DJ Spinna & DJ Shortkut September 9, 2011

http://spinna.eventbrite.com/

DJ Spinna is something of an anomaly in music. A humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed within the framework of multiple fields. A steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and Jazz), foundation (Hip-Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance music) with no restraints. A cornerstone of Hip-Hop's late 90's indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of his first impression on listeners as the musical background of his group The Jigmastas (having released an impressive slew of 12" singles on his then self-run label Beyond Real during this time) as well as providing the canvas for an array of that era's lyrical giants. As an emcee in New York City, if you didn't have a Spinna production under your belt, well, you just hadn't accomplished all there was to accomplish. Everyone from Mos Def, Talib Kweli to Pharaohe Monch boasted Spinna beats to prove their worth to the scene. At the height of indie-kingpin Rawkus Records heyday, Spinna was in demand, also churning out timeless classics of the era from the likes of J-Live, Mr. Complex and The Polyrhythm Addicts (his all-too-brief collabo-group with Apani B., Shaabam Sadeeq and Complex).

A founding member of the Invisibl Skratch Piklz and Triple Threat DJ crews, Shortkut is one of the West Coast’s most respected turntablists. Born Jon Cruz, Shortkut began DJing in 1987 at the age of 12 and soon joined his first DJ crew, Just 2 Hype!, shortly thereafter. At 18 he helped found the Invisibl Skratch Piklz with Mix Master Mike, Q-Bert, and DJ Disk. The Piklz went on to become one of the most influential DJ crews of the ’90s, leading Shortkut to a membership in the Beat Junkies and remixes for Ras Kass and Ozomatli. In 2003, Shortkut’s other longstanding DJ group, Triple Threat, issued its debut album, Many Styles.