Next Up, “The Man, The Myth, The Legend - aka Big Rich, aka Ricardo Grande, aka Lil Ricky, aka Your Father…” Rich Medina
April 2012
HANG THE DJ interview #31
I met the LOVELY and inspiring Rich Medina a couple of years ago at Keith Evans’
Soundbar party when it was at the Palms. We have a handful of mutual friends but had never met in person. It was one of the few nights that I literally danced all night and there were a bunch of remixes he was playing that I had never heard before, namely the AfroStreet remix of “Rock With You” (produced by Rich & Mark Hines w/Adam Rafferty on guitar)…pure magic.
Its always fascinating to me to interview DJs with such an extensive history and intense love affair with various genres of music. Equally as impressive is his knowledge of the industry and his unwillingness to compromise. ”It’s amazing to me that there is no firewall for professionalism in regards to DJing, if you want to be a doctor, you go to medical school, if you want to be a lawyer you have to go to law school, if you want to be a DJ you can just go to Guitar Center, go to the apple store, and ask your rich uncle for a job at his club in which he’ll gladly put you on to save some doe on a DJ budget.” Let me interject by saying this is a man who unlike most who have obvious gripes about the DJ industry, is by no means bitter.
He is a teacher, subtle in his approach but if you ask he WILL school you. As a matter of fact, this Distinguished Alumni from Cornell University is doing just that. Rich is an advisor and educator for the CORNELL UNIVERSITY HIP HOP COLLECTION.
“Cornell Library’s Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections features a significant archive on the history of hip hop, documenting its emergence in the Bronx in the 1970s and early 1980s.
Cornell’s hip hop collection documents the origins and growth of hip hop culture through the preservation of its original artifacts. The collection includes the largest institutionally assembled collection of early hip hop recordings on vinyl (7,000 recordings and growing), sound files of early battles and live performances, the photographic archive of Bronx photographer Joe Conzo, Jr., several hundred 1970s and 1980s hip hop party and event flyers, including the working archive of noted flyer artist Buddy Esquire, the archive of Breakbeat Lenny, books, magazines, textiles and more.
Building upon the Division’s substantial collections documenting 19th and 20th century American life, the hip hop archive is open to the public.”
Very few DJs have these kinds of incredibly valuable contributions shining on their resumes. Rich is one of those people that make conversation about toilet paper exciting and engaging. His cadence and deliver is reminiscent of a pastor. He’ll take you to church if you ask him to do so but he is never preachy about his ideologies. He is humble and appreciative of his career and is revered literally around the world. I would have loved to have experienced some of his parties in NY particularly Santos Playhaus which is my kind of party similar to my mission for VERSUS on Wednesdays at Insert Coin(s). Just dope music, great energy, impromptu sets and guests, a true music lovers party. Vegas is a different monster when it comes to the theory of “if you build it they will come”.
There are definitely music lovers in Vegas who haven’t gotten cracked out on the E.D.M. kool aid,…getting them to come out and embrace the DJs/artists etc they complain they never get a chance to experience is always the challenge. These moments make me miss home (Los Angeles). We chatted about this today on the phone and he reassured me, that I am on the right path, as he was on so diligently when it came to his artistic vision. ”I like that” (*Christopher Wallace voice*).
Rich is iconic to many and it was my mission to bring him back to Vegas, downtown to be exact, and offer up his genius to music lovers who don’t often get a chance to hear the kind of set that Rich orchestrates.
Here’s a little excerpt from his Bio in case you’re not aware of his-story…
“The Man, The Myth, The Legend - aka Big Rich, aka Ricardo Grande, aka Lil Ricky, aka Your Father…
There are few nightclub DJs that have accomplished as much on a global scale as Rich Medina. From his humble beginnings as a young b-boy-turned-DJ in Lakewood, NJ, to his current status manning the decks as one of the most popular DJs in Philadelphia NYC, Rich Medina has consistently taken multi-ethnic crowds on a sonic journey through hip-hop, house, Afrobeat, funk and soul, unearthing one musical gem after another, for almost 20 years.
There are few nightclub DJs that have accomplished as much on a global scale as Rich Medina. From his humble beginnings as a young b-boy-turned-DJ in Lakewood, NJ, to his current status manning the decks as one of the most popular DJs in Philadelphia NYC, Rich Medina has consistently taken multi-ethnic crowds on a sonic journey through hip-hop, house, Afrobeat, funk and soul, unearthing one musical gem after another, for almost 20 years.
