As you know DJs invented Hip-Hop, and with the control and skill involved with rhythm and turntable techniques, skratch DJs have transformed the music, technology, and the style behind it. On Saturday May 14th, 2011 Rap Music Guide had the rare opportunity to see the world champion skratch turntablist DJ QBert perform live at the Yoshi’s Jazz Club in San Francisco, CA.
Yogafrog (Ritche Desuasido) was there to introduce DJ QBert and two skratch shaolins, who all took the wheels of the 6 turntables. The skratch shaolins had some skills and showed off their mastery during the intermissions which consisted of QBert throwing out free Thud Rumble merchandise such as T-Shirts, DVD’s, rare skratch DJ vinyl, butter rugs (slip mats), and even his own vinyl off the turntable he was just using! It was quite a show.
DJ QBert is known worldwide for forming the group Invisibl Skratch Piklz, who were later acknowledged as the pioneers of the Turntablist DJ movement. The Invisibl Skratch Piklz consisted of a lineup of San Francisco based innovators such as MixMaster Mike, DJ Shortkut, DJ D-Styles, DJ Apollo, DJ Disk, DJ Flare, and the only member outside of the USA, DJ A-Trak.
If you missed the show, I hate to say it, but it was amazing. DJ QBert on two turntables, with 2 skratch shaolins, free merchandise, and front row seats! Thankfully I took some video so you can see the master at work.
Sounds like it was like Decco’s basement in the 90’s for one night. Sweet!