Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Doo Wop, Ron G, Double R, S&S, Chill Will From The East Side, Kid Capri, Marly Marl, Red Alert, Premier, Pete Rock, Jazzy Jeff, the list goes on...
What does it take to be a great DJ? Is it the ability to mix 2 records seamlessly? To scratch fluidly? To command a crowd? Or perhaps it’s simply that all-encompassing umbrella term for turntable proficiency we refer to simply as "skills"? For the past 13 years NYC’s DJKO has been moving party people all over the world with an unprecedented demonstration of all the above.
DJKO has been exemplifying greatness on the turntables since 1993 when he began to take what was once a childhood hobby seriously and embarked on a mission to express his passion for music publicly. As the forefathers of Hip Hop had done before him, KO first tasted the feel of djaying for a crowd at a local block party. “ My neighbor and mentor, Titi had always d-jayed the local block parties and one year, when I had shown him that I had progressed enough on my own, he gave me a shot to do a set on his equipment. The rush was like none I’d ever experienced. Needless to say, I was hooked”. With and a crowd of Hip Hop lovers, and 2 copies of Run DMC’s Peter Piper, a dj was born. KO soon began to do local house parties all the while studying the likes of Kid Capri, Red Alert, and DooWop to name a few.
Soon after, it was time for KO to take his act on the road, but not the road one would think. In the fall of ’95 KO had enrolled as a freshman at Syracuse University. The experience while somewhat of a culture shock, proved to be priceless for KO. “ I realized when I got there that music up there was lacking. There was no real DJ on campus and this created an opportunity for me.” It was at this time KO met up with an old early high school classmate Rah-Lo, who like himself, had enrolled as a freshman and too had taken up Djaying. The duo clicked instantly and teamed up to form The Knockoutkingz. It was here that KO along with his new partner would hone his skills to perfection, rocking in front of crowds ranging from 500 to 2000 people on a weekly basis as well as hosting and D-Jaying the Knockout radio show on Saturday nights for 3 years. They instantly became this small city’s source for cutting edge exclusive Hip-Hop music. It was at this point that he landed a gig as tour dj for J-live, one of the illest emcees in the game over or underground. They did shows all over the US and Europe, giving KO a newfound appreciation for hiphop on a global level.
Since graduating, KO’s teamed up with Rah-lo and newcomer Noodles to put out a number of internationally successful mix tapes. As The Knockoutkingz they’ve most recently produced the Spitkicker mix tape series with hosts such as De La Soul and Kanye West, which have garnered immense critical acclaim. KO’s also spun at events for the likes of Spike Lee, Donovan McNabb, Saturday Night Live, WWE wrestling and ESPN. He’s also taken his skills on a global level as he’s continued to move crowds in countries like Finland, and England to name a few. He’s even made a guest dj appearance on BET’s “Rap City, The Basement” with Tigga. KO was also the resident DJ at Hip Hop icon Jay-Z’s “The 40/40 club” from its opening till this past summer.
Not one to rest on his laurels, KO has now sought to take his love of Hip-Hop to the next level and what better way to do so then to produce tracks. “I’ve always wanted to create my own original music and having reached a comfort zone with djaying, I felt it was time to progress to the next level of music”. In the short span of 2 years KO has already worked with artists like Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Freeway, and Fat Joe. “ I’ve really worked hard to hone my production skills and I want to be respected not only as a dj but as a producer as well.” It’s the same ambitious attitude that once helped KO take the helms at that first block party that will propel him to prove to the world that just as on the turntables, he has the “skills” to succeed behind the boards.
RESUME
Europe
Helsinki, Finland - Tavastia nightclub
1,200 people
London, England - Subterrania nightclub (Carnival festival)
800 people
U.S.
San Diego, California - Crane’s nightclub (ASR convention)
500 people
Petersburg, Virginia - Virginia State University
1200 people
Minneapolis, Minnesota - 8th Avenue nightclub
800 people
St. Louis, Missouri - St. Louis University
700 people
Syracuse, New York - Syracuse University Carrier Dome
7,000 people
Odessa, Texas - (Tejano National Super Car show)
5,500 people
Universities
Syracuse, Cornell, Binghamton, Moorehouse, Spellman, Rutgers, LIU, Columbia, NYU
New York Area Nightclubs
Etoile, Aria, Centrofly, Lansky Lounge, Guernica, Cream, Plush,
Suede, The World, Catwalk, The Sporting Club, Porters, Freight, Joes
Pub, Hiro, Supper Club, The Delancy, Lotus, Rewind, BLVD, 40/40
(Resident DJ for Jay-Z’s 40/40 club from 4/03 to 8/05)
Private Events
Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles) Draft Party
Al Sharpton Birthday Party
ESPN.com Motion Launch Party
Keith Bulluck (Tennessee Titans) Birthday Party
She Hate Me Movie Wrap & Premiere Party
Saturday Night Live Season Premiere Party ( 2 yrs.)
