DJ Babu (born Chris Oroc) is one of the most well-respected DJs in the world and has been doing his thing since the early 90s. As a revered battle DJ, he has won multiple battle competitions, including ITF titles & the DMC Championship in 1997. His hardwork and dedicaton to turntablism has spawned multiple DVD releases, solo albums, and of course albums with his crews, Dilated Peoples, Likwit Junkies, and the Beat Junkies. Below is a sick video of DJ Babu back in 1997 doing a quick DJ set, where he breaks it down and gives the people a taste of what he can do with 2 turntables and a mixer. Hip-hop started with the DJ and in my eyes, DJ Babu is certainly one of the best to ever do it, so check it out...What you saw in that video was just a glimpse of what Babu can do and it also represents the difference between a DJ & a "Turntablist." Many people have argued that Babu helped coin that term and I definitely agree. Where a DJ plays tunes & can do a few tricks, a turntablist can make music with the records - something new and something fresh. DJ Babu's credability as one of the best battle DJs lead to the releases of "Super Duck Breaks" and "Super Duper Duck Breaks," under the name "Turntablist." These records are heralded as some of the best battle records ever made & have been tested by some of the best DJs to ever do it (Q-Bert, Rob Swift, J Rocc, Roc Raida, etc). If you are a DJ and you don't own 2 copies of these, you definitely get the gas face lol. By now, Babu has released 3 volumes of his famed "Duck Season" series, with more on the way, but this right here is a cut from his most recent release, Duck Season 3, and it features his homie and fellow-group member in Dilated Peoples, Evidence. Its 1 of my favorite tracks on the album, so check it out!
DJ Babu was an inspiring force in me wanting to become a DJ, so when I was told that I would have the opportunity to interview him, I was real excited. I've met him numerous times over the years through shows, work at Fat Beats and networking events - I couldn't have enough positive things to say about the man. I feel like he's in a class of only a few people, who continue to do what they do on a global level, and are still grounded enough to help pass on knowlege to younger cats on the come-up. His new album, "Duck Season Vol.3," is the perfect follow-up to past releases, because in this volume Babu handles the entire album's production. You can see the growth and the dedication he's put into this album, so I respect it for that and for the quality he presents. As always, I like to drop 1 last joint before I begin the interview so you have something to listen to & in this case, we're gonna take it back to "The Beat Tape Vol.1," which flexed some of DJ Babu's finest instrumental work. Check it out and please enjoy the interview, which touches on how he got into DJing, production, battling and the various projects he's done over the years. Big shouts to DJ Babu for making it happen, Peace & Love.
DJ Babu - Effeks
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1. How did you first get turned onto hip-hop and what was your initial desire to become a DJ?
Being that I was a Navy brat, I bounced around the country until I was about 7 years old, finally ending up in Southern California. Oxnard, CA to be exact, around 1983. I still have vivid memories of hip-hop culture and music having a direct impact on me. All of the kids in my neighborhood were into it, mostly b-boying and popping, but there was an older kid by the name of Rex who DJ'd and had turntables. Me, I was definitely trying to break and pop, I did want to DJ but there was no way my parents were going to shell out $900 for some "record players" lol. So, it wasn't until I was 16 that I was able to work and save money and buy my first turntables. I think the biggest thing that drew me to DJing was scratching, I learned to scratch before anything else! If anything, DJing, in general, was just something I loved to do, I had no plans, I did it because it made me feel good!
2. I hear that, it was pure back then! What was the first vinyl record that you can remember buying and how many would you say that you have now? Do you still dig and collect vinyl?
I think my first record I asked my mom to buy me was Cheap Trick, "Surrender," I used to love that cut when I was little! But my first hip-hop record had to be either Malcolm Maclaren & The World Famous Supreme Team "Buffalo Gals" or Herbie Hancock "Future Shock." I definitely still dig, but not as much as I did in the past. Its something I still need to do to feel normal, ya know? A lot of time I do a lot of my digging when I'm on the road, it's incredible to be able to have access to some music I couldn't find in LA, but I do love going to the record fairs, hitting up Fat Beats, Amoeba, and a couple other spots too...
