So... I heard you can spit 16 bars off the top of your head? I heard you write lyrics like you breathe air? But can you get on a pair of 1200's and rock the crowd without saying a word? I bet I know someone who can, check out my interview with Ms. Beverly Skillz

D~Funk't: First off how did the Scratch Battle go?

Beverly Skillz: It went very well. I was encouraged to see how many people came out to support a true hip hop event. Tony Skratchere and I are looking forward to doing more events like these in the future. I've had some people contact me about doing a beat battle/production battle. Sounds like a good time to me.

DFX: What made you want to be a dj in the first place?

BS: Well, when my brother was in college he was a trance dj. That was cool, but I didn't really get into that. I avoided the whole rave scene for the most part. In 2001 I saw the X-Ecutioners live on stage at the Varsity in Baton Rouge. That show changed the way I saw deejays. I was seeing turntablism for the first time. They were using the turntable as a musical instrument. In 2002 I met Tony Skratchere in Lafayette. He was knee deep in that shit. He exposed me to underground hip hop, and the four elements. His crew, the Mad Cajunz, were throwing monthly hip hop jams at Bucknuttys Skate Park. After about a year I decided to get up on the decks. Around this time I met dj Lady Fingaz, and she encouraged me to step up. I knew I could be just as good as the boys, so I practiced a lot. The Mad Cajunz were mainly into battling at that time, and that's what I was exposed to the most. And my first appearance as a dj was at the Dillard University Battle hosted by Mike Swift in the spring of 2003. Tony Skratchere won that battle. I went on to battle in the Guitar Center battles and in DMC in Birmingham, Alabama. I knew that as a female dj, people would think that I was just a gimmick, which a lot of female dj's are, so I knew I needed to develop the skills to back it up.

DFX: In your own words, define Hip-Hop and what it means to you.

BS: Hip Hop is just one genre of music to me. (As well as a lifestyle…) But having said that, it defines a large portion of my life. Before I even became a dj, I was so immersed in hip hop anyway, that is just became natural for me to focus my energies there.

DFX: What MC's have you spun for in the past?

BS: I've never been anyone's official dj, but I have sat in with Swell, Impulss, Khansep, Soapboxx….I'm leaving some out, but it's been a while. I played with a band for a few months. That wasn't as fun as I thought it was going to be.

DFX: Before all this talk about Rappers, before their time, the DJ was the star of the show. Do you think things are getting better as far as people coming to a show to see a DJ, and what can be done to get more focus on up-and-coming DJ's out there?

BS: I'd like to see more rappers use the dj for more than just starting their beat. Give me a break, anybody can do that. If the rapper gives the dj some time to cut it up, then people would be more exposed to what a dj can do. I hate going to a show to see an MC and seeing the dj do nothing. Why is he even there? To back you up on the mic? Then, pull his ass out from behind the decks and get him up there with you and stop making him pose as a dj. What the fuck? Maybe some MC's don't realize the value of having some scratching in their music…I don't know.

DFX: What inspires you to keep going on?

BS: Knowing that my skills could get a lot better. I have a good skill set, but in terms of being the best, I have a long way to go. I also want to get into production. And I need, for the love of God, to finally finally release a mixtape. It's coming soon. I swear.

DFX: Who are the 5 most influential DJ's to you?

BS: Female: DJ Lady Fingaz (style & production), DJ Annalyze (dope ass cuts & mixing), DJ Shortee (professionalism, a pioneer & versatility) Tyra from Saigon (next level shit), DJ Killa Jewel (I learned chirp-flares from watching hers)
Male: Tony Skratchere (everything), D-Styles (style), X-Ecutioners (the whole package), Q-bert (pioneer), Derive (style, dope ass cuts), & Enfoe (next level shit).

DFX: If someone wanting to get into the art of DJ'ing what is the biggest piece of advice you could give them?

BS: Get up with other people who are doing it. And if you can't buy some DVD's. I recommend DJ Shortee's series. And practice. It really does help. Don't be afraid to come out to our sessions. You really do learn a lot at these. It really helps to see things up close. Also, once you start getting gets, learn to read the crowd and learn to keep them on the dance floor, it's so much fun.

DFX: What's in your CD player right now?

BS: None of my cd players work, and some dickhead stole my I-pod…..but I do have a shabby lil I-pod shuffle. Right now I'm really feeling the Bangfest mix by LudCHRIST. (myspace.com/worshipludachrist) and I'm really feeling the new Atmosphere.

DFX: Where has your work taken you travel wise?

