My Music Roots I come from a musical family: not so far as instruments are concerned but with regards to collecting records. My parents had an extensive collection of music and every weekend they would go to the record stores and buy new 45 lp’s. By following in my family footsteps, my family gave me the opportunity to listen and play music. I began DJing in 1983 when the Hot Mix Five of WBMX hit the airwaves and ushered in the House mix craze. The Hot Mix Five were from five different ethnic backgrounds and as a result the group was able to appeal to all of Chicago’s different ethnic communities. Their main purpose was to educate people about all the different styles of music and their musical style symbolized creativity, originality. By bringing House music to Chicago’s mass audience, they set a lasting trend that many DJs still follow today. When I was thirteen, I would sit by the radio and record all of the Hot Mix Five’s mixes and thus they helped to define my style. Since my father purchased my first turntables and mixer back in 1983, I have developed my DJ hobby into a profession. In the early days, me and my brother Ricky would DJ all of the neighborhood basement parties. Eventually, we developed our skills to the point that we were in demand all over the City. We are probably best known for our ability to spin all types of music and providing mixes that move the crowd by incorporating Old School, House, Disco, Underground, and Hip Hop music. Some of my favorite venues from the ‘good ole days’ were the Paint Box, the first DeJoie’s Power House and the River West Brewery. I loved spinning at the Paint Box because the crowd was professional yet they weren’t stuck up and they came ready to party. The atmosphere was much like East Coast parties and they responded to whatever style of music was booming through the system. DeJoie’s was probably the best club venue in Chicago as far as the quality of the crowd, their readiness to party and the club’s ability to attract Black stars and professional athletes. Years later, the River West became one of my favorite parties because the club had one of the most outstanding sound systems I have ever spinned on and I was able to build up a following that loved Deep House. When I was ready to spin Deep House there was always a club full of House heads ready to get their party on. It was at River West that I developed a good working relationship with the Invincible DJ Vince Adams and DJ Dave Boone that continues to today. Vince and I met while we were both working at C.N.A. Insurance and DJ Vince Adams was kind enough to ask me to open for him at the River West. And the rest is history. We continue to stay in contact with each other and often discuss trends in music. I admire Mr. Invincible most because of how well he treats people and because each time he spends he acts as if its his last time and really puts his all into pleasing the crowd. Dave and I also developed a very good relationship and were able to complement each other on the turntables...
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