3. Many people have laid claim that you actually birthed the term "Turntablism" - how do you feel about those claims and what is your current definition of Turntablism?
I'm very flattered, but really, it was something I used to write on my mixtapes, "Babu The Turntablist." It was also an idea myself, Melo-D, and D-Styles kicked around because at the time we felt like "If you play the piano, they call you a pianist, we play the turntables...." You get it, but I kinda see turntablism as music rooted in manipulating prerecorded audio through the use of turntables, records and needles to create new compositions. Its evolving everyday especially with technology, so thats why I say "rooted."
4. Expanding on that, how do you feel that DJing has changed since the advancements in technology (serato)? Do you find it amazing that even with all those advancements, Technic 1200s have remained a staple in hip-hop culture? I guess some things are still held sacred lol
A lot of good, a lot of bad. I use and endorse Rane & Serato Scratch, so by all means, I think its incredible! As a professional DJ, whose been spinning 15+ years, it definitely has its obvious pluses, especially with traveling, but I'm glad I spent the early part of my DJ career up until now collecting vinyl. As far as 1200's still being used, it definitely made the transition from vinyl to digital smooth, for me, because of the fact that you still control your music from the turns and the control & vinyl was a major selling point to me...
5. How long have you been producing? What factors went into the decision to expand into production?
From early on, I was always into the music & the beats, ya know? Being a DJ, I was trying to make ill mixtapes on my 4 track and I started messing with little samplers, then I started figuring out samples and how cats took drums and loops off of old record and made them into ill beats. Showbiz, Preemo, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Tribe...I'd read the sample clearances and all the liner notes and go find the loops. I'd know who the engineers were, where they recorded, some real beat nerd shit! lol. Also, I spent a lot of time building with my man, Kan Kick, he was really the first one who hipped me to sampling and making beats, he's like one of the best kept secrets in the west! So I think early I knew I wanted to eventually make tracks for rappers and become a producer...I guess studying cats like Dre, Preemo, Pete Rock & countless others rubbed off a little.
6. Do you miss being away from the DJ Battle scene? Who are some DJs that are still heavy into battling that you enjoy watching? Do you have a particular battle that stands out in your memory and if so, why?
I miss that time of my life ... not just the battles, but the whole era for me. I was young, dumb, I didn't give a fuck about nothing, but hip-hop! The battles were the shit and some of my fondest memories, but battling is a fulltime job thats very stressful. I don't miss that lol I really like C2C from France, them cats are ill! As far as my favorite battle, it has to be the last 2 ITFs, where I took scarching and beat juggling, and teams with the Beat Junkies in SF and the following year in Amsterdamn when we defended our team title!
7. Do you have a special approach/technique/style as a DJ? What records would you suggest for an upcoming DJ that wanted to practice?
Just have fun, ya know, and do it cuz you love it! Learn how to blend, counting beats, scratching, understand your equipment, listen to a ton of music, make mixtapes, DJ parties, do it all!!! Oh and definitely practice on Super & Super Duper Duck Breaks!!!
9. Haha, yeah, definitely cop those battle records! lol. So, speak about the new album, "Duck Season Vol.3" - how the various collaborations came together, how long you worked on it and how you feel it stands up against your previous solo releases.
I'm really proud of DS3, its been about 3 years on and off in the making, so its been long overdue. Volume 1 started out as a compilation with 1 or 2 joints I produced, then Vol.2 I produced about half the LP, so I knew with Vol.3 I wanted to produce the whole thing. I think the delay of it coming out was better for me and the listeners....in that period of time, I just got a lot better at what I do and think Vol.3 is killing 1 & 2!
10. Word, I think its dope too, but speaking on that, the album has been in stores for a few months now, what have been the overall reviews thus far? Are you happy with way the album has been received and are you working on any new projects now?
