Next Up,…”The 45 Kings” - DJ Skeme & Supreme La Rock
HANG THE DJ interview #29
DJ SKEME RICHARDS
I am very excited about this weeks HANG THE DJ present VERSUS guest DJs…I have not yet met them in person but via the genius communicado of social media we have hung out a handful of times swaping enthusiasm and appreciation for each others ventures.
This weeks VERSUS is a special “45 edition” featuring DJ Skeme Richards out of Philly & DJ Supreme La Rock out of Seattle. Skeme is up first given HOT PEAS & BUTTA is his baby. He contacted me last year wanting to find out where the right spot in Vegas was to set up his nostalgic audio/visual soul carnival. He explained the concept and I immediately thought INSERT COIN(S). This was prior to my residency or creative involvement with the venue. Cut to a few months ago when I contacted him to find out if he wanted to take his show on the road and do it on a VERSUS night, it’s a perfect fit.
This man is a deeper than Atlantis collector and his passion became his profession,…he seems to have the pleasure of his profession never feeling like a “job”. Skeme is one of the few DJs that I’ve interviewed who only play what they love, and love what they play. Skeme is someone I was excited about interviewing because his experience runs 31 years old, which is fascinating on its own. He is obviously a big kid with a grown mans passion that has evolved into a much adored and respected Philly originated party; THIS is HOT PEAS & BUTTA.
Here’s a little background on this very special party…
“HOT PEAS & BUTTA is a gathering that takes you back into time where Saturday morning cartoons and cereal was the most important part of the day, when 12 noon while you were out riding your bike your older brothers and sisters were watching Soul Train doing the latest moves. A time when the newest Shaw Brothers films played side by side in the theaters with The Mack and Godzilla flicks. Now that things are all grown up, Hot Peas and Butta has become like the house parties that your parents used to throw where friends would gather, drink, play cards and dance the entire night until the early morn. Simply put, Hot Peas and Butta is a “feel good” party!
What originally started out in the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia by DJ’s Skeme Richards and Cash Money as an all 45 party spinning rare and not so rare funk, soul, afrobeat, reggae, breaks and other funky gems to a crowd of people that enjoy nothing more than shaking their groove thangs and getting sweaty on the floor has now turned into a traveling movement with with parties happening in New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and Switzerland. In 2010 Hot Peas and Butta see’s a change in the DJ roster with bringing DJ Amir of the legendary digging duo, Kon & Amir and pairing him up with Mr. Fantastic himself, Skeme Richards. Both DJ’s bring a certain uniqueness when spinning records from their extensive collection that keeps dancefloors packed to even the trendiest of music lovers.
Music is not all that Hot Peas and Butta is made up of, the amazing visuals shown on the projectors is what makes this sure shot something special. Various footage from Skeme Richards’ personal VHS collection of rare commercials, tv shows, movie trailers, 70’s cartoons, and concert footage is handpicked and put together for each party to add that extra flair which brings the complete Hot Peas package together.
In 2010 Amir and Skeme took the show on the road internationally by delivering that funky goodness throughout Europe and all points in between. Having already worked with previous Hot Peas guest DJ’s like Mr. Supreme (Seattle), Miss Shing-a-ling (Buffalo, NY), Miles (Breakestra), DJ Bid (Switzerland) and others you can definitely expect to see and hear from an all star cast of 45 heavyweights in a city near you.”
And now that city is VEGAS,…I’m so thrilled to be able to experience Philly flavor of this caliber. That being said, boys and girls it is my pleasure to introduce you to a “45 King”, DJ Skeme Richards!
How did you start?
I was first introduced to DJing in 1981 and got my first decks and mixer in 1982.
Where are you from?
The second city of Hip Hop, Philly.
Where did your DJ name come from?
Skeme came from the fact that I always had a master plan of what I thought would be an easier way of getting things done so people would say he’s scheming. Richards because of my favorite comic book character Reed Richards from the Fantastic 4.
