For those of the audience that may not know who you are, please do tell us , who you are , what you do and what you represent?
I go by DJ Absurd out of New Jersey. Been DJing for 25 years and been a devoted fan of Hip Hop for over 30. Growing up, my older brother was a fan of Hip Hop listening to Run DMC, Beastie Boys, Slick Rick and others and it rubbed off on me. When I was 14, a friend of mine had some turntables at his house and I started messing with them and fell in love instantly, especially the aspect of controlling the music selection. Eventually I bought the equipment off him, practiced, saved up money and eventually bought better equipment, including 1200’s, and haven’t stopped since. I represent quality and originality and choose stay in my own lane, not following what’s “hot” at the moment
You have been dropping your Ear to the Streets Radio Podcast for over 400 weeks now, what was your inspiration when deciding to start that?
There were always songs that went under the radar, but as Hip Hop grew bigger and bigger, it got much worse to the point where the masses were only hearing the same 5 songs on the radio and out in the clubs. Before I even started the podcast, just out of necessity as a fan, I would search for music and uncover so much great stuff that was being slept on. There was, and still is, a major disconnect. Both the younger and older generation thinks the only new hip hop that exists is what’s popular on the radio. The younger generation accepts it, and my generation doesn’t and only listens to 90’s stuff. It frustrated me, so eventually I started doing a college radio show with my boy All Mental where I would spin all new underground joints and started recording my sets and the podcast was born. Once I started putting them out there, I just couldn’t stop. I know I can’t do it alone, but if I can help great music get uncovered then I did my job
What do you think is the main attribute one has to have to be a great DJ?
A good ear for mixing/transitioning music and a good selection of music. Anybody can learn how to use the equipment with time, but the selection, tempo and mood you choose to keep it in is not really something you can teach
What piece of advice would you give a 12 year old DJ Absurd?
When Djing a gig, yes try to appeal to the crowd to a certain extent, but don’t be afraid to bring them where you want them to go
What is a useful piece of DJ equipment that you use that people may not know about? How does it help?
To be honest, outside of my regular equipment, the only thing that I use is Serato, which DJ’s know about, but that’s really it. I keep my set up real simple, 1200’s mixer and Serato, and barley even use all the features on there
What do you think is missing in today’s music industry?
As far as music, Originality. Either everybody sounds the same, trying to chase what works, or they force trying to sound different and it doesn’t sound natural. People need to just be themselves make what they feel without focusing on whether it will blow up or not. As far as the industry, there’s needs to be more DJ’s, especially in positions of power, to break new music and stop making it about themselves and focused on being a celebrity
I also know you as a producer, we actually have several songs together , but in your time as a Producer , what Emcee would you say was most fun to work with and why?
Over the years I focused less on producing and more on the podcast, getting other people’s music heard as opposed to creating it. Definitely made some great music with many artists such as yourself. A lot of times is was sending stuff back and forth with artists and not being present in the studio, so naturally it was most fun when I was there to be involved in the process. Off the top of my head, I would say Ill Child out of Rahway NJ. Enjoyed the process of him knowing what he wanted to do, getting in the studio and knocking out several songs in one session
What do you look for in an album for it to be considered classic? Would you call any projects classics in the last 10 years?
I would say a versatile but cohesive project with great production and subject matter. Nothing too recent I can think of, and i’m sure there’s others, but off the top of my head I would say “The Roots – How I Got Over” from 2010
Where do think the craft of the DJ will be in 15 years?
There will always be new crazy equipment coming out that will allow people to cut corners, but the craft will always be there
I see you are very much into Boxing, if you could compare one Boxer to your style of DJing , who would it be and why?
That’s an interesting question and some people may be surprised by my answer. I think most people would expect me to say some legendary fighter, but i’m going with somebody who’s currently active, and that is Heavyweight Champion Deontay Wilder. The reason is, he may not be the most skilled or have the most fundamentals, but he’s giving you what you want to see, knockouts. I may not be the most skilled DJ, but if you have the same taste in music as me, i’m giving you what you want, a dangerous selection of music
What does DJ Absurd care the most about that people may not know about? What do you care the least about?
Without getting too political, I care about politics and the state of our country and human beings in general. I care and worry about the civility, and just everyday norms, being eroded. What I care least about is hype, the unimportant trending topics, challenges, and bandwagon activities, as well as debating people by way of keyboard
What is your Favorite Book?
I haven’t made the time to read as many books as I would like but I would say “Everything You’d Better Know About The Music Industry” by Kashif
What is your Favorite Movie?
That’s a tough one. Probably Casino
What actor would play you in the DJ Absurd Autobiographical Movie?
I can hear the people laughing now haha, but I would go with Leonardo DiCaprio. He has a good track record as an actor and people will go see the movie if he’s in it
What is next for you? Upcoming Projects? Where can people find you DJing and Podcasts?
Just continuing to put out my podcast, Ear 2 The Streets Radio. I drop new episodes every Tuesday night which you can stream/download for free over at ear2thestreetsradio.podomatic.com. I also DJ a monthly 90’s party with my homie DJ Extra B in NJ, all the events are updated at facebook.com/yothe90s.
Last Words?
I would just like to say to the people, if you love hip hop, don’t give up on it. Whether you like the popular stuff that’s out there now or like going back and listening to the classics, give some other new music a chance that maybe isn’t co-signed by everyone yet. Thank you very much for this interview and thanks to all those that have read it. One love
~ Interview by Cymarshall Law