“What is more important to me is practicing in my head, what I hear so I could do that when im skratching. One of the James Brown drummers, he was saying you dont need your instrument with you, you could be practicing anywhere in your head because you’re playing the sounds and rhythms in your mind.” -DJ Deeandroid
About a year ago I was inspired to create an on going docu series called “Always A Student” where I invited a young DJ by the name of Lean Rock (Boston) to come to the Bay Area to learn more about the craft from several top DJs who I was connected with. Growing up (pre internet, pre workshops, vhs, dvd) the only way you could Truly learn these art forms was through older heads who would take the time to show you what and how it is to Live the art form. Working with Lean Rock since he was 17, I knew it would be important for him to get views and thought processes from people who I knew could bless him with game that would help him on his path.
This segment features DJ Deeandroid of Skratchpad, La Femme Deadly Venoms, Rock Force Crew. I met Deeandroid in 1997 at Universal Zulu Nation workshops in Daly City -through her older sister Marie who was a UZN member and would bring younger heads Deeandroid and Celskiii along to sit in. Little did I know how much of a force Deeandroid and Celskiii would become later on within the DJ realm -they both made noise by tearing heads up in comps, DMC group finalists (in 07 they destroyed a gang of So California heads at a comp called Tablemanners taking 1st) and always rocking cyphers where ever they were getting busy. Deeandroid and Celskiii also were tour DJs for KRS ONE and helped save/preserve Turntable music in the Bay by creating Skratchpad.
Deeandroid Lives it to the fullest.
Her statement above on the importance of practicing your craft in your mind is something I have seen younger heads tend to neglect. They often feel that they need the turntables in front of them to sharpen their craft and its the only way, but Truly isnt, as its the mind that controls your skill levels before it reaches the physical -this goes for any art form. People always love to make excuses why they dont excel in their art, when all they need to do is focus in their mind where they want to be.
In the clip below Dee breaks down what I feel that most so called DJs fail to realize -the heart it takes to want to excel in the craft in terms of paying dues and going to school. Its one thing for young heads to lack skills, but it goes the same for older heads who are in their 30s+ that have been in the game but barely evolve year after year in terms of basic skill level advancement, be it on the doubles, selection or on the cut ETC.
Stay evolving!
Challenging yourself to go the distance and learning as much as possible is everything when it comes to the craft or culture you choose to represent. I feel Deeandroid continues to be a great student/teacher not only in DJin, but to HipHop culture and its many aspects as a whole (she’s #True). Im very Proud and Honored to have built with a strong sister like Deeandroid! Salamat!
Apire to Master Culture,
@Paulskeee
