In an era where just about anybody can buy their way into a DJ booth, it is refreshing to still see guys who are passionate about the craft of DJing. DJ Craze is one of those individuals who showcase his talents in a new Youtube video routine to Kanye West's song "New Slaves".
The only DJ to win the DMC World DJ Championships three years straight, DJ Craze has taken his talents beyond the scratch battlefield. Many turntablists stay within their niche and have a tough time finding a larger audience more receptive to their Djing talents. Craze has been able to pave his own path as a label owner and DJ, going back forth between a whole variety of different genres like Miami breaks, hip hop and dance. He was Kanye West's tour DJ in 2008, which has led to their close relationship and the possible selection of "New Slaves" in this routine. Staying on the road, he has been Yelawolf's tour DJ as well. He has also worked in the dance realm, starting an imprint with American dubstep producer / DJ Kill The Noise called Slow Roast Records under A-Trak's Fools Gold Records.
The topic of #realdjing has been quite controversial lately as fans, artists and critics debate what the role of DJ should be. DJ Craze opens by criticizing Djs who he does not consider real DJs, like David Guetta, Paris Hilton and Steve Aoki with the famous words of Tosh.0 in the background, "You want to know why everyone thinks they can be a DJ? Because they can...90% of what DJs do is pretend to touch stuff. Stop acting like you are so busy. You aren't hacking into the main frame of the pentagon. You are a professional iPod controller."
Craze then gets behind his turntables, showing off his abilities scratching, triggering samples on the fly and fading back and forth between two records. If you have not seen someone DJ in earnest, this is very impressive.