For the most part there's been little to no hatred, but I can't complain, the climate for selling music is verrrrry weird right now. On top of that, I came out in a sea of great LPs, but I will continue throughout '09 to let people know they need to cop DS3! As far as new projects, look out for Duck Season 3.5 - a collection of unreleased songs that shoulda been on DS3 and some exclusive remixes. Look out for Defari & I's new Likwit Junkies LP. Look out for my man, Rakaa Iriscience's LP, "Crown Of Thorns," Evidence's "Cats & Dogs," The Beat Tape Vol.2 & a new Dilated LP!
11. Wow, thats a lot of work for '09! Do you have any last words or any additional information that you'd like to share with the readers? As a DJ myself, I definitely look up to you and other dope DJs, who have consistently supported the hip-hop culture and laid the foundation, so before I end this interview, I just want to say thank you and thanks for building with me on this!
Much love to you, SAV, for the dope interview and your patience!!!! Much love goes out to my Dilated Fam, Junkies, Defari, and all my fam and crew. Hit me @ WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DJBABU.
DJ Babu - Effeks
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. How did you first get turned onto hip-hop and what was your initial desire to become a DJ?
Being that I was a Navy brat, I bounced around the country until I was about 7 years old, finally ending up in Southern California. Oxnard, CA to be exact, around 1983. I still have vivid memories of hip-hop culture and music having a direct impact on me. All of the kids in my neighborhood were into it, mostly b-boying and popping, but there was an older kid by the name of Rex who DJ'd and had turntables. Me, I was definitely trying to break and pop, I did want to DJ but there was no way my parents were going to shell out $900 for some "record players" lol. So, it wasn't until I was 16 that I was able to work and save money and buy my first turntables. I think the biggest thing that drew me to DJing was scratching, I learned to scratch before anything else! If anything, DJing, in general, was just something I loved to do, I had no plans, I did it because it made me feel good!
2. I hear that, it was pure back then! What was the first vinyl record that you can remember buying and how many would you say that you have now? Do you still dig and collect vinyl?
I think my first record I asked my mom to buy me was Cheap Trick, "Surrender," I used to love that cut when I was little! But my first hip-hop record had to be either Malcolm Maclaren & The World Famous Supreme Team "Buffalo Gals" or Herbie Hancock "Future Shock." I definitely still dig, but not as much as I did in the past. Its something I still need to do to feel normal, ya know? A lot of time I do a lot of my digging when I'm on the road, it's incredible to be able to have access to some music I couldn't find in LA, but I do love going to the record fairs, hitting up Fat Beats, Amoeba, and a couple other spots too...
3. Many people have laid claim that you actually birthed the term "Turntablism" - how do you feel about those claims and what is your current definition of Turntablism?
I'm very flattered, but really, it was something I used to write on my mixtapes, "Babu The Turntablist." It was also an idea myself, Melo-D, and D-Styles kicked around because at the time we felt like "If you play the piano, they call you a pianist, we play the turntables...." You get it, but I kinda see turntablism as music rooted in manipulating prerecorded audio through the use of turntables, records and needles to create new compositions. Its evolving everyday especially with technology, so thats why I say "rooted."
4. Expanding on that, how do you feel that DJing has changed since the advancements in technology (serato)? Do you find it amazing that even with all those advancements, Technic 1200s have remained a staple in hip-hop culture? I guess some things are still held sacred lol
A lot of good, a lot of bad. I use and endorse Rane & Serato Scratch, so by all means, I think its incredible! As a professional DJ, whose been spinning 15+ years, it definitely has its obvious pluses, especially with traveling, but I'm glad I spent the early part of my DJ career up until now collecting vinyl. As far as 1200's still being used, it definitely made the transition from vinyl to digital smooth, for me, because of the fact that you still control your music from the turns and the control & vinyl was a major selling point to me...
5. How long have you been producing? What factors went into the decision to expand into production?
From early on, I was always into the music & the beats, ya know? Being a DJ, I was trying to make ill mixtapes on my 4 track and I started messing with little samplers, then I started figuring out samples and how cats took drums and loops off of old record and made them into ill beats. Showbiz, Preemo, Diamond D, Pete Rock, Tribe...I'd read the sample clearances and all the liner notes and go find the loops. I'd know who the engineers were, where they recorded, some real beat nerd shit! lol. Also, I spent a lot of time building with my man, Kan Kick, he was really the first one who hipped me to sampling and making beats, he's like one of the best kept secrets in the west! So I think early I knew I wanted to eventually make tracks for rappers and become a producer...I guess studying cats like Dre, Preemo, Pete Rock & countless others rubbed off a little.
