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Posted on Fri, May. 20, 2005
DJ CRAZE
BY MICHAEL HAMERSLY
Looks like the wait for Nocturnal to open in downtown Miami was worth it -- it has scored the world's greatest turntablist for a Friday night residency. DJ Craze, sometimes referred to as a ''scratch pervert,'' mixes up styles like a whirlwind, the relentless beats coming at you like Dwyane Wade on a fast break. Speaking of the Heat, look for Craze's new mix CD Miami Heat to drop June 14 -- it's 24 tracks of drum 'n' bass and turntablism expertly sliced together. Craze took time out to talk up his new gig at Nocturnal; 305-576-6996.
Q: Drum 'n' bass has always been an underground genre. Do you think it could ever gain mainstream popularity like house and trance?
Drum 'n' bass has been an underground thing for a while. I think it's because it doesn't have the MC element hip-hop has, and it's not a bad thing that it's still underground because the corporate world hasn't taken it over yet and made it cheesy and watered-down for the masses. It's still all about the music and I think that's a wonderful thing.
Q: You're three-time DMC world champion. What does that stand for, and who have you competed against?
Being a three-time DMC champion (Disco Mix Club) means I beat the best DJs in the world who joined the competition those years. I competed against too many DJs to remember, but the ones that stand out are Shortkut, A-Trak, DJ Dummy, DJ Develop, Slyce and Tony Vegas.
Q: Do you have a specific musical mission?
My only musical mission is to show people that music is a special thing and that there's more music out there than just the stuff you hear on the radio.
Q: How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as a mix of all kinds of good music. I'll play anything from hip-hop to drum 'n' bass to Miami bass to rock to turntablism. If I think it's good, I'll play it.
Q: Who are a few of your musical idols?
The Roots, OutKast, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul.
Q: What can we expect from your new residency at Nocturnal?
You can expect a special vibe at Nocturnal. I'm going to try to show people that you can have a good night and listen to good music without the attitude that the Beach has. I want people to feel like they're going to hear something special every night, not just the same ol' same ol'.
Q: How healthy -- or unhealthy -- do you feel the dance music scene is compared to a few years ago?
I think the dance scene was hurting for a minute but it's starting to pick up. There were a lot of negative things going on in the scene but every scene has negative things going on with it. The dance scene will always be here and it will always depend on the people.
Q: Your turntabling style is extremely physical -- do you exercise a lot to keep in shape?
I just started working out now but it's not for DJing -- it's for me. I just thought it was about time that I started doing something good for my body.
Q: You titled your latest CD Miami Heat -- what's your connection to the city?
I've lived in Miami since I was 5 years old and I'm proud to be from Miami. I've been all around the world -- you name it, I've been there -- and I can honestly say this city is the s - - -! It was only right that I dedicate one of my CD titles to the city.
Q: What do you listen to in your free time?
I like to listen to anything from The Roots, OutKast, Common, Talib Kweli and a lot more of the golden-era cats.
Miami Herald
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/entertainment/music/11683440.htm
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