Rich Medina cemented his name in the DJ world with his infamous 90’s partnership with Cosmo Baker at The Remedy in Philadelphia. In 1998, his Fun party with DJ Language was part of turning the Lower East Side of Manhattan into the new hot spot for club life. Then came the mother lode, Lil’ Ricky’s Rib Shack, a weekly dance function that started out as a 20-person party at APT in 2001, and evolved into an irreplaceable mid-week NYC institution for over 8 years. There, he connected with fan and hip-hop legend Q-Tip in 2005, eventually combining forces to create the Friday night weekly called Open at the Andrew W.K.-owned Santos Party House in 2007, and was soon considered the hottest Friday night party in NYC for the next 2 years.
Rich introduced a new generation of people to Afrobeat music in 2001, with Jump N’ Funk, the first and most consistent US dance party dedicated to the late African musical icon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Rich and the Jump N’ Funk brand recently traveled to San Francisco, LA, and Atlanta headlining Knitting Factory Records’ Felabrations!, a nationwide series of events promoting the re-release of The Fela Kuti EMI Catalog.
No less revered is Rich’s Happy Feet party—where he and another pioneer of the turntables, Nuyorican DJ Bobbito Garcia have traded off dance, salsa, and soul music at clubs all around the world. Next of his branded events in line would be Props, the continuation of Li’l Ricky’s since the closing of APT in March of 2010. In 2008, he also co-founded What The Funke, a James Brown/Fela Kuti tribute party with DJ Spinna.
In addition to his own events, Rich has performed in front of crowds of thousands, DJing shows with artists like Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Seun Kuti, Tony Allen, Nathan Haines, Roy Ayers, Gil Scott-Heron, The Roots, Jill Scott, Antibalas, Zap Mama, and Femi Kuti, among many others. From NYC to LA to London to Tokyo, and everywhere in between, music lovers know not to miss a club night when Rich Medina is manning the decks.
In addition to his own events, Rich has performed in front of crowds of thousands, DJing shows with artists like Lauryn Hill, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Seun Kuti, Tony Allen, Nathan Haines, Roy Ayers, Gil Scott-Heron, The Roots, Jill Scott, Antibalas, Zap Mama, and Femi Kuti, among many others. From NYC to LA to London to Tokyo, and everywhere in between, music lovers know not to miss a club night when Rich Medina is manning the decks.
In the summer of 2010, Rich was selected to be one of seven DJ’s to compete on the first ever reality DJ competition, “Smirnoff’s Master of the Mix”, airing on BET and Centric starting November, 2010. Never one to rest on his laurels, Rich is gearing up for the biggest year yet in 2011!”
Boys and girls, it is my ultimate pleasure to introduce you to as his bio states; “The Man, The Myth, The Legend - aka Big Rich, aka Ricardo Grande, aka Lil Ricky, aka Your Father…” Rich Medina.
How did you start?
I started playing records because my older sister’s husband was a local DJ around my way. My sister is 18 years older than me, and lucky for me she was pretty hip. Records were her iTunes, and I inherited all that.
Where are you from?
I’m from Lakewood New Jersey
Where did your name come from?
I got it from my mama.
How did your record collection start?
I started enjoying and collecting records and album art as a child. My family was into music and had a nice amount of records in the house. My older sister’s first husband was also a local DJ. I really don’t know any better. I was born into a family who purchased records regularly.
I started playing records because my older sister’s husband was a local DJ around my way. My sister is 18 years older than me, and lucky for me she was pretty hip. Records were her iTunes, and I inherited all that.
Where are you from?
I’m from Lakewood New Jersey
Where did your name come from?
I got it from my mama.
How did your record collection start?
I started enjoying and collecting records and album art as a child. My family was into music and had a nice amount of records in the house. My older sister’s first husband was also a local DJ. I really don’t know any better. I was born into a family who purchased records regularly.
Do you remember the first record you bought?
The first record I bought with my own money was Kiss’s Alive Two LP. I was obsessed with the guitars, the makeup and the crazy outfits.
What was your first DJ gig and when? Were there any memorable moments that night good or bad?
My first real gig was a Lakewood Middle School dance. One thing i remember clearly is that the right turntable was completely fucked the entire party and we never got that together.
How long have you been djing?
I’ve been DJing since I was 11 years old.
What would you love to play that you’re not known for?
I can’t say there’s anything I feel that way about. I get to play records next to a wide range of selectors on a regular basis thank god.
