The first record out of my parents collection was Are You Experienced, by Jimi Hendrix. The power of a movie sound track, mixtape or my record collection continue to expand my creativity.
I earned the nickname Jam Jam from Calen. Music was blasting every time he came through my studio. Many years later another coworker asked, “what would your DJ name be?” I responded: Major Jamage
As early as the 1940s, Jamaicans were the first DJs and Sound System experts. DJ Kool Herc brought the culture to the Bronx NYC, circa 1973. He’s also credited with being one of the founders of Hip Hop.
As a young man I was blessed with the early sounds of the genre. Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em and Rap Traxx 2 were some of my first tapes. My cousin visited, forgot his tape: The Great Adventures of Slick Rick…
In ’89 snow & skateboarding took over my life. Everything else faded away. With the explosion of street skating, the soundtracks were how you heard new music. Cypress Hill, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Beastie Boys, Hieroglyphics, Group Home & Gang Starr.
DJing was always an aspiration. Again, my cousin Gemineyez, was already into it. So I have to credit him with showing me the ropes.
The same skate buddy who gave me the name Jam Jam, would spin vinyl hip hop sets at my rooftop studio and premiere parties. What’s up Flash!
Kutcorners showed me some of Vancouver’s early 2000s spitters. That actual high level production was possible.
Serious inspiration from DJ Law and DJ Unknown (Tru-Paz) while living in Toronto. Storytelling, features and a real underground musical movement.
As soon as I could afford the gear, my sound system grew. So did the record collection. My CD and .mp3 database was already massive from decades of collecting.
In 2019, top selecta DJ V12, asked me to come through to PG’s Jamaican restaurant. I was blown away and honoured. Respect to Griffiths family for giving me the opportunity. It taught me how to rock a show, move the crowd and use the mic to get the party people involved.
My longtime friend Jamal Steeles granted me spots at CiTR’s Hip Hop/Rap show, Crimes & Treasons. It gave me the experience of a live broadcast. No slippin allowed.
This is my blueprint.
– Reggae, Lovers Rock & Dancehall
– Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, Funk, Dancehall & Reggae
– Hip Hop, Soul, R&B, House, Dancehall & Reggae
– Soul, R&B, Classic Rock & Funk
To me, DJing is the foundation of urban music production. Hip Hop, house, electronica, drum & bass. It all comes from creating a loop with two records.
If you’re looking for a DJ, sound system engineer, a livestream with visuals & sound, a professional to record your lyrics, band or podcast. Let’s connect.
The value in choosing the right songs for the right party, is paramount. If the people aren’t dancing, there’s nothing happening.
Hip Hop/Rap, Reggae, Deep House, Electronica, R&B, Soul, Classic Rock, Grunge – are all in the collection. Ready for the party people to enjoy.
