Why Hip Hop DJs Are Selfish(Secret to Co-op in the Art of DJing) Pt.2

So any way continuing our quest to understand why Hip Hop DJ are selfish, another reason being is that when playing WITH music (Note: not only pressing the play button) there are different styles in how music can be manipulated. Having said that there are different styles that exist, the mentality of choosing what music to play is completely different than even your closest friend. No surprise here, because everybody is different. But it is because of that difference, it is the one of the main reason why Hip Hop DJs couldn't work with each other.


QBert + Kid Koala - Mayhem at the Mid from React Presents on Vimeo.


Just a recent video post I found through recommended, but for those unfamiliar with Qbert (or respectably Grand-mixer Qbert) he is known for his precision and variety of scratches as a turntablist. His credentials is his ability to out perform many other turntablists but just like breakdancing - even if you are SPY - "man with a thousand moves" there are many other b-boys that are just as good through other styles. The other turntablist Kid Koala is known for his skills through precise manipulation of turntables to turn those tools into instruments. Two seemingly unrelated in their skills and level working together. It's definitely easier discussed than done. Mainly because we live in a "Me Me Me" world where everybody wants to make their OWN mark. Well, from experience I can certainly tell you that it's easier to focus and improve without collaboration, but it's hard when you don't have some one to compare notes with. This principle goes to the philosophy of "Everybody's gotta have friends, because having friends just makes life more fun." Any way, philosophy aside they can work together because they are able to communicate before actually working together, most Hip Hop DJs only want to perform what they excel most and that often leads to the lack of understanding and compromising for another. Little do most of us know that the tricks and skills we do best can be "shared".

Following the path of individualism is what makes us who we strive to be, because there are less distractions to deviate us. But co op reaps many benefits both in the short and long run. I have met many DJs who claims truth to their status of popularity and efforts. But at the same time they either lack skill or understanding of true art of DJing. Although knowing two sides of a coin, the definition for the art of DJing is ever shifting because of it's purpose and ideals. A mobile DJ does not need to scratch because his/her job is to serve the public, a club DJ does not need to understand turntablism because their audience desire only the music. In short, different discipline leads to different focus and efforts, because the similarity ends with the general use of audio for an audience.

Next on Secret to Co-op in the Art of DJing Pt.3
To be continued...