First Imitate Then Innovate
The late, great Miles Davis is quoted as saying, “First you imitate, then you innovate.” I agree with him. In HIp Hop, plagiarizing (better known as Biting) is the golden rule you never break. But there’s an important distinction I must make before I go any further. Copying the techniques of the master DJs you look up to in private, until your impersonation becomes personal, is totally acceptable in my eyes because for you to understand the components of a masterpiece scratch like the “Flare” you must learn it the way its author created it first. Only then can you break down all of said scratch’s hidden components and put them back together in a way that’s reflective of your own voice.
Even Kobe Bryant admitted, “I’ve stolen all my moves from the greatest players.”
Imitation is one of the most natural processes of human evolution. That’s why you’ll hear children take on the speech mannerisms of their parents. Likewise, when a parent gives their child permission to imitate what they do, over time that kid will instinctively assimilate the knowledge they’ve accumulated by echoing what they hear into their own flavor of expression that is entirely unique to him or her.
So just like Michael Jordan was an influence on Kobe, allow yourself to be inspired by legends who were proficient at the skill sets you are trying to acquire now. For every technical scratch, beat juggle, etc., that exists today started with them! No DJ starts creating new scratches from right out of the blue. First you must understand what you’re doing and build the confidence in your mechanics to manifest what you conceive in your mind. If you want to become a better scratcher, study what legends like Grandmixer D.St, Mix Master Ice, Jazzy Jeff, Cash Money, and Aladdin did first. Go back to the basic scratch text. After you’ve listened, try to copy great solos that grab your attention the most.
Once you’ve crushed them, strive to make the scratches you’ve mastered better. This is where you find out who you are and what is special about you as a DJ.This advice applies to other styles of Turntablism like Beat Juggling and Body Tricks as well. Impersonation should not be viewed as a means to steal and get credit for but as an opportunity to go from understander to architect. If you want to learn more tips on how to improve as a DJ, please navigate our website and learn about the Brolic Army subscription offerings. Also, don’t forget to sign-up for our newsletter. Simply open the homepage and click on NOTIFY ME!