DJing has been around long before hip hop or EDM for that matter, but what really got this dancing train running were the OG turntablists that realized a mixer was more than a tool to transition between tracks but also an instrument that has the potential to provide a whole new layer of rhythm to a track. Two modern day virtuoso of this practice, DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist (of Jurassic 5) have teamed up to take their vinyl skills on tour while honoring a godfather of hip-hop, the great Afrika Bambaataa.
The tour will allow the guys to utilize Cornell University’s achieved collection of 40,000+ records from Afrika‘s personal library. DJ Shadow explains, “This has never been done before, definitely not on this scale. They’re HIS records, with his blessings. This isn’t just ANY copy of ‘X’ breakbeat, it’s THE copy, THE copy that started everything. Not just any records, the MASTER OF RECORDS’ records.”
The show will not be an exact rendition of old Afrika Bambaataa sets but will be an expressive celebration of the legend’s legacy through two contemporary DJ’s fingertips. In order to accomplish this, the guys will use six turn tables, a variety of effects and “real-time sampling from the record that’s being played,” states Cut Chemist.
The archived record collection includes a wide variety of vinyl from across time that, “includes not just Soul and Rap, but also Soca, Calypso, Dub, Salsa,” states DJ Shadow. “It’s obvious that this music was important to him, and it’s reflected in his own music.”
The Renegades of Rhythm Tour will be a once in a life-time event that will not only be extremely entertaining, but educational to younger EDM and hip-hop fans that are unripe to the time before CD-J’s and Serato. Check out the dates below and grab your tickets while they last.