As a DJ, one of the basic fundamentals of performing is knowing how to mix music. Keeping
that smooth flow, rhythm and energy on the dance floor is essential to a Dj and their
performance in front of their crowd! In this article we will mention 5 secrets of Dj mixing
tips that any beginner needs to know in order to become successful.

Beat mixing has become easier than it used to be because most of todays dance music tracks
have lengthy introductions to a song and also long outro ductions to a song. With this in
mind, it has also become easier for for newcomers to come into the scene and get involved
because Dj equipment is as expensive as it used to be!

Here are some of the Dj mixing tips you need to know -

1. Almost all dance tracks have an intro where you can mix in the music and a break or outro
where you can mix out of a track. Commonly, the outro area on a dance track is often the
final opportunity to mix out of the song. You can also mix out of a dance track where there
is a breakdown in the record!

2. When listening to dance music and its structure, make sure that you listen to the drum
beat of the song. This is normally a 4/4 structure. Eg. 1,2,3,4 – 2,2,3,4 – 3,2,3,4 – 4,2,3,4
Counting the beats will help you understand where you need to place your mix with the other
record you wish to mix into.

3. So now, as you listen to the tune that is being played (song one) on the output (dance
floor) you need to cue the song that you want to beat match through your headphones on the
other turntable or cd. When tune 1 comes towards its outro section, you then need to start
the second tune on its first beat in which case this is the intro of the second tune. This is
where you start to beat match the to songs. As you match the drum beats of the two songs keep
your hand on the pitch of the tune that you are trying to introduce. Adjusting the pitch will
help you speed up or slow down the tune you are trying to introduce!

4. As one hand adjusts the speed of the incoming song, the other hand needs to be to be
adjusting the volume of the mixer and gradually sliding the cross fader from tune one to the
other. What happens when you do this is that song one decreases in volume and song two
increases in volume Thus completing the change over from one track to the other.

5. One of the most important things for a DJ to understand when in the mix, is to make sure
that he/she always keeps their hand on the pitch when adjusting a mix. Some Dj’s don’t realize
this, but touching the vinyl may create a swoosh sound that can disturb the mix and make it
sound like its not running smooth! So avoid touching the vinyl or platter when you are
adjusting the speed on a live mix!

These are the DJ mixing tips exposed. I hope they are some sort of use to you! Learn and
understand them as best you can and they will help you become better at mixing your music!

Record players or turntables, whose sales wound down to a halt almost a decade ago, are coming around again. No one expects an exodus from the dominant compact disc to the nostalgic format. Sales of turntables and the vinyl LPs played on them are experiencing a resurgence as younger listeners are buying less of today’s music and rediscovering relatives’ archives.

“Records sound so much better than CDs, (which) are harsh and pristine. And the cover art is much better,” says Al Shaw of Manhattan Beach, Calif., who at 17 is too young to remember the LP’s heyday. But he found Rolling Stones and Beatles albums in his grandparents’ attic, and an uncle went on ebay to get him a player, which is front-and-center in his room.

Many electronic manufacturers are now coming up with replica turntable systems with designs of the past but the technology of today. Some of these manufacturers include Crosely, Teac, Memorex and jWin. You can find many useful features and functions in these systems including cd recording capability, ability to stack multiple records and computer usb connection.

Raman of Classic Buys says that Nostalgia turntables are among the best seller audio electronics during gift giving Christmas season. Nostalgia turntables from popular brands like Crosley, Teac, Memorex and Thomas Pacconi are the top picks.

When shopping for turntables consumers are looking for top brand and multiple features says president of The Magma Group. Consumers preffer 4 in one systems that will play records, cd, cassette and radio. They usually buy the top brands like Crosley and Teac. Consumer also look for other distinct features such as CD Recorder and Stack-O-Matic feature. Cd Recorder allows you to record from LP to CD and Stack-O-Matic allows you to stack multiple records and play them one by one just like a multiple cd changer.

“Music in its purest form is on vinyl,” says Bo LeMastus, president of Crosley Radio, which makes nostalgic reproductions of 1940s and 1950s record players, items that were promoted heavily in department stores this holiday season. “It captures everything the producer wanted to put in the record. On CD, you lose a certain something.”

