Well I could not have picked a better time to become a DJ. In 1985 with House music becoming the signature sound of Chicago and everybody wanting to throw there own party business was good, then along came the whole Break-dance craze. New York electro records starting making there way into the mix. Songs Like Hip Hop Be Bop by Man Parrish, Pop Goes My Love by Freeze and I want It To Be Real by John Rocca became major songs on radio stations like WBMX. Then came Din Daa Daa and White Horse and the culture of house music was getting another sound along with Disco and Garage sound . I admit for a hot minute I used to Break-dance and I was Ok but the night I and my cousin Reggie Fleming, Sherrod McClendon, and JO JO went to Glenwood Roller Rink for the big Break-dance battle showed me that I need to stick with the mix. We were popping and locking and I was spinning on my head and we knew we had won the battle until a group of dudes from Chicago came out onto the floor in full parachute gear and kicked our ass like we were Electro Rock from the movie Breakin. I quickly gave up my head bands and spike wrist bands and took it back to what I do best mix. In my neighborhood there were some really good Djs that had it going on. DJ Pierre aka Scratching Pierre, Rock-in Reggie who was off the hook back then and Jam Master Jay who is still mixing to this day. I would go here them play all over the south suburbs at places like Glenwood Roller Rink, Star Flier Rink, The Oval Rink, The Comfort Inn, and Celabration Station and they never disappointed. Before I wanted to be on the radio I wanted to be those guys and I became a student of there craft. As house music grew Djs like Farley Funkin Keith and Steve SILK Hurley used to come out and Dj with them but those guys always held there own and always made me proud cause they were just as good. It seem like over night Djs popped up all over the place brothers like Hula Mahone aka HOT HANDS , Glen aka Dr Jack and Marc Traino all started to make noise but in Park Forest/Beacon Hill Chicago Heights I was getting party after party and Vicious V was becoming household on plugers in the south suburbs. As a freshmen at Rich East High School I started doing mix tapes for everybody in the school and to this day many friends of mine from High School still have those tapes (Derrick Bell). Even though I hated Rich East it did have one thing that I liked it had a Radio Station WRHS and that started my love for the microphone. I used to host a show with my classmate Eddie Baking Berkhimer and we basically tried to copy WBMX it was low budget but it was very fun maybe one day I will post one of my shows from High School I still own a few. I knew right then and there I wanted to Dj for the rest of my life BUT my parents had other plans…………..TO BE CONTINUED!!
1030 MIX 2/13/09 MELODIES MIX http://www.sendspace.com/file/hkvnjz
CLICK OR COPY AND PASTE ENJOY!!!!!!
To be continued? lol. We’re waiting with baited breath!
Well it is rare that one knows his/her calling at such a young age but you knew…and you have mastered. Over the years I have listenend to and known many DJ’s inlcuding the ones that you have mentioned. But as time goes by the “Art” of being a DJ has lost way to computerization. I must applaude you for staying true to the craft by continuing to create from “the crates”. You are already are respect among the Original House Creators and well on your way to being a Chicago legend along the likes of Herb Kent. Continue to stay true and can’t wait for the book each blog entry takes me back…. wow dare I say waaayyy back LOL.
Diedra
just want to say as a resindent of Glenwood, but grew up on the southside, I am glad to see there were so many venues out here to “kick it at”. Its funny to see that Glenwood roller rink is still a place to be at……. for the shorties( see Roll Bounce). South Subs bringing the heat back just for those who are interested.
i’m glad you followed your heart. whatever it was your folks wanted you to do you would never had as muc fun as you do now.
If ypur blog is this juicy, can’t wait for the book. Keep up the great work. You always keep me jackin even when I don’t feel like it.
Every time I read your blog, I imagine what it would be like if I was there.
Me being a house head,I would have appreciated it.
That’s cool, that you was able to have a small radio gig in High School!
Hey we all gotta start somewhere.
Also, the break dancing wars sounded tight!!!
I’d like to know more about them!
~Donald~
Dizz it is a thrill to witness one doing what they absolutely love. Although I don’t have a career in music I L O V E, Love music, I never leave home without one, sometimes both of my Ipods. My clients and relatives are always asking me to make them a cd. I’ve even been asked to dj but I only do it for my parties. Keep loving the music…I am and I do.
Peace & Blessings,
B.J.
p.s. I remember Pink House and all the others too.