Ron Swift

Rap Session with a DJ Legend

C8: How has the role of the modern day dj changed in respect to the music industry over the last 30 years?
RS: In my opinion, the role of a DJ isn’t what’s changed. DJs are still looked at as interpreters of music and to this day we continue to break new artist to music fans. What has changed is the popularity amongst DJs. Being a DJ is “the in” thing. Actors, singers, etc are turning to DJing in this day and age to help there image or popularity. DJs are getting more attention than ever before. The turntable is out selling the guitar. Companies are creating new pieces of equipment to cater to DJs. Overall, the art form has just grown more.

C8: What is the most important attribute in becoming a world-class dj?
RS: You have to be well rounded. Familiarize yourself with all genres and styles of music. One you do that you’ll be able to appeal to wide variety music fans from all over the world.

C8: Explain the role that scratching has in the dj culture? Scratching was once the standard in which a good dj was judged but with the natural progression of djing expanding into music production, how important is scratching now?
RS: Scratching is important with regards to the turntablist/hip hop realm of the art form. DJing is a very broad term so you have to be careful how you judge the importance of scratching. Scratching is an important part of what i do on stage when i perform. Thus, my performances are judged by how well I scratch, best juggle, etc. However, scratching may not play as important of a role when you’re talking about a radio DJ that simply plays music from a station play list.

C8: Is there anything that bothers you more thatn an off-beat dj?
RS: DJs that don’t have a broad music selection. A true DJ understands the importance of having some familiarity with other genres of music like rock, soul, funk, r&b, etc.

C8 : You’re one of the few djs that has had the opportunity to work with true American music legends outside the world of Hip Hop (ie, the great jazz pianist Bob James, Herbie Hancock, et al). Has this been your career goal from the beginning? When did you decide that promoting the turntable as a musical instrument much like the guitar, or bass, would be a career-long journey?
RS : When I made the commitment to dedicate myself to promoting and exposing the art of DJing to the world, I knew it would be important for me to collaborate with artists outside of Hip Hop. By doing so, I would be able to tap into a wider audience. I pretty much decided I would make promoting the turntable as a musical instrument a life long quest once I retired from battling.

C8: You continue to push the envelope producing new concepts with every project. War Games is a classic example of how you produced a milestone record for all djs to be proud of (the LP actually had a DVD version of the entire album including moving images). How has mixed media played a part of your constant evolution?
RS: Well, I’ve always been into politics. Political Science was one of my favorite classes through out college. Obviously, DJing is another one of my favorite things. So when I decided to record War Games, I wanted to create an album that showed people you can use the turntable to communicate thoughts and views that revolve around social/political issues like the Iraq War, Terrorism, poverty, police brutality, etc...

C8: Although you are considered a legend in your own right and have enjoyed much success as a professional dj, you never come across as arrogant, but rather quite the opposite. What keeps you humble?
RS: I just know in my heart that my talents as a DJ are a gift from God. Without His help and guidance, I wouldn’t be here answering these questions. That’s what keeps me humble.

C8: What are some of your past favorite projects and artists that you’ve worked with?
RS: Some of my past favorite projects would be collaborating with Herbie Hancock on his album “Future 2 Future, working on War Games, remixing Charlie Parker’s “Cheers,” working on my current project “As the Tables Turn.” I can go on for days man.

C8: Favorite 5 records of all time?
RS: 1. Sucker Mc’s by Run DMC, 2. Rebel Without A Pause by Public Enemy, 3. Purple Haze by Jimi Hendrix, 4. Take Me to Mardi Gras by Bob James, 5. Rock It by Herbie Hancock

C8: Obviously, being a member of the world-famous X-ecutioners dj crew has brought you some of your fame. When was the last time you performed as a group and do you plan to reunite for new projects and appearances?
RS: The last time I performed with the Xecutioners as a group was Sept 2004. It’s definitely possible we might link up again in the future for old times sake!

C8: Best 5 djs of all time? Crews?
RS: My best 5 DJs of all time would be Cash Money, Steve D, Q Bert, Alladin, and D Styles. My top 5 crews would be the Beat Junkies, the Invisibl Skratch Piklz, the 5th Platoon, the Enforcers, Birdy Namm Namm.

C8: Your latest project “As the Tables Turn” has received critical acclaim in many music circles. Tell us how this project came about and some highlights of putting it together.
RS: I got the idea to create “As the Tables Turn” because I felt it would be dope for me to shed light on what it took for me to reach the levels of success I have. I wanted people to know the sacrifices and hardships that come witth being a well known DJ. I strongly feel young upcoming DJs will learn a great deal from watching the movie.

C8: What projects are you currently working on?
RS: I just wrapped up work on an album with Bob James and saxophone player Dave McMurray. Hopefully, the album will drop by the end of the year.

C8: If your previous release “War Games” were an open book, what new songs or topics would you add to it now knowing the state of America today?
RS: I would add only one song. I’d call it “KATRINA.” Nuff said!!!