Here we have the World Famous Beat Junkies and here they demonstrate how to collaborate as DJs. While we find this highly entertaining, to note the least it also takes some form of cooperation. Yes ladies and gentlemen DJ bands do exist, and the work it takes to join different forces together means undivided teamwork. Just like any teamed sports you take different roles/positions and follow through. That is my biggest hint in the secret to co-op in the art of DJing. You can do your best in a single player field but to work with others there must be communication and a certain etiquette. And it all falls on those individual's attitude.
Most likely you will encounter those who have a good amount of experience already, or you will introduce some one new to this wonderful world. In my case I've experienced both. Since my startup I had a strict coach about mixing, and I've influenced a few to the world of scratch. While like most teachers both my coach and I have one thing in common - the mold we placed ourselves into to grow we intend to place it on another. Liberally speaking, it's restrictive and linear. But discipline wise it certainly helps to get the basics. Like any other forms of musical training, turntablism requires as many skills as any violin players would need. Until we have the basics down, we would not have an easier time in the progression through normal sessionings. Think what you will, but if we are the new generation to continue to prove that we can turn turntables into instruments, we must prove that we are capable to withstand the test of skills.
This impressive clip is from the movie "Scratch", and it is a wonderful documentary about turntablism because we are given a grand introduction. Within the movie we would see many individual DJs as well as groups and some brief showcasing of their performances. What it takes for DJs to be DJs and for DJs to work with each other is that DJs know (in some way) how to manipulate music or audio. While for DJs to work together is by not trying to be selfish in his/her performances or sessions. Of course through different skills and purpose comes the difference in the will to collaborate. Because if you are in a club, chances are you don't want to lower your ratings by trying to collaborate because it makes you much less desirable to be hired. However in Hip Hop - a part of the general definition for it means: it is the culture to share, expand, and have fun in it's appreciation and development. To say you are part of Hip Hop means its as if you've taken an oath for the responsibility as well. Of course I'm being a little too serious or too sarcastic about the subject, all in all why this secret is a secret is because we know it by instinct and subliminal thoughts. But the very fact that we people do not practice or reach a higher understanding of this matter is the same as to neglect in ignorance.
So to generalize even further in my opinionated review, DJs or "Disc-Jockies" are known for their knowledge and skills in manipulating music/audio. Turntablists intend to use music/audio on turntables as an instrument. Individually we work for a better solo performance while to hone our skills, and together we work to further demonstrate our combined efforts for a better display. We Hip Hop DJs are selfish because we believe in the security for recognition of our rank through competition. And the secret to smoothly collaborate our DJ efforts is to NOT be selfish because our efforts & results are shared. The world of Hip Hop is probably the one of the most liberal subculture/culture in the world, well... depending your purpose. You could always improve and you can always humble yourself to learn. Humility is another art, but perhaps the least obvious yet most useful virtues. You would do well to listen and learn and expand while the learning opportunity is available, and it would be easier if you care to share yourself through humility.