Today the Crosley name lives on with superbly detailed replicas that truly transcend time. Reintroductions of original vintage radios and turntables feature the newest technologies graced by unforgettable Crosley stylings. The Crosley Collection includes AM/FM radios, portable suitcase – styled record players and turntables, record changers, multi-functional audio cassette/compact disc players, jukeboxes, music boxes, telephones and more. Rich lines, retro designs and authentic crafting have made Crosley today’s premier vintage electronics manufacturer. True to the Crosley tradition, these replicas are as fabulous as they are functional, providing a delightful dose of nostalgia.

Crosley sold 400,000 record players in 2005, and he predicts greater sales this year. Joe D’Angelo of Teac, which also sells reproductions, says sales tripled last year. He figures 10 billion albums are still sitting on home shelves. With the new units — Teac’s and Crosley’s players, with speakers, start at $100 — “here’s a way to play the music again.”

Even those sales are an asterisk compared with CD players, which sold more than 40 million units. Turntable sales are so small that the Consumer Electronics Association doesn’t track them. But turntables have always had a home among DJ and rap fans, who like the scratching sound created by manipulating the needle in the grooves.

Among new turntable buyers, “You’ve got two camps,” says Dave Glassman of Restoration Hardware, which has turntables and sampler 45s in heavy rotation at its 105 stores, as well as in its catalog and on its Web site. “Thirty-five years and older, who grew up on LPs and still have them, and their kids, who have found these records in the closet and want to hear them.” Teac and Crosley unveiled new models that meld old and new at the Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month, such as Crosley’s $229 4 in 1 Entertainment Center, with a CD player, cassette deck, radio and the ability to play vinyl at 33, 45 and 78 rpm.

 Ion TTUSB Turntable with USB Record

The first USB turntable that lets you convert your old vinyl collection directly to CD or MP3, the Ion Audio iTTUSB is a must for people who don’t want to deal with clumsy adapters or mismatched software when transferring formats. Requiring no special drivers, the turntable comes with Audacity, a recording application that works with both PCs and Macs, as well a trial version of Bias Soundsoap 2 to clean and restore vinyl recordings. As an alternative, the turntable also works with any other software that supports USB audio input sound cards. Once connected, the turntable transfers both 33-1/3 rpm albums and 45 rpm singles to digital formats in mere minutes.

The iTTUSB also offers a few hardware extras, such as an adjustable anti-skating control for increased stereo balancing, an adjustable pitch control (+/- 8 percent), and support for high-speed vinyl recording. And thanks to the line-level outputs, you can connect to any home stereo with CD or auxiliary (AUX) inputs–no phono inputs required. The turntable comes with a cartridge and stylus, 45 adapter, and USB cable and is compatible with PCs running Windows 98, 2000, or XP and Macs running OS 9 or greater. All computers must also have at least one available USB 1.1 port.

The iTTUSB’s master carton measures 20.27 by 6.85 by 17.16 inches (W x H x D) while the turntable itself weighs 7.7 pounds.

What’s in the Box
Turntable, tonearm counterweight, platter with belt, slipmat, cartridge premounted on headshell, RCA cable, USB cable, software CD-ROM, 45 adapter, quick-start guide, user’s manual.

US $99.00 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 10:02:50 PST Buy It Now for only: US $99.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 10:10:55 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

US $59.14 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 12:58:49 PST Buy It Now for only: US $59.14 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $78.00 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 13:28:13 PST Buy It Now for only: US $78.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $77.23 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 13:41:03 PST Buy It Now for only: US $77.23 Buy it now | Add to watch list

There was a time, decades ago, when the turntable was a staple of every household. It was where you would listen to the music of your favourite artists, while staring at the album covers and figuring out what the meaning of the album cover means. However, once tape cassettes, CDs and mp3s came along, the need to use turntables disappeared and they were sent to the junkyard.

That was, until the mid-1980s when hip hop and dance music starting to become popular. In this type of music, turntables are an essential instrument that helps to create the unique sound of the music.

