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How Do I DJ Like Cutmaster DC?

One of the original Brooklyn disc jockeys during hip-hop's rise, Cutmaster DC was most active from 1983 to 1986. He's recognized most by his two major hits, "Brooklyn's in the House" and "Brooklyn Rocks the Best." Although he didn't gain the mainstream notoriety of Run D.M.C., Cutmaster DC is the producer whose party-oriented style put Brooklyn on the map for hip-hop. Cutmaster DC went under the moniker of DJ Hakim in 2004 for a reggae mixtape.

Things You'll Need

  • Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer
  • Three turntables
  • Vinyl records
  • Music samples
  • Ableton Live
  • Launchpad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Listen to Cutmaster DC's music and begin to notice the pattern of his beats and his method of scratching the record. Watch as many Internet videos as possible on how DJs maneuver.

    • 2

      Learn to cut, break and scratch over the affordable Roland TR-909 Rhythm Composer originally used by Cutmaster DC, which is a part analog, part sample-based drum machine featuring a 16-step sequencer and a drum kit. When this music machine was released, it rose in popularity with the rise of techno. Compared to other music bots, the TR-909 sounds synthetic.

    • 3

      Master the use of three turntables simultaneously, which is something Cutmaster DC is famous for and which he mentions in his hit "Brooklyn's in the House."

    • 4

      Find tracks to overdub. To cut beats like Cutmaster DC, focus on overdubbing songs that make people dance with scratches and beats, which will enhance the party experience. Cutmaster DC is known for overdubbing famous songs, as he did for his 1985 Christmas single, "The Night Before Xmas," an instrumental overdub of cut-up famous Christmas tunes.

    • 5

      Use Ableton Live to get away from the synthetic beats of the TR-909. Cutmaster DC has been quoted saying he now, as of February 2011, uses Launchpad, which integrates with Ableton Live. Tutorials for Launchpad are available on the Novation website.

    • 6

      Watch videos of other performing DJs to witness various styles of showmanship and find your own. Cutmaster DC was famous for his personality on stage.

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