Just when you think the art of turntablism can't get more innovative, exciting and challenging, the DMC DJ Championships spring back in to their annual season of action and surprise the world. Packing out two days at the massive, stalwart London venue the HMV Forum, DMC has yet again proven to revitalize, boost and replenish this rich DJ culture.
This year's competition was truly something special, and further solidified DMC's importance in the technological advances in the art of DJing and music creation.
The battles were fantastic and turbulent, with incredible skill on show, but at the end of the evening DJ Izoh from Japan claimed the much lauded first place title with a storming routine that began with juggling and rearranging of Meek Mill's 'Im'a Boss'. The X-Ecutioners' DJ Precision, representing the USA, came in second place, with UK Champ Ritchie Ruftone and his Darth Vader masked routine (you have to see it to believe it) coming in third.
Ritchie also nabbed second place in the Battle for World Supremacy, but was pipped to the post by Canada's very own DJ Vekked who pulled out a performance of a lifetime, inclusive of some theatrics and enough swagger that you would expect from a champion of champions.
Belgium's Mixfitz took the World Team Battle crowns, and Phona from France came in second.
In between the acts, charismatic host Inja charmed the audience with his trademark style, assisted by multiple-DMC-Champion DJ Craze assisting on hosting duties on Thursday night. Also on Thursday, The Four Owls returned for a firebrand performance reinforcing their reputation as one of the best rap crews in the UK. The ever inventive and crowd pleasing DJ Q Bert headlined the night, and typically mesmerised the full-house with just vinyl alone.
Friday also saw a stadium worthy performance from DJ Fly alongside a lively drummer, a banging live show from rapper Jehst, as well as a one-off showcase from DMC veterans JFB and Switch, where they battled head to head over a number of rounds. It was all done in the name of good sport, but if you missed it – you'll have to wait until the DVD to decide your winner.
Dates: September 27th / 28th 2012
