Peace and Blessings,

I was meditating a bit over the last day or so about something that has irritated me lately. Recently OTTR has rocked a song or two about the roll of the DJ in Hip Hop. The song i will focus on is called, 'The DJ' and is off DJ Revolution's album with featured lyricism by none other than KRS ONE. Let me preface my comments by saying that despite what i am about to say and how i may sometimes disagree with his approach, i do still consider KRS to be my favorite MC of all time and afford him the respect that comes with that distinction.

With that said, the part of the track that initially stood out to me is when Kris says, 'f*ck your requests, you came to hear the DJ rock.' Now as someone who has spun as a mobile DJ, spun at clubs and spun at radio i would be lying if i said i have never gotten heated over requests. Sometimes as experts in our field of influence we appreciate the music on a deeper level. So when someone requests a song we find particularly wack, especially if we gave into the pressure to play it 10 minutes before the requester entered the room, it can be vexing. However, i am not sure writing off the perspective of the listeners and supporters is the best move. I am not saying that when you are at the club, the DJ is your personal MP3 player, just that spinning, like any element of Hip Hop (or artistic expression in general) requires a certain give and take of energy. Even the best DJ can get distracted if they see their ex on the floor dancing with someone else.

Now don't get me wrong, there is a place for ego and even negative energy can be productive. In the former case, it takes some confidence just to put yourself in front of a crowd. In the latter, a battle DJ (much like anyone who enjoys battling) will use negative energy differently than someone who is playing at your niece's sweet 16 or Quincinera. But with all that said, just running up in a spot with all the bravado of a top 40 rapper is not necessarily going to make for the best mix ever or move the crowd any.

The other point that the Blastmaster makes that i am not sure i completely agree with is that in pointing out that DJs and MCs are connected (i concur and suggest that that transcends to practitioners of all Hip Hop's elements) he suggests that an MC should speak for the DJ who provides their beats. If i could be so bold, i want to qualify that to say that all of Hip Hop's elements (as all forms of art) are expressions, nay megaphones for our individual voices.

In other words, we are all here to say or do SOMETHING. No one is living in a vacuum. So it becomes a matter of how you choose to employ those gifts. Not everyone is meant to spit, not everyone is made to spin. Its on you to acknowledge your gifts, sharpen them and use them to amplify your voice.

What i appreciate most about the song is that its purpose is to herald the significance of the DJ. I am merely suggesting that what made Pete Rock & CL Smooth's music so much better than CL Smooth's music, the reason that B.I.G.'s music was so much better when he was still on this plain, what made the Fresh Prince more authentic than Will Smith is that the songs were less a pile of beats and words and more a conversation between the MC and the DJ.

Again DJing as an expression merely lends amplification to what the DJ has to say. Ie. the concept of Terminator X speaking with his hands. We are all here to speak our voice. One other gem the song offers is that too many DJs are content to prostitute their megaphone for a paycheck. So i will part with this... How are you using your voice? Are you using it to make a mark and uplift like those who have recognized their gifts and honed their skills? Or are you acting like a fast food clerk at a drive-thru window, using it to sell unhealthy products to your community?


One Love,
Curry Kid



Ps. FYI...

This Saturday is Curry Kid's annual Born Day show so you never know who may check in.

We will tell you though, get your questions about love and relationships ready as the Queen will be welcoming Holistic Doctor James Prego to be among those 'Kickin It With The Queen.'

Speaking of Questions, the Question of the Week is: 'Will the next president institute a single payer universal healthcare plan?'


This Saturday's OFF THE TOP will be dedicated to:
Cowboy (of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5)
Peter Tosh
Anita Roddick


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