Digging with DJ Shadow

Do you know Jazzy Jay? DJ Shadow? or Cut Chemist? If not, you are missing out on some of the seminal figures in modern Hip Hop. Sure they are not rappers and don't have huge record contracts, but they play an important role in Hip Hop culture. Shadow is often referred to as the "Jimi Hendrix of turntables" for his uncanny ability to to cut and mix two seemingly opposite records together into one free flowing sound. He is the definition of what all DJs strive to be.

Jazzy Jay also has a pretty noteworthy resume. As one of the co-founders of Def Jam recordings, Jay worked with some of the most important artists of the 80s. Most importantly, Jay was the DJ on Afrika Bamabaattaa & Soulsonic Force LP in 1986 and still plays a major role as curator of a collection of over 400,000 records. He is a Hip Hop icon of the highest order.

While Cut Chemist has not received as much attention as DJ Shadow, he is also a major DJ on the scene who has the ability to keep crowds moving with just two decks and a mixer. While he is more commonly known as Jurassic 5's DJ, Cut Chemist constantly tours by himself or as a duo with DJ Shadow.

All three men are featured in the incredible documentary Scractch and tell us what DJing and digging for records means to them.



EDJ