"Turntablism" is a term coined by DJ Babu in the mid-nineties and it applies to the use of two turntables and a mixer (the bare essentials of a DJ) as a musical instrument. Turntablism is more than just mixing; it is the manipulation of records through skratching or beat-juggling to create completely new music. Turntablism is increasingly becoming a more respected art-form, and the great turntablists of today, such as Q-Bert, Mixmaster Mike, and Roc Raider, are contributing to the advancement of the artform.

My personal aspirations are to constantly advance my skills as a turntablist and hopefully someday I too can contribute to the advancement of the artform. In addition, I also hope to eventually get into music production, and maybe even own my own record label.

Here's a short profile of myself as a DJ:

DJ name: Intellect

Equipment: 2 Technics 1200 MKII Turntables, 1 Vestax PMC 05-Pro Gold Limited

Cartridges: 2 Shure M44-7's

Music styles: Hip-hop and jungle

Favorite DJs (my inspiration): Q-Bert, Mixmaster Mike, Roc Raider, Total Eclipse, Rholi Rho, Craze, Trace, Bailey, Dieselboy

Shout-outs to Ragz and the Musik Fiendz, Fresh and IllCon Productions, Buttafingaz, Skoolzout, Laze, The Fallen One, and the rest of the DC turntablist/hip-hop scene.

For more info on turntablism, check out this great site.

On the left: Roc Raida (1995 DMC World Champion, X-ectioners). On the right: Total Eclipse (1996 ITF World Champion, X-ecutioners).