Now, turntables are a popular type of musical equipment that is used by DJs all over the world in dance competitions and other types of music events. Since hip hop is so popular right now and dance/trance music is still making headway after its golden age of the 1990s, you can expect your kids may ask you for a turntable.

So, if you don’t have one in the garage collecting dust since 1972, you are going to have to go to an online store or pawn shop to get what you want because they are not made anymore, except in certain places. If you think you are going to buy it in one of the specialty online stores, think again, they are far too expensive.

So, your option is eBay or pawn shops. It is recommended you check out the pawn shops first because there will often be tonnes of turntables there as people trade them in when they are no longer useful to them. In fact, you can probably buy ten turntables for $50 there because they are an obsolete technology. While you are at it, pick up a few VCRs too, they are going to be obsolete soon enough.

There is no point in buying an expensive turntable system unless you know that your child is going to take to using the turntable and not throw it into their closet after a month because they are bored with it at that point.

This is why a used turntable is the best option because it means that your child will not be under pressure to like using the turntable because you only paid five dollars for it. Another option to finding a turntable, other than online shops, is to go to a garage sale where people will sometimes sell them for between one dollar and ten dollars. Often, for the turntable enthusiast, this is a gold mine.

When you buy a turntable, you are buying a piece of history, and you are giving it a new life as an instrument in dance or hip hop music. Children these days probably don’t even know that a turntable was once the only way to play music, thinking it is just something used by DJs.

Nonetheless, when you buy a turntable for your child, make sure it is a used one because the new ones are far too expensive and you do not want to spend money on something your child will bore of quickly.

US $6.50 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 6:52:15 PST Buy It Now for only: US $6.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $11.80 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 6:54:17 PST Buy It Now for only: US $11.80 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $6.70 End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 6:57:57 PST Buy It Now for only: US $6.70 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $49.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 7:00:07 PST Buy It Now for only: US $70.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $296.50 (13 Bids) End Date: Friday Feb-10-2012 7:04:40 PST Bid now | Add to watch list

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments. You can find the best marketplace for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments at these sites for used 80s CDs, autographed 80s CDs, and used 80s musical instruments.

When we hear the term “battle” most of us revert to thoughts of grueling life or death wars that were fought between two countries. Figuratively that’s not to far off of what a hip hop battle really encompasses. Is it literally life or death? Well, of course not, but as a freestyle rapper, DJ or break dancer your reputation is won or lost on the hip hop battlefield.

Hip hop battles originated in the late 70s when different gangs or crews needed a way to settle their differences without having to resort to violence. Something as simple as a DJ or sound battle was definitely a sight to behold. A DJ battle at that time consisted of two DJs bringing their own sound systems to a party and having the party goers decide on which they preferred. In its infancy the winner usually just came down to the person who had more money and could afford the better sound system as they would just drown out their opponent with the power of their system. As technology progressed and good sound systems became more common, DJ’s had to find a way to differentiate themselves from their opponents. The new form of DJ battles consisted of not only who had the better musical selection but also on who knew how to mix and perform the better tricks known as scratching. Most DJs would have their own signature scratch and they would go back and fourth performing these scratches while the amount of applause would determine the winner.

Break dancing battles usually stemmed from turf wars. Not your traditional Mafia or gang type turf wars but more of hang out spots. Whether it were a dance club or an afternoon hang out spot, most dance crews were known to be regulars at their respective designated areas. What would happen if someone wanted your spot is they would challenge you to a break dancing competition? These competitions would consist of two different dance crews showing their best moves and tricks and much like the DJ competitions were based off of the audience’s applause. The winners would now own the territory while the losers would have to find a new spot to hang out.

Hip hop rap battles were the most personal and shaming of all the battles. In these battles you could either record a song in which you would insult a rival rapper and this song would play in all the local house parties and dance clubs where both rappers would frequently attend. The other method and most entertaining is where a live microphone would be at a party and the two rappers would be given a set amount of time to come up with insults to defame their counterparts. If you were to lose a live rap battle you would not only ever be able to show your face around there anymore but your career as a rapper would be in extreme jeopardy as well.