6. Do you miss being away from the DJ Battle scene? Who are some DJs that are still heavy into battling that you enjoy watching? Do you have a particular battle that stands out in your memory and if so, why?
I miss that time of my life ... not just the battles, but the whole era for me. I was young, dumb, I didn't give a fuck about nothing, but hip-hop! The battles were the shit and some of my fondest memories, but battling is a fulltime job thats very stressful. I don't miss that lol I really like C2C from France, them cats are ill! As far as my favorite battle, it has to be the last 2 ITFs, where I took scarching and beat juggling, and teams with the Beat Junkies in SF and the following year in Amsterdamn when we defended our team title!
7. Do you have a special approach/technique/style as a DJ? What records would you suggest for an upcoming DJ that wanted to practice?
Just have fun, ya know, and do it cuz you love it! Learn how to blend, counting beats, scratching, understand your equipment, listen to a ton of music, make mixtapes, DJ parties, do it all!!! Oh and definitely practice on Super & Super Duper Duck Breaks!!!
9. Haha, yeah, definitely cop those battle records! lol. So, speak about the new album, "Duck Season Vol.3" - how the various collaborations came together, how long you worked on it and how you feel it stands up against your previous solo releases.
I'm really proud of DS3, its been about 3 years on and off in the making, so its been long overdue. Volume 1 started out as a compilation with 1 or 2 joints I produced, then Vol.2 I produced about half the LP, so I knew with Vol.3 I wanted to produce the whole thing. I think the delay of it coming out was better for me and the listeners....in that period of time, I just got a lot better at what I do and think Vol.3 is killing 1 & 2!
10. Word, I think its dope too, but speaking on that, the album has been in stores for a few months now, what have been the overall reviews thus far? Are you happy with way the album has been received and are you working on any new projects now?
For the most part there's been little to no hatred, but I can't complain, the climate for selling music is verrrrry weird right now. On top of that, I came out in a sea of great LPs, but I will continue throughout '09 to let people know they need to cop DS3! As far as new projects, look out for Duck Season 3.5 - a collection of unreleased songs that shoulda been on DS3 and some exclusive remixes. Look out for Defari & I's new Likwit Junkies LP. Look out for my man, Rakaa Iriscience's LP, "Crown Of Thorns," Evidence's "Cats & Dogs," The Beat Tape Vol.2 & a new Dilated LP!
11. Wow, thats a lot of work for '09! Do you have any last words or any additional information that you'd like to share with the readers? As a DJ myself, I definitely look up to you and other dope DJs, who have consistently supported the hip-hop culture and laid the foundation, so before I end this interview, I just want to say thank you and thanks for building with me on this!
Much love to you, SAV, for the dope interview and your patience!!!! Much love goes out to my Dilated Fam, Junkies, Defari, and all my fam and crew. Hit me @ WWW.MYSPACE.COM/DJBABU.
7 comments:
LA HOMIE! BABU IS SIK WIT IT
seen him live and best ever.
the MOP song on ds3 is my trak
like the read
peace sav
another good interview. liking them, keep on pls. peace
he has dope skillz kid
Great interview! I mean thinking about the era where hip hop was fun makes me smile. Dude is dope hands down! I love Dilated. It has been a while since I heard the DS joints. Nevertheless, heat. Things have changed so much that the elements of Hip hop are being kept alive by a select few. It is great to headz progress with love for the game and not letting themselves go by putting out cornball musak. Good stuff and that video is sick!
Live or TV, whether tape or CD, Twelve inch, Liquid Audio or MP3
Eff the format, they askin where the "Platform" at
Late summer, early fall, yo SAV1, where the storm at?
Peace fam!
Dopest turntablist! Always wanted to meet him and say that. thanxu
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