When many talk about the current state of hip hop and the issues surrounding it, craftsmanship is often the issue. There aren’t enough people that put in the time to actually practice and perfect what they are doing. However, one such person who did put in the time was Grandmixer D.ST.

A prominent DJ from the 1970s and 80s, D.ST is known for the performances he gave while behind the turntables, including breakdancing, using other body parts (including his feet) to mix records, and sometimes coming in front of the turntables and jumping out onto the dance floor. Afrika Bambaataa took notice of Grandmixer’s talents and asked D.ST to join him for his parties.

Grandmixer D.ST also worked with the Infinity Rappers and went on to work with a number of other artists as a producer. Songs he worked on include “Rockit” in 1983 by Herbie Hancock, “Crazy Cuts”, “Megamix”, “DST Cuts It Up”, “Rock The House in Japan”, and more.

D.ST, whom would later change his name to Grandmixer DXT, was featured in the hip hop classic Wildstyle and on the first hip hop European tour with many other pioneers featured in previous “Respect Due” posts. He brought entertainment and excitement to the DJ profession and showed that it was about more than simply standing behind turntables; it was about putting on a show. So to Grandmixer D.ST, we say…Respect Due.

Leave any thoughts or comments you have regarding Grandmixer D.ST below. You can also send any e-mails to straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.

Sources:

http://www.oldschoolhiphop.com/artists/deejays/grandmixerdst.htm

http://www.starpulse.com/Music/Grandmixer_D.ST-P81530/Biography/