Hip hop battles, although serious in nature are often a fun event for all those involved as well as the bystanders. They are often comical and are a great way to settle a score without any one getting hurt. In a world where people are dying over the most trivial of things it is great to know that some kids can still find a civil way of dealing with their problems.

Gearing Up For Your Event: Getting the Right DJ Gear is Important for Your Business

Anybody who has never worked as a DJ might have a hard time seeing how it can be a tough job at all, but we know better. Not only does the DJ business have its downfalls, but it also can be rather expensive for those who haven’t prepared financially and if you have to lease equipment for your use at the events, that is all the more reason to be financially prepared. A turntable set, amplifiers, speakers, wireless microphones and other things can really help to set your DJ business apart from the rest if you can save for them.

Amplifiers and Speakers

As a DJ it is important for you to know what you are doing, and having the right equipment makes you look like you know what you are doing. Sound is the thing that makes or breaks your show, and the louder and better quality your music is the better you are going to come off to your client. Old stereo speakers just won’t do; having that type of set up for your at-home set up is one thing, but having the type of sound equipment that can help you get noticed as a professional endeavor is also very important. Be sure to get something that you will be able to set up and disassemble in a timely manner, and that is compact enough to be transported around in your vehicle as well.

Stage Lighting and Event Lighting

Having the right lighting is something that not every DJ can boast, but with the right lighting equipment you can really help to set your business apart from the rest. People love to have a lighting element to help them drive home their theme, and being able to light up your stage is important as well. Whether you are looking into colored lighting, flood lighting or just a spot light to light you up on stage make sure to invest in quality lights that will last as long as you need them to. They just make you a hotter commodity.

The Right Vehicle

Having the right vehicle is an important part of having a good business. All of the DJ equipment in the world is no good if you have no way to get it back and forth to your venue. Having a truck or a van to stow all of your goods away in can just increase your value as a business, just like the right lighting, turn tables, and sound system can.

Having a DJ business can benefit your pocketbook, if you are willing to make the right investments in DJ gear to boost your business. If you are just starting out, it may be necessary to get some savings in so that you can get your business off of the ground and that may take some time. If you are willing to make the right investments, having the right vehicle and gear can really help your business look that much better.

The emergence of hip-hop in the early 70′s produced four elements, which continue to be mainstays of the genre: disc jockeying or a DJ, break dancing, emceeing or an MC, and graffiti art. How prominent are these elements today and how were they represented during BET’s first annual hip-hop awards in Atlanta? Upon acceptance of the “I Am Hip-Hop Icon Award,” rap pioneer, Grandmaster Flash paid homage to a host of DJs. According to Flash, DJ’s were once the gatekeepers between the record labels and the streets. In 1996, thriving regional radio stations that reflected a community’s heart and soul were replaced by media conglomerates with syndicated play lists. Followed by a myriad of changes in music distribution and leadership at radio stations and record labels, the fire that fueled hip-hop’s reputation began to fade. To maintain integrity, Flash encouraged a shifting to the way things use to be–where new music was received and circulated by the DJs. Knowing that DJs spend all of their time in tune with the streets via clubs and parties, Flash commented, “It makes sense that [DJs] break a record.” Flash also admonished MCs to allow DJs to perform on stage. “The template was designed for DJs to play a part,” he said. Embodying the original template, Atlanta’s DJ Drama, was among several DJs who held it down on stage alongside notable MCs. Even though break dancing and poppin’ are nostalgic forms of hip-hop both are visible in varying forms of dances including the Bay Area’s hyphy. Newer dances that help hip-hop maintain its hype include snap, shoulder lean, motorcycle, and chicken noodle soup. DJ Unk and the Big Oomp Camp showed attendees just how easy it was to walk-it-out in sync. While MCs abound in every corner of the globe, talent comparable to the innovators who dominated the 80′s and 90′s is hard to come by. As hip-hop aficionados anticipate “the new,” music executives search desperately for the one or ones who will carry the hip-hop torch to the next phase. Invariably, advances in technology and a shortage of lyricists who have solid albums have caused a noticeable erosion of hip-hop’s staying power.

