PUBLISHED November 7th, 2012 07:21 am | UPDATED March 27th, 2016 01:52 pm
As the 700 strong crowd tore the roof off Zouk – Shortkut chopping it up on the decks, Maseo whipping us into a frenzy on the mic, while Ali Shaheed Mohammed looking composed and contemplative, took a camera off one of the photographers and started snapping people in the crowd, capturing the moments – there was a feeling amongst us all that we had witnessed something great at Breathe and Stop back in August. As one person wrote on the event Facebook page the day after “If you love Hip Hop and you weren’t there…where the hell were you?!” It was a night to remember, and now, look out folks…we’re doing it again!
Laced Up, following on from the ground-breaking Breathe And Stop, is coming to town next Thursday, 15th November and if you haven’t got your ticket yet, I’m gonna respectfully suggest that you get your butt into gear! Look, let’s be honest, Singapore doesn’t pull in a heavy weight Hip Hop presence; tours often stop in Hong Kong and pass straight over to KL or Bangkok which is crazy. While we may not have the biggest Hip Hop community here in Singapore (we are only a little red dot after all!) there is an appetite for it, we’re hungry and we go hard! So, when live Hip Hop acts do come to Singapore, by pure force in numbers and such rapturous reception, we must show them that we should not be overlooked.
Laced Up, brought to you by Adidas, MatteBlacc, Heavie Boogie and City Nomads are bringing Tony Touch, DJ Apollo and Vinroc to Singapore for your aural pleasure, and we got the chance to catch up with DJ Apollo and Vinroc and ask them a few questions…
DJ APOLLO is a hip hop legend and one of the pioneers in turntablism. Born in the Philippines and raised in San Francisco, Apollo was one of the first DJs to treat the turntable as a musical instrument, capable of much more than just playing records straight. One of the founders and original members of the Invisbl Skratch Piklz, his crew won the DMC United States And World Champions in 1992, which is the highest honour a DJ can earn. Just some of his awards include the Technics DMC DJ Hall of Fame Award and Inductee (1999), the International Turntablist Federation (ITF) Grand Wizard Theodore Award (2000), and the Hip Hop Slam Hall of Fame Award (2002).
What was it that made you realise you wanted to be a DJ?
At age 10, we had a home stereo system with one turntable. I used to line up our record collection in an order I’d like to rock out to. I practiced switching the records real fast for little family parties, but at this time I did not know the term “DJ”. One day in the 8th grade I went over to a friends house and on his desk I saw that he had TWO turntables with a electronic box in the middle (mixer), along with headphones, and a milk crate filled with records. I immediately knew what this was and from that moment I knew I found my thing.
What has been the most memorable day/event/or gig that you’ve played in your career so far?
It would have to be the year 1992 when we won the DMC US Finals in New York City. It was an honor to compete in the city where Hip Hop was born, in front of so many legends in the building. A day I will definitely never forget.
What’s your favourite album of the year?
I don’t have a favorite one this year, but my favorite album of all time is by the best group ever assembled – Public Enemy “It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back.” I grew up to this record. Having seen the evolution of Hip Hop music from its birth, in my opinion there has not been anything that comes close to the magnitude of how this record hit the world, and the overall quality of the record. The distinct sound, lyrical flow, subject matter and content, music production and scratches. The best Hip Hop recording ever made in this world.
What can you say to the aspiring DJ’s out there working hard in their bedrooms? What advice would you give them?
Pay your dues, do your homework and learn the history of music in general. Collect as much music as you can. No matter how hard the game gets, never give up. Find your own unique style and master it. Practice with your heart and soul. Don’t try to be the most technical artist, just sound funky.
As you tour, do you see any differences in Hip Hop communities or even just the people who come to see your shows, from country to country?
Being from the States, it’s very interesting to see the many different Hip Hop communities throughout Asia. Surprisingly enough it’s actually kinda similar to the States. There are people who are into real classic Hip Hop sound, and there are those who like the new Hip Hop sound for the new generation.
How are you finding the reception from Asian audiences? Are you feeling the luv? 🙂
I love playing to Asian audiences here in the States and in Asia as well. In Asia there is a little bit of educating that goes into my sets which I take pride in doing. There’s more room to do some experimenting with song selection. We receive lots of love from the audiences which is always greatly appreciated. I’m doing the heart sign with my hands. One love!
What was it that made you realise you wanted to be a DJ?
I was about 10 years old and was at a friends party and fell in love with all the equipment and music. The whole idea of a sound system at the time was so cool to me.
What has been the most memorable day/event/or gig that you’ve played in your career so far?
There are so many moments that are seared into my memory from a desert party at sunrise, to my nieces first birthday party. They are all a blessing in many ways for me. It would be tough to pick one.
What’s your favourite album of the year?
I’m tossed between the Disclosure album and the new Kendrick Lamar. Kind of a reflection of my wide musical taste I guess.
What can you say to the aspiring DJ’s out there working hard in their bedrooms? What advice would you give them?
At this point in the game, originality and pushing musical boundaries with all the tech available nowadays. If you really want to stand out, learn to create your own edits and remixes
As you tour, do you see any differences in Hip Hop communities or even just the people who come to see your shows, from country to country?
Absolutely, I find that overseas the audiences are more in touch with the real essence of Hip Hop than the audiences in the States now. Perhaps that will come around in the future like most other things.
How are you finding the reception from Asian audiences? Are you feeling the luv? 🙂
HA, as of this interview I haven’t started the tour yet but my crew member DJ Shortkut said it was one of the most fun tours he’s ever been on. And I love to have fun! Looking forward to sharing that energy!
What: Laced Up
When: Thursday, 15 November 2012 21:00 until 04:00
Where: Butter Factory
For details & updates http://www.facebook.com/BreatheAndStop
Limited tickets! Reserve yours today via tickets@heavyboogie.com