Puma Store Holiday Season In-Store
Saturday Night Live Christmas Party
Spitkicker Inc. Monthly Party
Trace magazine Premiere Party
John MacEnroe NBC Show Premiere Party
Adidas original Soho Store Holiday Party
School Daze 20th Anniversary DVD re-release Party
Inside Man Movie Premiere Party
Spike Lee’s 40 Acres & A Mule 20th Anniversary Cruise Party
Radio
Currently co-resident Dj/personality for Spitkicker Radio Show on XM Radio Channel 65 The Rhyme. Hosted by Heather B. and Mr. Walt (Beatminerz). Airs Every Saturday from 6 to 8pm EST.
CHECK THE KNOCKOUTKINGZ BLOG OUT BY CLICKING BELOW!!
YO Ko What it is Fam!?!? I was DEAD REAL about the training B!!! The goal for the 09 NYC Marathon is ON !!!!! KingPin Kel Is trynna GET IT !!! Lets Build !!!
Finally!!! New Sofie Fatale Mixtape is Officially here!!! "Setting Standards".. Highly Anticipated, Very underated, Extremely Unexpected... Listen and enjoy...(To download, just click on "Visit this podcast and you'll be directed to a link).. And Don't forget to check the schedule to see what spots I'll be rocking around the city...
As the summer winds down, Money Talks Entertainment is only getting started... DJ ShOw will be broadcasting LIVE on 90.9fm at 8pm for the Money Talks Takeover!
Tune in to the Capital District's LONGEST RUNNING Hip Hop Mix Show as I hit you with nothing but sweet ear candy - the latest & greatest in Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, & anything bangin' in the clubs!
DJ Phayda G will be at the helm & taking requests! Hit up Coach P at (518) 442-4242 to get your request heard, or hit him on AIM at screen name wcdbdj!
So make sure you tune in to the Money Talks Takeover this Wednesday at 8pm, on 90.9fm WCDB-Albany. If you're not in the Albany area or don't have a regular radio, don't stress – we're streaming live on the Internet! Get to www. WCDBFM. com , click on LISTEN LIVE, & PUMP UP THE VOLUME!
Sup big brotha all migh-TEE~! It's been a minute! Hope you are having a FANTASTIC summer with lots of LOVE! lol :) New track up AlmightyKo - come thoo!
Yiyo, How's all? Just thought I'd let you know that the album is now on our website FREE to download in case you might be interested. www. transitvenus. com
Kicksclusive Magazine Issue 15 Release PArty To RSVP email: RSVP@kicksclusive.com
First, for all of you wondering what looks different about Kicksclusive magazine? And if you weren't wondering you need to get familiar! We here at Kicksclusive after 5 years and 14 issues are doing a re-branding of the magazine. The magazine is now called KCLSV Mag., which stands for KICKS, CLOTHING, LIFESTYLE, SPORT & VYNL. For Issue 15 we have double cover with DJ AM on the front cover and the Adidas X Undr Crwn GilIIzero. This issue is also packed with sneaker culture stories that wont let you put the magazine down. On Tuesday the 1st at Manor(73 8th ave off of 14th street) we are celebrating this 15th issue. Where we will have DJ Jedi and Dj Soul spinning from 7-11pm and Dj Eleven and Tony Touch at the afterparty from 11-3am. There will also be live Sneaker painting done by Pink Eye Customs and Rebel Aire. There will be giveaways all night and special surprise for all the sneaker heads who want to "create" a shoe. Thats all I can say, you have to come to figure it out. Lastly, the extended KCLSV family of Mary Papers and Denisse will be celebrating their birthdays so make sure to send your birthday wishes to the lovely ladies.
Hey KO! (I forgot the fake name you told me! LOL) No Animosity... always love... What's new with you? When you coming by the store to check out the new look? Ciao, The "PuertoRican Girl from the BX"
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