When did you start producing?
1998
What was your first project?
Watchin’ Me on Jill Scott’s debut LP “Who Is Jill Scott?” on Hidden Beach Records.
What is your favorite track you’ve done?
My favorite production of my own is my “Act Like You Know” Remix for Platinum Pied Pipers featuring J Dilla.
Who would you like to produce/work with that you haven’t already?
That’s a book’s worth of people…
Tell me about your infamous parties?
I’ve been blessed to have had a number of incredible party experiences over the years. Cosmo Baker and I had The Remedy at Fluid in Philly for 10 years. Li’l Ricky’s Rib Shack was at APT for 8 and a half years on Wednesday nights. Jump N Funk, my Fela Kuti tribute party was started in August of 2001 and is still going strong. Q Tip, Vashtie and I held Open at Santos Partyhaus for 3 years.
Bobbito and I have a party called Happy Feet that we do on some holiday weekends in the summer for the last 7 years. DJ Spinna and I have a James Brown vs Kela Kuti party called What The Funk? that we do annually for the last 4 years. Props at Le Poisson Rouge with DJ Akalepse (Truth & Soul) on Wednesday nights is the continuation of Li’l Rickys at APT, since APT closed 3 years ago. DJ Kemit (Spreadlove ATL) and I rock together biannually in Atlanta.
Tell me about your experience on Master of The Mix good and bad?
Master Of The Mix was dope for me because it made me far more critical of myself as an artist.
Who are some of your favorite DJs?
DJ Spinna
Kenny Dope
Louie Vega
Joe Clausell
Bobbito Garcia
DJ Akalepse
Cosmo Baker
Karizma
DJ Kemit
Phil Asher
DJ Mike Nyce
J Rocc
Rockin’ Rob
Lord Finesse
Benji B
Lefto
Gilles Peterson
Monk One
Kon
Harvey
DJ YNot
Illvibe Collective
Beat Junkies
Danny Krivit
John Doe
Phoreyz
Scratch
So many more…
What would you say DJs now lack?
Troubleshooting protocol
What do you like about current technology as a DJ and as a producer?
Disregarding technology is a mistake. Relying on technology isn’t the smartest idea at the same time. The option to emulate analog hardware on a computer screen changed the production world. Some producers just prefer the tools they’re familiar with. I believe it’s important to be aware of the new tools out there and utilize the ones that make your workflow more efficient. Driving is faster than walking too.
What do you dislike?
I dislike the fact that the onset of technology and DIY salesmanship in DJ/production tools makes most venues fail to build their DJ booths to be vinyl record and analog ready. It also places DJ booths in places where DJ booths shouldn’t be. For the DJ who desires to play vinyl most often have to pick them up off the floor because there are no record bins, or squeeze into and afterthought of a DJ set up to play. Digital signal has allowed people with no sonic building perspective to disregard certain fundamentals in building truly industrial strength booths.
Whats a couple of your new favorite artists/songs in the genre(s) your known for and especially genre(s) that you aren’t know for but really dig?
Rasheed Chappell -
Lee Fields
Greg Porter
SBTRKT
Jungle By Night
King
Little Dragon
Georgia Ann Muldrow
Kendrick Lamar
Janelle Monae
Esperanza Spaulding
Tell me about your experience on Master of The Mix good and bad?
Master Of The Mix was dope for me because it made me far more critical of myself as an artist.
Who are some of your favorite DJs?
DJ Spinna
Kenny Dope
Louie Vega
Joe Clausell
Bobbito Garcia
DJ Akalepse
Cosmo Baker
Karizma
DJ Kemit
Phil Asher
DJ Mike Nyce
J Rocc
Rockin’ Rob
Lord Finesse
Benji B
Lefto
Gilles Peterson
Monk One
Kon
Harvey
DJ YNot
Illvibe Collective
Beat Junkies
Danny Krivit
John Doe
Phoreyz
Scratch
So many more…
What would you say DJs now lack?
Troubleshooting protocol
What do you like about current technology as a DJ and as a producer?
Disregarding technology is a mistake. Relying on technology isn’t the smartest idea at the same time. The option to emulate analog hardware on a computer screen changed the production world. Some producers just prefer the tools they’re familiar with. I believe it’s important to be aware of the new tools out there and utilize the ones that make your workflow more efficient. Driving is faster than walking too.
What do you dislike?
