OK, so I recently attended a show here in Salt Lake City which featured some of today’s best Underground Hip Hop acts. Groups such as Flatbush Zombies, Dom Kennedy, Dizzy Wright and the Underachievers were on the bill.
But what happened to the backbone of our culture? DJ’s used to be such a big part of the show. Either the Rappers/MC’s are greedy for stage time or their tour DJ’s are lazy with no skill. It’s one thing to play music by dropping songs before the MC takes the stage, but almost any one can do that. Heck any music lover with a laptop could do that with little, if any practice.
Well during this big show… with many nice acts I must add. Their DJs jumped around and probably played for the free trip to say they went on tour with so and so. What happened to the turntablist that would set it off with a bad ass intermission set during a performance? If you are unsure what I’m talking about, let me mention some names that let their DJs showcase a set! Jurassic 5 w/DJ Cut Chemist/DJ Nu-Mark, CunninLynguists w/DJ Flip Flop, Common w/DJ Dummy, Kanye West w/DJ A-Trak, Busta Rhymes w/DJ Roc Raida, Yelawolf w/DJ Klever, Beastie Boys w/Mix Master Mike to name a few.
Check out this video of Dilated Peoples giving their DJ, DJ Babu his shine during a show!
*NWS Language*
If you’re a DJ with great skill, SPEAK UP and get your shine on! That’s what Hip Hop is all about. Even the Ying Yang Twinz showcase their DJ, DJ Scientist! If you’re a DJ and can’t keep up with the talent of the artist you tour with, then practice!
It kinda makes me sick to see supposed Boom Bap groups shelter their DJ. More so embarrassing to witness.
I’ve DJ’d for Utah acts like Honey, Lump Sum and Jutbox through the years. Each gave me a set during our show to get down. Check the video of my set with Jutbox! It’s not a show with out a rippin’ DJ!
We need to get back to the true backbone of Hip Hop. Which and has always been, the DJ. If you claim to be true to Hip Hop as a performing artist, step your game up and get a dope DJ! Thanks for the rant… Do you agree?