For the past six years, hip-hop was the top-selling genre over R&B and country music and was second only to rock music. This year’s lack-luster Billboard ratings are a warning sign of the genre’s potential to slow to a lull until new life respires. Pending change, BET Hip-Hop award recipient, Common is the current standard for aspiring lyricists. Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco, and T.I. are among his peers. Graffiti art was once an economic menace to society. For years, buildings, buses, trains, sidewalks, etc., were regular targets for unwanted and unappreciated artist tags. Today, graffiti art is perhaps the most embraced aspect of the hip-hop culture. New canvases of the profitable, permanent, and mobile enterprise now include skin (by way of tattoos), clothing, and vehicle wraps. Among the many artists profiling their “tag” or some else’s during the awards were The Game, Nelly, Jim Jones, Chamillionaire, T.I., and Juelz Santana. As it relates to the four elements of hip-hop, BET’s hip-hop award show recognized exceptional work and contribution to the hip-hop genre by acknowledging the Producer of the Year, Lyricist of the Year, Hip-Hop Dance of the Year, and Director of the Year. For a complete listing of award winners, visit: www.bet.com/Music/hiphopawardswinners.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished

So you decided to take the plunge and drop a bunch of money and get all the gear you need to be a Pro DJ. You’ve got the plans, the motivation, the number of the local venues, and a friend-of-a-friend wants to promote you when you make it. It’s all looking up for you.

Except, you lack those pesky skills. For one, your mixing sounds awful, the fades are whack, and your scratches actually sounds like you are scratching the record to pieces. You need some DJ Instruction. And you need it yesterday.

We’ve all been there. But don’t worry, because once you get your equipment, it’s only practice that stands between you and a wad of cash and a bit of fame (in the right circles at least).

This isn’t meant to be a full-on lesson in how to DJ, if you want a full DJ lesson you’re going to have to look here. But, what I am trying to do is give you 3 Huge Tips that are going to help you learn to be a Pro DJ.

DJ Instruction: Learn Three Huge DJ Tricks:

DJ Trick 1. Get the right equipment: I know this first one sounds bogus, but even if you think you got the right stuff, you might be kidding yourself. If your decks are bad, then your tempo is going to be as reliable as the lottery. You are going to be as frustrated as a Victoria’s secret photographer. Get some good stuff and then move on to number 2.

DJ Trick 2. Add your own drums on a record: Another trick you can do is have a record playing on one deck and set the tonal arm on the beginning or the end of the record where no music is written now have the record stopped and tap on the record with your finger. The vibration from you tapping will sound like a base beat. Tap in beat with the other record to fatten up the base or add your own percussive touch.

DJ Trick 3. Get some good DJ Instruction: Please don’t waste your time with books. They can take you only so far. Would you use a book to learn to make love? I hope not. The only good way to learn is from a mentor or from a video series where you can see and hear what’s going on. You can see some reviews of DJ video series here.

So now that you know some of the tricks, hit the decks and see what you can make happen.

Speaking of NWA, most people have Dr Dre, Ice Cube and Compton legend Eazy E in mind. Less spoken about, but nevertheless a capital element of the world’s most dangerous group, DJ Yella gave NWA its spicy reggae-rap flavor.

Né Antoine Carraby, DJ Yella was born on December the 11th, 1967 in Compton, California. Man of many hats, DJ Yella has worked as a DJ, a producer and as a film director. Largely influenced by funk music, DJ Yella became a drummer.

DJ Yella started Djing at LA clubs. When the notorious Dr Dre crossed his road, both men became friends and formed the World Class Wreckin’ Cru in the early 80 s.

The World Class Wreckin Cru was composed of 3 original members, DJ Yella, Dr Dre and producer Cli-N-Tell.

The founding of the NWA group dropped an explosive bomb on to the world. A revolutionary rap group of young black men with an attitude and sense of pride was born.

DJ Yella played an important role in co-producing Eazy E s Eazy Duz It album and the three NWA album. Success followed and the album sold million copies.