I dislike the fact that the onset of technology and DIY salesmanship in DJ/production tools makes most venues fail to build their DJ booths to be vinyl record and analog ready. It also places DJ booths in places where DJ booths shouldn’t be. For the DJ who desires to play vinyl most often have to pick them up off the floor because there are no record bins, or squeeze into and afterthought of a DJ set up to play. Digital signal has allowed people with no sonic building perspective to disregard certain fundamentals in building truly industrial strength booths.
Whats a couple of your new favorite artists/songs in the genre(s) your known for and especially genre(s) that you aren’t know for but really dig?
Rasheed Chappell -
Lee Fields
Greg Porter
SBTRKT
Jungle By Night
King
Little Dragon
Georgia Ann Muldrow
Kendrick Lamar
Janelle Monae
Esperanza Spaulding
Seun Kuti…I could go on…
Rich and Seun Kuti
If you weren’t producing/DJing what would you be doing?
I really don’t know the answer to that right now. I’d probably be doing something that allowed me more face time with my kid though. I can definitely say that.
If you weren’t producing/DJing what would you be doing?
I really don’t know the answer to that right now. I’d probably be doing something that allowed me more face time with my kid though. I can definitely say that.
Kamaal Nasir Medina 4 yrs old
What is your hobby or interest when you’re not DJing that people don’t know about?
I’m a huge mixed martial arts fan
What would people be surprised to know about you?
People would probably be surprised to know that I don’t own any tight sperm killer jeans.
How do you deal with requests?
I listen and deal with people as they come at me for the most part. At other times I have no interest in talking to people while playing. There are a lot of variables to the idea of dealing with requests. Most importantly I guess I try to be polite, even if I gotta say no, or if the person is a little tipsy and taking loose.
How do you feel about the current EDM (Electronic Dance Music) takeover in nightlife?
At one point people asked the same thing about drum and bass, electro, so called neo soul, and on and on. Whatever the genre, it’s the records that remain viable 30 years later that make up the classics of the world.
Do you have any desire to be a big room DJ? Why or Why not?
Having played my share of big rooms over the years, i know that I am capable of holding down a big room. I just so happen to thrive in an entire world of club culture outside those rooms, and I also have absolutely no problem with that.
Weirdest moment djing?
Flow in New York City’s DJ booth was 20 feet up in the air and the only way up was a fucking fireman’s ladder. Trying to get flight cases up that ladder was a small nightmare, and then once I was in the booth…the ceiling was 6 feet tall…i’m 6 foot 6…so i sat on an amp case for the entire night, staring across ceiling of the club cause I couldn’t stand up in the damn booth…womp
Best moment djing?
Every party, as many times as possible.
Worst moment djing?
Dead air…anywhere…
What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
I’m proud that I’ve been able to maintain a career path that people find credible.
How do you deal with requests?
I listen and deal with people as they come at me for the most part. At other times I have no interest in talking to people while playing. There are a lot of variables to the idea of dealing with requests. Most importantly I guess I try to be polite, even if I gotta say no, or if the person is a little tipsy and taking loose.
How do you feel about the current EDM (Electronic Dance Music) takeover in nightlife?
At one point people asked the same thing about drum and bass, electro, so called neo soul, and on and on. Whatever the genre, it’s the records that remain viable 30 years later that make up the classics of the world.
Do you have any desire to be a big room DJ? Why or Why not?
Having played my share of big rooms over the years, i know that I am capable of holding down a big room. I just so happen to thrive in an entire world of club culture outside those rooms, and I also have absolutely no problem with that.
Weirdest moment djing?
Flow in New York City’s DJ booth was 20 feet up in the air and the only way up was a fucking fireman’s ladder. Trying to get flight cases up that ladder was a small nightmare, and then once I was in the booth…the ceiling was 6 feet tall…i’m 6 foot 6…so i sat on an amp case for the entire night, staring across ceiling of the club cause I couldn’t stand up in the damn booth…womp
Best moment djing?
Every party, as many times as possible.
Worst moment djing?
Dead air…anywhere…
What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
I’m proud that I’ve been able to maintain a career path that people find credible.
Rich Medina is always on a plane…
Whats your favorite city/cities to play in?
Philly
New York
Tokyo
LA
Atlanta
Amsterdam
London
You can catch Rich Medina this Wednesday May 16th, 2012 for VERSUS at Insert Coin(s) downtown Las Vegas…
You can also find out more about Rich Medina here:
Website: www.richmedina.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/richmedina