BS: Holy Crap. Tony Skratchere and I plus Super Kool DJ Kazu played all weekend at Pensacola Pride this past Memorial Day. It was so much fun. Probably the most fun ever- aside from Soul Sister's Chocolate Kitty Partys! I've played in Georgia, Alabama, Texas, all over Louisiana, & California. Also, be on the lookout for me on an upcoming DVD to be released this winter worldwide about the world's best female turntablists. (More details coming soon.)

DFX: As a breakdancer, I can relate to the three other elements of hip-hop (B-boying, DJ-ing, and graffiti) being outshadowed by the MC, and ideas how we can get the other elements incorporated back and restart the hip hop culture and geared towards more equality throughout the elements?

BS: In Lafayette, our hip hop jams incorporated all the elements. Writers would piece on the walls during the event (until we all couldn't breathe anymore), and we'd have MC's and a b-boy battle, all back up by the Mad Cajunz on 3 turntables. It was a sure shot! It was a good balance of all the elements. I would recommend developing events that showcase all these elements. Before Hurricane Katrina, Headzup NOLA was putting these together with the Chronic Illness shows, and they were awesome. I would like to work toward this again.

DFX:Any upcoming events or shows?

BS: You can catch me and Tony Skratchere every Thursday night upstairs at the Dragon's Den and every Friday night at Handsome Willys.

DFX: Any local artists you would want to work with that you haven't yet?

BS: I would like to get my shit going on production and go from there.

DFX: Last thing... can I get a shout-out for the Hip Hop Project?

BS: You know it!

Ya'll know I'm going insane watching this get bigger and bigger everyday, seeing people form all over the area down for the cause, I want to thank all of you, especially Ms. Skillz, for taking the time and letting me interview you. I'mm a try to get another one up by the weekend... who? welll... I got a couple of artists on deck, who knows I may slam you with a triple threat next week, I ain't got shit to do, why not.... hehehe...

LOVE, PEACE, AND HIP HOP!

D~Funk't/Randall/Kentucky

NEW ORLEANS HIP HOP REVIVAL

WE ARE HIP HOP!

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B Fresh Interview 2007

// Beverly Skillz //

Let me start out by saying that I wish every city had a Beverly Skillz. I had such an amazing time when I went to see her spin at Handsome Willy's.

She mixes only the best of old school, indie, and mainstream hip hop, along with the funk and soul classics. Her music makes you wanna jump up and start dancing. No. Really. Every city should have a Beverly Skillz.

What an amazingly pleasant Southern accent with an air of humor- her "Last Night A DJ Saved My Life" t-shirt caught my eye, and I wondered if people really understand how much DJs can change the lives of others.

The atmosphere was set off right as I walked in the door with some Atmosphere. Coincidence, possibly. I think she may have saw me walk through the door, and you can tell I'm from Minnesota with my long and loud ooooohhhhhs. I was immediately redirected to her impeccable talent. Not only was her record selection on point, but she was very impressive with her beat juggling. Word on the streets is that she started spinnin in '05 and only seven months after she began she went on to the finals in a battle she entered, wiping out several guys in her path. True school turntable terrorist.

The best thing about Skillz is that you can tell she loves what she does! It radiates from her. It is not just a job that she does to make bills. That may be a part of it, but it is the added bonus for her. I could bet money that she practices all the time in her house, possibly even forgets to eat sometimes because she is so wrapped up in her passion for DJn.

Being a woman in Hip Hop can be a challenge, but not one that Skills isn't up to tackle.
It does help when those around you support what you do and you have a award-winning mentor, Tony Skratchere. She rises to the occasion, which was noticed by the collective, femaleswitfunk.com. This collective was founded with the "mission of getting more ladies involved in the 'Art of Turntablism.' " She is in the midst of amazing talent such as DJ Kuttin Kandi, Annalyze, Tyra from Saigon & Killa Jewel. I have no doubt that she will continue rising to the occasion, and in fact, exceed everyone's expectations.

There have been several challenges since Katrina. One being getting people through the door at Handsome Willy's. If you are a promoter, musician or artist, you know what I mean. Handsome Willy's was really hard to find for us outts-towners but that didn't stop us. Ya'll must go out and support local music or your favorite DJ, in NOLA or in your hometown. You never know, they might need to save your life someday.

If you are feeling what any of these talented individuals are doing, tell them. Nothing compares to a good old fashioned compliment or thank you for doing what you do- Keeping the Hip Hop alive.

It's nice to know that people hear you and are feelin what you do.


For more information about Beverly Skills, visit www.myspace.com/beverlyskillz
or www.femaleswitfunk.com

Tata for now.
Peace and Inspiration,
B FRESH of B FRESH Photography