FEATURE
DIARY OF
DJ LA
DJ’ ing never crossed my mind being a kid, although I had seen Jam Master Jay and Grand Master Flash playand was amazed by their talent. When I turned 16, I went over the pond to a U. S. base in Belgium to see some friends and family. By the weekend we all ended up in a club( you can get intoclubs at 16 there). Across the base and all night I was looking at the DJ, what he was doing and how he was doing it. His name was Mike Douty, a DJ from Paris. We got talking and next thing I know I was at his joint in Paris practicing DJ’ ing. It was so cool! I got back to NYC a week later and saved money to get myself everything I needed to start DJ’ ing in my room. But, as you know, you can’ t get into clubs in the U. S. before the age of 21, so I got practicing a lot!
After a year some friends and I took it to the street. I was just happy to do it all in front of people, I was making mix tapes and selling them too. When I turned 19, or so, I just wanted to get to the next level and thankfully got noticed by a big DJ in NYC who took me under his wing and pushed me a little more. From there was just a spiral. Because I still couldn ' t DJ in the U. S. he sent me overseas on a little tour across Europe and in between I was still practicing how to scratch because I wanted to enter the DMC contest in NY. Since I started putting my hands on a turntable in 1992 I have achieved a lot, DJ’ ing in bars, clubs, festivals and even supporting hip-hop artists on stage. I love this job and will always be thankful to the man who pushed me to this, Mr Mike Douty.
My journey isn ' t over yet, since last August I am the Kitchen Boyz official DJ( Broccoli & Afficial) they ' re my Fam now and I rock with them.
To all the DJs out there, I just wanna say NEVER give up. Whatever gets in your way, just carry on.
Peace out DJ L. A. IG: @ IAMDJLA
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