So there ya have it, Skeme Richards.
What was your first gig and when? Were their any memorable moments that night good or bad?
My first gig was when I was 16 and it was an elementary school graduation party in which I had to carry my tables and homemade speakers to the school. I’d have to say it was a success but at 16 what do I know anyway, I was just happy to be spinning without someone saying turn down the music.
How long have you been djing?
I’ve been DJing for 31 years and I still love it as much as I did in 81’.
What genre are you “known” for?
A good DJ should be genreless which coming from my era you played everything, from Hip Hop to House, R&B to Soul, Funk to Reggae. But most people know me as spinning classic Bboy Breaks, Funk & Soul and Hip Hop but I spin it all.
What do you/would you love to play you don’t get booked for or that you’re not known for?
Honestly I’m happy in the lane that I’m in because I have the freedom to cross genres when I play at parties, it’s all about playing good music. The only time I stick to a genre is when I’m doing specialty parties like a straight Funk & Soul night, or a Top 40 night where people only want to hear the current stuff.
How would you describe you style as a DJ?
Classic Philly. Whenever I’m about people that really know DJs and DJ style always mentioned that they can tell I’m from Philly because of the way I spin. In my opinion Philly has the best DJ’s in the world and we have our own unique flavor that you pick up when your from here.
What would you say as a DJ that you would like to improve or excel?
Philly is known for being great battle DJ’s as well as party rockers and that’s there era I come from but after I got over the whole DJ battle thing in the late 80’s it was strictly about parties. I would like to sit and just practice different cuts and scratches, I’m still nice with it but not as sharp as some of the guys with wicked cuts.
What do you feel are your strongest assets as a DJ?
Once again growing up in an era where being a DJ wasn’t cliche’ you had to really have skills and had to pay attention to the crowd, you had to have a nice selection of music but be able to break unknown music also. So I would say paying attention to the crowd and giving them a little bit of what they want but alot of what they need.
Tell me a little bit about “Hot Peas and Butta” and how it came about?
Hot Peas and Butta is an all 45 Funk, Soul and Rare Groove party that I started in Philly with DJ Cash Money back in 2008…
It’s different than other 45 parties because we show rare visuals that I splice from my VHS collection that I’ve been collecting since 1983. Everything from cartoons and rare concert footage to Kung Fu and Blaxploitation trailers to old commercials. The visuals is a way of connecting the vintage time period to the music and playing of 45s. Alot of parties today play 45s because it’s a 45 but we try to stick to the era when 45’s were popular and that era is the Funk, Soul and Rare Groove era. Since the party started we’ve traveled it from New York to Seattle, LA to Japan, Pittsburgh to Switzerland, Germany to Korea and looking to add more locations this year.
CHECK OUT THIS INTERVIEW WITH Hot Peas & Butta artist Elroy Jenkins
What’s a couple of your new favorite artists/songs in the genre(s) your known for and especially genre(s) that you aren’t known for but really dig?
Funkshone which is a Funk band from the UK
Steph Pockets from Japan
Big Pimp Jones which is a Funk band but they do these really great soundtracks.
If you weren’t DJing what would you be doing?
I’m a crazy collector of 70’s nostalgia and memorabilia so I would probably open up a museum to display all this stuff.
What is your hobby or interests when you’re not DJing that people don’t know about?
I try to open myself to people outside of DJing so most know me as a big collector of different things but I don’t think they know the extent. But I’m really heavy into playing Pinball machines, I can go for hours and not even think about eating.
What’s in your DJ bag (aside needles, headphones, vinyl and slip mats)?
Heavy weight 45 adapters, Mont Blanc pen, notebook, Colgate Whisps and a Neo Geo pocket that I play before it’s time for me to spin.
How do you deal with requests?
