makinselections

DJ=HIP HOP : hip-hop today is largely devoid of the DJ. many new jacks fail to realize that hip-hop would be non-existant without the DJ. DJ's created hip-hop. the DJ came first. in the early days of hip-hop, they juggled breaks, people got loose & mc's were sidemen who supported the DJ between cuts. somewhere along the lines, the whole science became twisted.

name a DJ. most kids who are spoonfed their hip-hop through major media outlets probably couldn't name one. when i was a shorty it was Jam Master Jay, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Eric B & Terminator X. DJ's were household names. mc's made jam after jam giving props to their DJ's ("Eric B. For President", "Peter Piper", "Brand New Funk", "Bring The Noise") & for good reason. DJing talent was showcased for the world to enjoy.

i probably would have never embraced hip-hop music if it weren't for the DJ. i fell in love with the sound of JMJ's cuts on "Raising Hell". i still get chills when i hear "yo jay, yo jay, abba rubba rubba rup, rip rup". to me the lyrics, while exciting in their own right, mainly served as breaks between hearing the ill scratches.

while it's true that hip-hop manifests itself & continues to adapt & evolve into many different forms, hip-hop is truly not hip-hop without the presence of a DJ. a set of turntables not only represent tradition & respect for the culture of hip-hop, but also make a bold statement of authenticity. when heads walk into a jam & see the tables, they know the equation: DJ=HIP-HOP.