As Sadat X puts it, turntablist and B-girl DJ Kool Flash is “the youngest DJ in charge” and if the 9-year-old’s new mixtape, Underground Playground Vol. 1, is any indication of what’s to come from this budding prodigy, the Hip Hop world is in for a special treat. Using two Technic 1200s, vinyl and Serato, Kool Flash executes all of the scratches, mixing and beat juggling with a precision essentially unheard of for a person so young.
Hosted by M-1 of dead prez, the 20-track journey begins with an intro from Pharoahe Monch (yes, the one from Organized Konfusion) and carries into some mature selections, including Mr. Lif’s “Pounds of Pressure,” Bahamadia’s “Culture Cut” and De La Soul’s “Nosed Up.” She also keeps it current and throws in some Joey Bada$$, Bishop Nehru and A-F-R-O for good measure.
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DJ Rob Swift of the legendary turntablist crew, X-ecutioners, teaches the craft at The New School in downtown Manhattan and witnesses the wide-eyed look on countless kids’ faces every time they put their hands on a turntable, something he never tires of watching.
“It’s great seeing young kids gravitate towards the art of Hip Hop,” Swift tells DX. ” It ensures its longevity throughout the world.”
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If nothing else, DJ Kool Flash is like a beacon of hope for the cultivation and continuation of the culture in its purest form. Hand-selected by Ma Dukes to represent The J Dilla Foundation as the organization’s youngest turntablist, DJ Kool Flash clearly has a bright future ahead of her. Watch her interview mixtape king DJ DooWop below and download or stream her Underground Playground Vol.1 mixtape here.
