a new four-channel controller that adds dedicated controls for Serato DJ's latest features. DJcity's Mojaxx says, "W...
DJcity has put together a list of Latin edits, remixes, and bootlegs for your Cinco de Mayo DJ sets. The list includes 12 DJcity Exclusives. Check it out b...
Around a month after the Rane SYSTEM ONE was released, the new version of Serato DJ Pro has just been released for it. That'll be followed soon by Algoridd...
If you’re searching for a DJcity holiday discount, this is one of the best offers of the year. Use promo code DJCITY2026 to get 6 months of DJcity for the...
Beatport is leveling up its global DJ ecosystem with the announcement that Beatsource will officially be integrated into Beatport, bringing both platforms...
🚨 DJcity's 2025 Black Friday Sale is Here DJcity just dropped its biggest deal of the year! For a limited time, you’ll get two extra months free when you s...