The 2011 DMC World DJ Championships – US Finals [Recap]

It was 1983 when the late Malcolm McLaren released one of the first odes to DJ’s in the form of “D’ya Like Scratchin’.” Since then, the craft of DJing has evolved significantly. Crates of vinyl records have disappeared in favor of laptops that can easily and inexpensively contain all of the records in yours, and your friend’s collection too. With advances in technology changing the musical landscape, everyone can technically be a “Disc Jockey,” but realistically, not everyone can mix records properly, and only the bold should even to attempt to scratch or cut records. Turntablists are  masters of the art of manipulating two turntables and a mixer, turning them into tools of sound. Just as guitars or drum sets are instrumental in many musical compostions, the turntable remains one of hip hop’s primary instruments.

The turntable gets the party started; it’s just that simple. Talented DJs are deft at manipulating the sound of vinyl records and making it pleasing to the ear. A DJ has to contend with delivering a performance that delivers not only musically, but preferably, makes you walk away saying, “That dude was ill.”

Twelve of the best turntable DJs in the country (in order of appearance: Fascinate, Cysko Rokwel, As-One, Ohm, Shmeeze, Immortal, Vajra, Precision, I-Dee, Concept, Qbase and Etronik) assembled at Santos Party House in lower Manhattan to compete in front of a full house of adoring fans to showcase their turntable techniques, bent on taking the title of 2011 DMC US Champion, the national leg of the long-running DMC World DJ Championships, the Olympics of DJing. With entertaining and humorous MC veteran Lord Finesse holding down the hosting duties, those gathered wondered which of the dozen would  be advancing and  getting on the plane to represent at the DMC finals in London.

[Click here to see photos from the DMC World DJ Championships – US Finals]

The finalists provided a hip hop sonic boom to those that were here on an afternoon where no rhymes would be delivered. Using plenty of obscure beats mixed with more popular tracks, these talented artists had fun mixing up their sounds and rocking for the knowledgeable crowd, which included Scratch Academy students eager to see how those at the top of their craft have mastered this complicated art of music manipulation.

This competition was about how each DJ excelled in the craft of beat juggling and scratching on the wheels of steel. Each has developed their skills to be masters at cutting up records, chopping up vocal samples and delivering a nice mix capable of wowing the crowd.  The true skill at mastering the crossfader with lightning fast hands was not lost on the crowd, who cheered every effective mix with thunderous applause. Mixing songs is not easy and being able to mix different beats and tracks efficiently without making a mess of it is an art in of itself. Part of the enjoyment was the crowd interaction; they were very vocal when it came to letting those on stage know who they were feeling and who they weren’t. There was no question that for this group, they came to play, all putting their hearts into their performances.

They thrilled the onlookers, offering up the best in turntablism has to offer. The only noticeable faux pas came from one DJ who lost the crowd’s support after an inappropriate and unfortunate choice of a vocal sample that caused the crowd to snicker and boo, but even so, he finished up strong undeterred by the vocal displeasure expressed by some in the crowd.

In the end, Colorado’s DJ Vajra emerged from the crowd of 12 turntable wizards to stake his claim to the top prize in a momentous win that propels him into the upcoming DMC World DJ Championship in London. Executing these intricate moves on a stage with everything on the line, these competitors all wanted it, but DJ Vajra edged out the competition. Gracious in his acceptance of the award, DJ Vajra was visibly stunned, like he didn’t believe he was the victor in such a close, meaningful competition.

Maryland’s DJ I-DEE came in second and NYC’s own DJ Precision from the veteran DJ collective, The X-Ecutioners, finished third. DJ Etronik, the defending champion delivered, but was far from the best this time around.

In addition to the trip to London, DJ Vajra walked away with a nice gift package that included new turntables and a mixer.

After the competition was over, the turntables were taken over by acclaimed veteran turntablists like San Francisco’s DJ Mista-B, NYC’s DJ Shiftee and The UK’s DJ Woody, all delivering sets filled with gusto and bravado, clearly confident with showcasing the skills that have won them competitions all over the world.

DJ Woody’s impressive multimedia Turntables in Technicolor set utilizing video scratching was extraordinary, easily the most impressive and artistic DJ set of the event.

Watching the exhibitions at the DMC World Championships US Finals, it reminds us who recognize the talent in the abilities on display the importance of people supporting future competitions, attending the events and to the DMC website to purchase the DMC competition DVDs. Lovers of hip hop as a whole must realize how important it is to support the areas of hip hop that don’t always receive the proper spotlight, and the DMC events are great examples.

The entire event was filmed by Marc Carrenceja’s Noisemaker Media, and will be released on DVD. Special shout out goes to Christie Z-Pabon (Tools of War), the passionate DMC executive who has made DMC, as well as other hip hop productions she facilitates, part of her life as well as Brooklyn Bodega’s Marilyn Alonzo, one of the most ardent supporters of the craft.

Finally, judging by the size of the crowd at Santos Party House, it appears that more than 25 years after McLaren’s musical question, the answer is an emphatic “yes,” people definitely love scratchin’.  Those in attendance showed all the DJs love and clearly there are many who continue to have a revered appreciation for this art.

Personally, I have to admit that after watching this, I might want to get my own turntables.

[Click here to see photos from the DMC World DJ Championships – US Finals]