DJ CHEESE The DJ Who Changed Everything

DJ CHEESE 1986DMC World DJ Champion!

DJ Cheese was raised on the bustling streets of New Jersey in the early days of hip hop. He battled his way around his neighbourhood and New York city before he found himself in London winning the 1986 DMC World Final, showing Europe the art of scratching at it’s very best. 

Who was the first DJ who grabbed your attention?

“The New Jersey crews were following New York back then and I used to get a lot of mix tapes around that time. But it was Grandmaster Flash. Flash was the DJ everyone talked about. He stood out. Flash was the one I wanted to be like and be better than.”

When did the battles begin? What early battles can you remember taking part in?

“Back then, everything was a battle! I didn’t start battling though until I got my respect in the 8^th Grade.”

We hear about American bands having their practice sessions in their garage. Where did you practice your skills?

“I kept all my equipment in a closet! That’s where I practiced at.”

Which brings us to London and DMC 1986. When Orlando Voorne the Dutch DJ who you beat into second place took the microphone off Tony Prince and shouted “what is this a mixing competition or a scratching competition” - what were your thoughts?

“I thought it was funny because I specialized in mixing as well. I came in doing what I was known for.”

What was your reaction when your name was announced as the winner – did you realize back then just how important the world you were in and the competition you had just won was going to become?

“I didn’t realize none of that. I just knew by the crowd reaction I was going to win. I did not realize the global importance of the DMC’s back then – I was there for hip hop.”

Was that your first trip to London – who did you meet, what are your memories – as I recall, I think you ended up at DMC owner Tony Prince’s house to hit the studio…?

“Yes, I did! That was my first trip to London, I remember going to Tony’s house, however what I did at the studio I don’t remember. I would love to hear any audio on what I did that day there. Tony gave me a lot of valuable information – I do remember that. After winning DMC it led to me being in Europe for 30 days on tour.”