Using the nickname Tha Kidd, DJ Yella also did some pornographic films.

As most readers would probably know a beef opposing Dr Dre and Ice Cube to Eazy E in which all three members went at each other with hard disses lead to the total split of the group in 1991.

DJ Yella, though, refused to get involved in any beef with his fellow Eazy E and remained loyal to him.

“The reason behind the breakup was simple: Egos started getting in the way. NWA started making too much money, so everyone wanted more money. Eazy made more money ’cause he owned the label NWA was on (Ruthless Records) and had other groups under him making money. But everyone didn’t see it that way.”

(DJ Yella)

DJ Yella wonders how such a huge friendship that existed between the NWA members suddenly turned into bitterness and anger:

“Dre and I was like brothers. We was tight, real tight,” Yella said. “Them first few years we was all like family. Even when Cube left, the rest of us was like family … When he left, we all talked about him, even Dre. That’s when all those albums came out. Then Dre left and did an album with Cube. “I remember when Dre told me he was leaving NWA and invited me to leave with him. I told him I’d get back with him. To this day I haven’t gotten back with him to tell him no or yes. Eazy hadn’t cheated me out of anything; I can’t get mad at Eric just ’cause Dre’s mad at him. I just stayed neutral. I was still with Eazy, but I never was in the videos where he dissed Dre either.”

(DJ Yella)

DJ Yella went on producing many artists belonging to the Ruthless Records label. When Eazy E died, in 1995, DJ Yella gathered Eazy E s different songs and collaborations in order to release Eric Wright’s last album.

In 1996, Antoine Carraby released his first solo album entitled One Mo Nigga Ta Go.

DJ Yella vanished from the scene for several years and then decided to give his career another turn: he came back as a porn movie producers. However, the music kept playing an important role in his life and he associated again with his former accomplice in crime MC Ren to work on a song called Bangin.

Surprisingly, DJ Yella would not participate to the NWA reunion in 2000, nor was he featured in the well known Hello song. However, DJ Yella collaborated with his former fellows Dr Dre and Mc Ren on a mixtape under the nickname Tha Kidd 5000.

DJ Yella currently owns his own adult movie company, DJ Yella Entertainment.

I always liked DJ Yella’s raspy voice and particular style. DJ Yella certainly enhanced and spiced up the rap game with his presence.

The introduction of a reggae sound into the NWA added to the musical richness of the tracks.

Most disc jockeys forge ahead into the DJ world full of enthusiasm, and make their top priority the purchase of their equipment. Visions of mixers, speakers, cd decks, turntables, and effects flow through their minds. That’s all fine and expected, but when such a focus is put on the DJ’s gear; it makes no sense not to protect that investment.

Protecting the equipment with proper casing for transport is recommended and a smart practice, but that is not the focus of this article.

Strange as it may seem, many Djs operate without an insurance policy to protect them from a lawsuit. Mobile Djs operate on location and are required to carry a liability policy so that they will not be personally responsible should they be faced with a lawsuit. A liability policy – which can many times be purchased from standard car insurance companies – will ensure that the Dj’s personal assets are not attacked in a lawsuit.

The profession of Djing has gone through radical changes in the last decade. Equipment has grown in all arenas. Speakers have gotten a major overhaul. They are lighter, cleaner in sound, and more powerful. Many are even self powered, where a separate amplifier is not required.

Advances in computer technology has allowed for today’s Djs to operate with a laptop computer and proper software. In an industry where it’s practitioners had to carry heavy turntables and crates of records, modern day Djs may never touch a cd. One can only hope that the new wave of thinking will carry on into the arena of proper business practice where insurance is concerned.

It makes no sense to invest so much into equipment and then have a flagrant disregard for protecting a business and it’s assets.

Insurance companies have become aware of the mobile DJ profession and many car insurance providers have responded by offering discounted plans for thaose Djs that choose to combine their car and liability insurance with the same carrier. It’s as simple as going online to a few car insurance providers and filling out quote request forms to find the best rate.

All prospective Djs would be well advised to find adequate insurance before forging ahead into the entertainment world. As has been said about insurance: “It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”