DJ Epps Explains The Evolution of the DJ

Back in the day when hip-hop started, the main character was the DJ and the MC would rap about how good he was. You have groups like Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock and Eric B and Rakim that put their DJ’s name in the group. In his home studio, DJ Epps explains how he started deejaying back in 1992. He was heavily influenced by the legendary DJ Kid Capri who is known for the best parties. He remembers hosting an event with DJ Kid Capri and had to pick him up from the airport. He said DJ Kid Capri showed up with 15 crates of vinyl records and wondered to himself why does he travel with so many crates. He explains later that night at the club, sure enough, DJ Kid Capri used records from every single crate and is why he was the best. This is why the DJ is such an important part of the hip-hop elements.

DJ Epps explains how the new technology of DJ controllers has taken over in today’s hip-hop. There are definitely many advantages to this new way of deejaying, including, not having to carry so many crates. Although he adjusted and learned the new way, he said he prefers using vinyl whenever he gets the chance. There is nothing like using turntables compared to pushing buttons. Many artists still tour with their own DJ as this element is still very important to the hip-hop culture. In today’s world, the deejay gets paid a lot more than when hip-hop first started.

DJ Epps talks about how social media has changed the way the DJ can market themselves and become their own brand. He explains how at the beginning of hip-hop, the only way of promoting a party was through flyers and word of mouth. Today DJ’s use of Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and many other forms of social media help to promote themselves. DJ’s today are their own brand and get paid like artists. Many of them have turned into successful producers like DJ Mustard and j.

Many hip-hop artists today would not be successful if it wasn’t for the DJ playing their record. Without the DJ, there is no hit record. The hip-hop culture depends on the DJ and values this element of hip-hop. Whether it’s vinyl records or a DJ controller, their role is to control the crowd with good music. We can expect to continue to see the growth of successful DJ’s in hip-hop.