Every situation / club is different, some people you can feel out and say I’ll see if I have it, some you straight up say I don’t have it. Sometimes I put a bunch of notes in a brown paper bag so when they ask me to play something I tell them to take a note out the bag and most of the time that will do the talking for me because it will say I don’t do requests or I don’t think that’s a good song or maybe later. People laugh it off so it’s not really as offensive as me telling them to kick rocks.
Top three re-occuring request situations?
“Can you play something I can dance to”?
“Can you play some Michael Jackson”
and “can you play some Hip Hop” when your already playing Hip Hop, but they really mean and want Top 40 Rap music but their clueless with genres.
Extra Credit: ”Can you play that song that goes like this”….. And they try to sing it for you but they don’t even know it.
Who’s the “character” in the club that annoys you the most? i.e. club promoter, birthday girl, etc.?
Birthday girl definitely, not all but most club promoters because they are more concerned with their pockets than having a really great night plus they cry and wine alot. The drunk dude that spills drinks near the decks.
How do you feel about the current EDM takeover in nightlife?
Honestly the world is a big place with many genres and they all have a place to fit it. There’s nights dedicated to all kinds of music but those genres may not be as big as the EDM and that’s ok because everything comes and goes. When I look at EDM I see a bunch of clueless and genreless people that aren’t there for the music or music culture but because it’s just the place to be and that’s all they can bounce to because most can’t dance. It’s a bunch of under 30’ers that just want to go out and drink and get shitfaced, they care more about drink specials than they do who the DJ is.
Do you have any desire to be a big room DJ?
Before this microwave generation of people that only want what they hear on the radio or the mash up garbage we always played in big rooms. Look at the best clubs in New York, Philly, Tokyo, London and other places, they were big clubs and people danced to all these genres under one roof. But that’s the difference, those people enjoyed music and cared about the DJ, these generation once again cares about drink specials and if there friends are going to be there. Everyone is a clone now and people don’t think for themselves so there’s no uniqueness or individuality going on.
Weirdest moment DJing?
Seeing someone out the corner of my eye slip a pill into my beer while I was DJing and them acting like nothing happened. I grabbed another one out the bucket and kept it close to me.
Best moment DJing?
So many, but being flown out to Switzerland for my birthday to rock a club and in the middle of my set a big birthday cake with candles parts the dance floor like the red sea and the cake was brought up to the stage for me.
What’s your dream gig?
Not sure but I’ll let you know when one blows my mind.
What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
That I’ve been able to travel the globe doing what I love to do, if it ended today I’m happy to have collected as many passport stamps as I have.
What’s your favorite city / cities to play in?
London, Tokyo, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Switzerland
Tips - biggest and smallest or any short story about getting tipped?
Smallest was a $20 for playing something that was probably common and classic like Stevie Wonder. Largest was $100 for something that I didn’t have but dude was too drunk to remember that he gave it to me and he danced without noticing I didn’t play it.
What’s your poison? (drink of choice in the booth)
Vodka and OJ and also a cold Ginger Ale.
What will you be/or want to be doing 5 years from now?
Still DJing and traveling the globe but also touring and gallery showing alot of the things that I’ve collected over the years. Settled down with a wife and enjoying life.
Where are your residencies?
For a while I had a Wednesday in New York, a Friday in Philly and a Saturday in New York but I haven’t held a residency in 2yrs, because I was traveling so much that I would ask people to cover my night for me so I figured just give them to people who are gonna be dedicated to hold them down.
