Full Interview

You’ve been going strong for over 20+ years, what keeps you passionate about the DJ game?

What keeps me interested is how the music and all the genres in general have evolved. As far as passion, DJing is the root of me. So from the core of my being as a DJ, it branches out to other aspects of my life, like music production for instance. As long as there’s music, the fire stays ignited.

What are some of your proudest accomplishments?

Wow, I have many and I’m equally proud of them all. Winning Leilehua High School’s Brown Bags To Stardom with my group C.O.D. during my senior year, being the first “local boy” way back in the days to win a Hawaii Hip Hop DJ Championship on a military base, representing the Aloha State for all these years. My goodness, I could go on and on.

I’m sure you come across DJs from back in the day that are into other things whether it be new careers, families etc. Many have probably stopped DJing entirely, what keeps you going? What thoughts cross your mind?

The phrase “I’m not done” comes to mind. The Hawaii industry, in general, has barely scratched the worldwide industry surface. And as long as God deems me fit to still assist, then so be it. I’ll do everything within my power to help push things along, whether it be on the front lines or behind the scenes.

As a veteran, you come across a lot of “young DJs,” rocking the clubs, doing their thing in the nightlife world, doing private parties and the like. How do you see yourself in comparison to the younger generations of DJs?

I come from a different time. You know what I mean? All the young bloods DJing now, got in to DJing because of DJs like me. And I got in to it because of DJs like Bambaataa, Flash, Kool Herc, Theodore, DXT & the list goes on. My old school homies CJ Fresh and Jimmy Taco said it best. We’re “the bridge.” So as far as comparisons go, we’re all pieces of a broader puzzle. We all can learn from one another and I’m eternally grateful for that.

What are some “foolish” mistakes you see DJs make way to often? Is there ever a time when you laugh and say “I used to make that mistake all the time.”?

Me and Spel-Oner was talking about this the other day! Imagine this… the song is about to end so I’m about to mix a song in to another song, but I stop the wrong turntable! I stop the one with the song that just started! DEAFENING SILENCE. That’s classic stuff right there. Hahaha!

What’s your approach to DJing, production and music in general?

Two words: CUSTOMER SERVICE. Make the people happy, because if they’re happy then everyone’s happy. Including the DJ himself. If DJs disagree with that, then they shouldn’t be complaining about their lackluster careers.

Talk about Elite Empire Entertainment?

We’re a music production team, we’re emcees, we’re DJs, we’re remixers, we’re preservationists of what’s really real. It’s like a brain trust, but the Triple E logo says it all. The two top Es are back to back because it represents us having each other’s backs (e.g. CrossFade Disciples, 808 Natives). They create the empire in general. Then the big E on the bottom represents the foundation of it all. Where the Empire resides or rests on. And I’m not necessarily saying that the E is me. I’m talking about everyone past, present & future, who’s helped me, to get me where I’m at today. They all have a stake in that big E and I never ever lose focus of that.

Talk about the Crossfade Disciples crew and all of its member and affiliations?

CrossFade Disciples/CFD is a conglomerate of DJs I highly admire and highly respect. We all believe in preserving the art of DJing in general (e.g. turntable tricks, cutting and scratching, live mash ups/remixes.). DJs should be more than human jukeboxes with $1,500+ MP3 players. CFD aren’t just DJs, we’re entertainers and we strive to live by that code whenever we touch the turntables. And to all the DJs reading this, we’re always looking for new recruits that are likeminded, highly talented and willing to break past their own barriers.

As far as goals are concerned, what were they when you first started and what goals have you reached both personally and with CFD?

Well I’m a local boy from Koa Street Wahiawa. Hahaha! After I won my 1st DJ competition… there wasn’t much left to do back in those days. That’s why I hold NSK in high regard for their ’01 & ’02 world championship accomplishments. In regards to current goals reached, forming CFD is personally a big thing for me. I was always a one-man army back in the days. I stood alone. And now CFD has grown in to a strong brotherhood. I’m proud of the active and non-active members of CFD.

Can people find you spinning anywhere else besides Zanzabar on Friday nights?

I’m currently doing 1 hour guest spots at Z-bar on Fridays and Sundays courtesy of my mixshow affiliation with Power 104.3. Shout out to all the Power Boyz, my fellow All-Star Power Mixers and the board ops! I’ve been in recent negotiations to perform at other venues here in the islands and abroad in the states. I’ll definitely keep you posted.

How important is DJing to you today compared to 20 years ago?

Nothing has changed really. Music is my life blood and DJing is the heart that pumps it.

What’s your take on “longevity” pertaining to you as well as pertaining to everything and anything in life?

Instead of fighting progress, be the progress. Change is inevitable, it’s constant. Look at it like surfing. Would you rather be on the shoreline getting absolutely pounded by the waves or out there riding them? The bigger the wave, the bigger the challenge, the bigger the reward. So as far as my perspective goes? I’m out there enjoying life. Bring it on. Like my homegirl Rinda told me, “Elite, you’re a participator… never a spectator.” Amen to that.