DJ ODI - New York City
Methods NYC, Urban Jungle, http://nycjungle.com
Urban Jungle's Hip Hop Helmsman wearing a brown wool sweater and a pair of glasses, Carlos Castillo or DJ Odi as he is known to the world, does not look like the type to have a group of beautiful women fawning over him. And yet, there are several that I have to get through to talk to him. People murmur “respect” as we walk outside. Their admiration is not undeserved. Odi, is in great part responsible for the entire style of jungle music in NYC. “I can’t think of anything that makes me happier,” he says. “Every show makes me better.” Jungle or drum & bass is one of the evolutions of the 90s electronica wave, characterized by an emphasis on fast-paced breakbeat and prominent bassline. It was then, back in its formative years that Bronx-born, Harlem-raised Odi entered the scene and gave it his kind of direction. “I grew up around 125th street , the home of hip hop. So it was natural to be an aggressive DJ, putting in the hip hop elements. It’s what I know.” His break came around after high school, when running promotions for the famous NASA rave parties at club Shelter grew into a steady DJing slot. From there, Odi and some childhood friends who shared a lifestyle, culture and musical interest began pumping out electronic records with their own signature twist. “Jungle didn’t happen as a music until 96. Back then it was all just called breaks or techno was the common term,” Odi recalls. “Anything went back then. My friends and I got real lucky, being in the right place at the right time.” Fans would argue that it was not only the position but the skills that propelled Odi and his DJ crew, Digital Konfusion, into the underground limelight. Their way of mixing jungle beats with Hip Hop has grown into its own genre. “Jump up” has been the defining style of NYC and the east coast in general since 97, when the crew formed their own eponymous record label and began spinning at NYC’s most dedicated weekly jungle show: Konkrete Jungle. Odi rapidly became a fixture, while continuing to travel the country, one of the first few to enjoy such popularity. Eventually Odi caught the ears of Malik Shabazz, the international spokesman for the respected Hip Hop society Zulu Nation. Shortly, he initiated Odi in 03, making the Harlem native the first junglist to enter the organization. “I really respected the work that they did,” says Odi. “And I try not to talk or brag about it, but it’s a very big honor.” Odi and his record label remained prolific in the recent year, DJing constantly while putting out a mix CD and producing for multiple other artists. His clothing line, Methods NYC is putting out a line of urban fashion inspired by the Jungle subculture. The next step for Odi is his upcoming artist’s album and taking his music online for digital distribution. But most of all, he would just like to continue playing, unconstrained by genre. “They have names for all the different styles, but I like it better when it was just music,” says Odi, smiling. “When it comes down to it, no one really knows the difference.” Words by Igor Kossov.
$5 before 11pm - $10 After 11pm
Balanca's
1809 Grand BLVD
Kansas City, MO
9pm-3am
21+
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Konkrete Jungle Kansas City's Friend Space (Top 38)
General Malice is the shit. For all who sees this better not miss it. Dude has 2 of the sickest tracks I have ever heard he produced and hopefully plays. Guaranteed to rock the venue ane keep you moving the whole set. Junglist are you ready Oh lord a mercy!!! See you there.
That set brought me back to '94 when I first heard jungle. I fell in love with it and discovered Coney Island High. Konkrete Jungle has come a long way... way past Rudolph Juliani :O WEWT! *hugs*
Can't wait until saturday. Danny is gonna be the shit. seen him a dozen times and he never dissapoints. I got peeps comin from the Chi and the Lou for this one. Boom Selecta.
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