Upcoming events/spot dates:
Portugal April 25-30
Hot Peas and Butta Euro Tour May 9-21st
Japan June 18-30th
FOR DJ SKEME MIXES GO HERE:
The $2 Soul Show is my monthly podcast that I do. Funk, Soul, Breaks, Jazz and more
www.djskemerichards.podomatic.com
OR FIND HIM ELSEWHERE:
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HANG THE DJ interview #30
DJ SUPREME LA ROCK
Meet Supreme La Rock, (full governmental; Daniel Clavesilla) a Jack of all genres if you will with a distinct passion for classics and 45’s, hence his union with fellow “45 King”, DJ Skeme Richards. Supreme strikes me as a modern renaissance man. Holding down heavy court in Seattle, WA. he’s the “Djs kind of DJ”. Well rounded and versatile but rooted in hip hop as most of us are, Supreme is romanced by many venues across the country to deliver a vast library of music catering to ALL demographics. Not an easy reputation to maintain. Modern day relevancy is laborious for DJs who are so heavily involved in the preservation of the classics. Supreme seems to be doing just fine in both department.
He has contributed greatly to Seattle’s music community, Supreme is for the “little duns” apparently…through recent collaboration with Light in the Attic and Diamond D to work on Wheedle’s Groove music, teaching local youth how to spin. Gotta love that!
In 2006 Supreme was awarded the Seattle ‘Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Hip Hop!’ as both a DJ and musical historian. Owner of more than 50,000+ albums, his mixes include not only hip hop but house, dance, and soul. He has an enviable knowledge of music in general and has worked alongside greats such as The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Shadow, Pete Rock, Blackalicious and the Brand New Heavies.
Sharing the die hard passion of collecting, selecting, and resurrecting where it all started brought Skeme and Supreme together to become the superohero-esque BUTTA BROS. Vegas will have the pleasure of this dynamic duo tomorrow night as they lace VERSUS with their 2 man show filled with who’s knows what, but all things soulful.
Boys and girls it is equally my pleasure to introduce you to a fellow “45 King”, Mr. Supreme, aka DJ Supreme La Rock!
How did you start?
I was a bboy in the early 80’s and was always buying records to dance to. Some of my first records purchased were J. Geils Band “Give It To Me”, Jimmy Castor “Just Begun”, Incredible Bongo Band “Apache” and Baby Huey “Listen Here”. I was 14 years old and out in the used record shops buying this stuff….
Where are you from?
I was born in Los Angeles but raised in Seattle, Wa. since the age of 3
Where did your DJ name come from?
I thought, what name means the best?… and I came up with “Supreme” because I wanted to be the best at it and I added the La Rock as a tribute to Coke La Rock. I think he had the all time best name in hip hop…
What was your first gig and when? Were there any memorable moments that night good or bad?
My first gig was in ‘86 at a night club when their DJ called in sick and they scrambled to find a replacement. Someone that worked there knew I was into dj’n so they called me at the last second. I was 18 years old and they gave me $50 for the night and I was ecstatic. I showed up and sucked beyond bad. I had no idea of song selection, timing, etc. But I could cut up two copies of Bob James “Mardi Gras” for that ass though!
How long have you been djing?
I started listening to and acquiring records at 4 years old. Started making mixes and toying around on turntables around ‘83 got my first public paid gig in ‘86 and have never looked back…
What genre are you “known” for?
I absolutely hate this question. At the end of the day there’s only two kinds of music. Good & Bad and I happen to play both! I come from a hip hop back ground where djs would cut up ANYTHING with a break or anything funky, so i’m really wide open to music and play all across the board.
What do you/would you love to play you don’t get booked for or that you’re not known for?
Probably House
How would you describe your style as a DJ?
Party Rocker Extraordinaire
What would you say as a DJ that you would like to improve or excel further in?
My scratches. I was at the top of my scratch game when I started but couldn’t mix or rock a party. Now it’s the other way around. Scratches have advanced x a 10000 since those days…
What do you feel are your strongest assets as a DJ?
Ability to read crowds, knowledge of selection, and deep crates!
There’s a local artist from Seattle called Dice and she has a joint called “Flat tIre” that i’m really digging, I’m feeling B. Bravo, 14 KT., Tall Black Guy, Dert Floyd and the project Jake One & Mayer Hawthorne are doing together… On the flipside I’m loving all the remix stuff KON has been putting his hands on. I’m also into the Virgin Magnetic remix of Fleetwood Mac Dreams
If you weren’t djing what would you be doing?
