Fader Fest is Over and I’m Not Even Mad.

Posted Sep 05.11 / Scratch News /

So if you’ve been living under a rock for the past month or just don’t give a shit about grown men playing with records (more likely the case), I’m here to tell you that Fader Fest 2011 (not an annual event unfortunately) has come and gone. In case this is unfamiliar to you, allow me to explain:

This line up, in terms of scratch DJs, is kind of like a concert where Prince opens up for Aerosmith who subsequently opens up for Michael Jackson who then surprises everybody by bringing out Gucci Mane to do a trap version of ‘The Girl Is Mine’ (except Michael is doing Paul McCartney’s part because in my imagination he’s at the caucasian stage in his life). It’s that big, believe me.

Qbert, D-Styles and Shortkut are 3 of the most prolific and legendary scratch DJs in the world. They are founding members of the (no adjective required) DJ crew ‘The Invisibl Skratch Piklz’. This crew is kind of like the championship Bulls of turntablism, except that the NBA never asked the Bulls to sit out for a few seasons so that the other teams could have a chance at a ring. Yeah, the DMC did that.

Qbert is possibly one of the illest people alive. He’s the most positive and dedicated person I’ve ever met (yes, I have met the guy) when it comes to the art of turntablism. If it wasn’t for him, we’d probably still be doing baby scratches and using radio shack mixers. Oh and he’s probably one of the only dude still rocking track jackets like a true Bboy, so extra points for that alone. Meeting him was like meeting the Dalai Lama, no joke.

I’m of the school of thought that, if Qbert has made scratching a science, then D-Styles has made it into an art form. Although his speed and technicality may not compare to Qs (but I’m an asshole for even making that comparison), D has no doubt the funkiest cutting and smoothest flow I’ve ever heard. I’ll say it here and now, if I could cut like any one in the world, it would be D-Styles, hands down.

Then you got Shortkut (who I’m pretty sure can make even Qbert jealous with his juggling abilities) on the bill as well, and you’re left with a reunion show rivaled only by the ebony and ivory that is Hall and Oates (see I’m actually mad I missed that show). This event was a historical occasion not to be missed. And then I found out it was in SF. And then I missed it. Yet thanks to the magic of the internet, we can already relive some of the magical moments from just a few days prior. Enjoy

Intro to let you know…