Turntablism is a brand of
hip hop where the DJs are paid their proper respects. While most hip hop
focuses on the MC, turntablism focuses on the DJ. Thanks to turntablism,
DJs finally had their moment to shine, especially at live performances.
A turntablist DJ’s skills are showcased during live
performances in the form of scratching, phasing, and beat juggling. Beat
juggling takes place when turntablist DJs spin beats on at least two separate
turntables. But, to understand not only a turntablist DJ’s skills,
but what motivates him, you have to understand where turntablism came
from, and for that, we must look to the history of turntablism for answers.
Upon examination, the history of turntablism shows that
while DJs like Grandmaster Flash could stand on their own, MCs began to
take over the spotlight as hip hop became more mainstream. Part of this
stemmed from the fact that in order to get on-air radio play, rap songs
needed an MC front-man, as most radio stations were typically hesitant
to play songs that were instrumental only. However, this did not prevent
a turntablist DJ’s drive for success.
Over the history of turntablism, turntablist DJs have consistently
strived to regain some of the spotlight that had been lost since the days
of Grandmaster Flash. As you fast forward through the history of turntablism,
to the mid 1990’s, you’ll discover that a turntablist DJ’s
acclaim had only grown. While a turntablist DJ’s prestige may not
exactly rival that of a rapping MC, turntablist DJs were able to find
a home of their own in the hip hop marketplace.
Throughout the history of turntablism, you’ll also
find that a variety of musical types were sampled. Anything and everything
ranging from drum beats to soul, jazz, gospel, disco, and funk have been
sampled into songs by turntablist DJs. Nowadays, even rock & roll
are sampled by turntablist DJs.
Some familiar turntablist DJs other than
Grandmaster Flash would be DJ Shadow, The X-Ecutioners, Kid Koala, Rob
Swift, and DJ Q-Bert. If you’re looking to groove to some hip hop,
or freestyle over some beats, turntablism is right for you.
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