DJ Lord (Public Enemy) Interview

DJ Lord Interview

  • This is the second time that we collaborate in Athens, after P.E.?s 2003 concert. How was this experience?
This time around was even iller than the first, because I got a chance to network, make friends and have a kick ass time in the process? Last time was a little too rushed for me?Fly in? Check in? Do sound check? Do show? Fly out? WHACK!

  • Tell me your feeling after the gig with Meth and the Greek audience.
I was energized? Greece is awesome? so much energy? so much love man? I felt at home.

  • How did you start djing?
I started by listening to mix tapes, records... ANYTHING I could get my hands on that identified as HIP HOP. My cousin Bernard in Chester, Pa (Philly) was a Dj at the time and he had the whole setup? Two 1200s and a Numark mixer? I would sneak in his lab and try to mimic him 'ya' know? Until he caught me and punched me out? But I still didn?t stop. When I got back home I would study Dj?s like Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, Cash Money, Jam Master Jay, Mixmaster Ice. Just to name a few...

DJ Lord

«Being part of Public Enemy feels like a mission»

  • How does it feel to be a part of the immortal group Public Enemy?
It feels like a mission? Every now and then I get shook in disbelief...I'm honoured.

  • Are you djing for other groups?
No? Not at the moment

  • Your worst and best set in a P.E. show or battle?
Damn? My worst would have to be DMC 2001? When I jumped in battle with just two weeks of half ass preparation while touring the U.K. with P.E... I think I was on crack? Best set solo was in Australia? With P.E best set was Brasil.

  • Are you still giving "power to the people" with social messages?
Yes! Until I die?"Power to the people. NOT the governments"!

  • What kind of Dj equipment do you use?
Currently I use 2 Technics 1200s, one Rane TTM 56 mixer,1 Vestax07pro, Pioneer Efx500,Pioneer CDJ1000,Boss RC10,various recording programs, etc.. Man? I try all different types? equipment to get it right?

DJ Lord

«Hip Hop is full of artists who are doing and saying the same bullshit»

  • Tell me your opinion about Hip Hop industry in the US and Europe?
I think the Hip Hop industry as a whole, needs a makeover. Hip Hop is full of artists who are doing and saying the same bullshit (Of course there ARE many groups that are exceptions). At least back in the days one took pride in being different. Now most of these rap cats talk about the same topics in the same never ending video with the rented houses, jewelry, girls, blah, blah, blah. I got more money than everybody on the planet, I disrespect more women than anyone on the planet, I can kill anyone on the planet and I'm the most ignorant muthafucker on this planet...Everything happens in the club. But damn man, what happens when the club closes?...

  • Hip Hop music and you after 20 years?
Hip Hop will be fine. Just look at history. It goes through fazes, from Conscious music to Gangsta rap. From Hammer to Hardcore. Me?....Hopefully I'll own an outlet for young inspired students of Hip Hop to channel their creative energies through.

  • Best and worst mc and group?
Best-Chuck D, Public Enemy. Worst-no comment

  • Favourite sport player (NBA, NFL, etc)
Frank Shamrock...Ultimate Fighting Championships (he's retired) I don't follow much NBA after Jordan left..

  • You mentioned in the past that you like martial arts. Are you into it? How does it affect your life?
Yes. I am and always will be heavily into Martial Arts. It's in my Blood? I've been training since childhood. The art I train in, is called Kajukenbo (a full contact fighting system including KArate, JUjitsu, KEnpo and KickBOxing). My next art with be Tang Soo Do. It affects my discipline in life as well as dealing with everyday stress levels. I no longer compete in tournaments to avoid hand injuries, but I still train and spar full-contact for self ?defence.

  • What are you future plans?
New projects. A new Public Enemy album and world tour (How do you sell soul to a soulless people who sold their soul?). Flavor Flav's solo album and tours. My solo album and tours. A battle record, a P.E. mix cd, DVD..etc? It never ends? Just like HIP HOP? I don't stop!

Photos by: Panagiotis Moschandreou