I often ask myself this question and honestly don’t have an answer for it. DJ’n is all I know and what I do and what i’ve been doing the last two decades.
What is your hobby or interest when you’re not djing that people don’t know about?
I’m into collecting boom boxes,…
80’s gear, polo, cazals, gucci, fat goose etc. It’s all hip hop related. Sneakers, toys, art, etc.
Whats in your dj bag (aside needles, headphones, vinyl, and slipmats)?
Breath mints, hand sanitizer, business cards, small flashlight, swiss army knife, ink pen, contact cleaner, and baby wipes.
How do you deal with requests?
It really honestly depends on my mood and the timing of them asking. I usually just say yes to get the people out of my face as fast as possible.
Top three re-occuring request situations?
1. “Play Something New”
2. “Play Something Old”
3. “Play Something FUN”
Who’s the “character” in the club that annoys you the most? i.e. club promoter, birthday girl, etc.?
They are all pretty much equally annoying but I’m gonna have to say promoters. 95% of them have egos and are liar liars pants on fire.
How do you feel about the current EDM takeover in nightlife?
Funny how 10 years ago no one wanted it and now it’s all they want
Do you have any desire to be a big room DJ? Why or Why not?
No, not especially. I love playing rooms where you can get a real feel with the crowd it just seems more organic.
Weirdest moment djing?
Being mobbed by male groupies
Best moment djing?
There’s been so many but i’d say I enjoy playing the “Do Over” parties the best, those crowds are just down with whatever you’re doing, they’re real party people!
Worst moment djing?
The Hot Peas & Butta party in NYC. I was beat down tired with jet lag and the equipment was weird. The mixer kept shorting out and I was just not up to par at all. If I could only redeem myself!
Whats your dream gig?
I’ve done a lot and i’m lucky to continue to do so, maybe all of ‘em as I truly am living the dream….
What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
Being recognized for my accomplishments and receiving awards for such from the City of Seattle, EMP Museum, Seattle Weekly, Mighty 4, etc.
Whats your favorite city/cities to play in?
Miami, Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas
Tips - biggest and smallest or any short story about getting tipped?
One dollar one night and a grand another…
What would people be surprised to know about you?
That i’m a nice guy and silly and goofy that cracks jokes all day. I’m usually quiet if you don’t know me and I have an intimidating look so people get the wrong idea upon initially meeting me but never judge a book by its cover…
Whats on your ryder?
5 hour Energy, Muscle Milk, Water & a banana
Whats your poison? (drink of choice in the booth)
I cut poison out of my life a year ago…
What will you be/or want to be doing 5 years from now?
Being the best father I can possibly be to my son, encouraging and inspiring others to DJ culture and wouldn’t mind being an entertainment director at a venue.
Where are your residencies?
“Saturday Love” @ The Woods
See Sound Lounge, Trinity
“W” Hotel
Imusic
M’Pulse
Upcoming events/spot dates:
3.28.12 - Insert Coins - Las Vegas, Nv
3.29.12 - Bar Dynamite - San Diego, Ca.
3.30.12 - The Office - San Diego, Ca.
3.31.12 - The Edison - Los Angeles, Ca.
4.6.12 - Dug @ Lo-Fi - Seattle, Wa.
4.7.12 - Saucebox - Portland, Or.
4.13.12 - Soundtable - Atlanta, Ga.
4.14.12 - Imusic - Seattle, Wa.
4.20.12 - The Woods - Seattle, Wa.
TO LISTEN TO SUPREME’S MIXES GO HERE:
www.supremelarock.podomatic.com
OR FIND HIM ELSEWHERE:
www.supremelarock.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/supremelarock
Member of Bumsquad DJ’s & Core DJ’s
Seattle Weekly “Best Of” Award Winner
www.supremelarock.com Now Live!!!
