DJ Skillspinz - The Foundation
by mmog
When I heard that DJ Skillspinz had a new project, The Foundation, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! I have always had a fascination with the DJ. Not just the dude who spins records at a party or a wedding…I’m talking about the true mixologist who cuts and scratches and can literally make the records talk to ya. I’m talking about those guys who are like a gourmet chef combining all types of musical elements to create a 5 star gourmet feast. I’m talking about cats like DJ Skillspinz!
1997/98 was when I really began to cut my teeth on Christian Hip Hop, and it was a few years later when I heard a track titled “4 Way Stop” It featured four DJ’s working together, all of them cutting and scratching together in harmony it was AWESOME! The 4 DJ’s were DJ Maj, DJ Dust, DJ Form and DJ Skillspinz. It was the first time I actually began to wrap my mind around the concept of a Christian DJ/Turntablist using their talent to mix and scratch like a glorified hip hop worship leader or choir director.
Within the first few minutes of listening to The Foundation, by DJ Skillspinz, I was instantly taken back to the early daysof hiphop, back when the DJ ruled. Instead of my usual routine of briefly scanning each song I just sat back and listened and let Skillspinz do his thing!
My first impression of The Foundation was that the production was on hit and Dj Skillspinz reminded me that he truly is one of the best! Skillspinz treats the listener to some top notch cuttin and scratchin and his classic “tornado scratch.” Skillspinz has worked with many popular artist including Mary-Mary, Grits, and even The Cross Movement, and this new project of his, The Foundation, definitely reflects his years of experience as a DJ. If I had any complaints about this one it would be that I would have loved to see a few more tracks with just the mixology and no lyrics.
I loved everything about this cd. I thought it was unique in the sense that Skillspinz put in an appearance on the mic this time. The tracks “Crazy Scratchin” and “Scratch of Fury 2″ were instant favorites. I also quickly fell in love with “A B-Boys Battle” which had me pop lockin down memory lane catchin glimpses of me and other cats toting our piece of cardboard around battle rapping and break dancing against each other. (It’s funny just thinking about it LOL)
Another favorite track of mine was “What Does it Profit?” which features an appearance by the Black Lion himself Pettidee. Bass heads like me will be pleased with The Foundation as it has plenty of knock and is guaranteed to put the sub woofers in cardiac arrest.
The Foundation contains 12 hot tracks, each providing a musical treat for the ears. Here’s how The Foundation is stacked:
Track Listing
- Follow Me
- A B-Boy’s Battle
- Hand’s Up (If You’re a Believer)
- Crazy Scratching
- Scratch Of Fury 2
- What Does IT Profit? (featuring Pettidee)
- Hey DJ! Rock With Me
- Hustle (featuring AI)
- Stomp! (featuring Antonious)
- Columbus, Georgia
- Get Up (featuring MiMi Magdalene)
- Proverbs 31 Woman (featuring Big D aka Dex Digzby)
A Closer Look
At first glance I didn’t think too much of the album art for this cd, other than the fact that Skillspinz was being brave by putting one of his childhood pics on the cover. After listening to a few of the tracks and looking again at the title it became clear that the Title, the tracks and even the album art were cleverly arranged. The Foundation has an underlining consistent theme of the elements that constitute a solid foundation, things like hard work, family, trust in God, even learning from past trials and hurts and moving on.
I think what I really like about The Foundation is the fact that non-believers can sit and head nod as they listen and the music and tone of the cd is engaging and will draw them in, believers on the other hand can listen and be encouraged and uplifted as they listen.
I also like the way Skillspinz provides a sense of balance. He talks about putting in work and “gettin ya hustle on” Not in the sense that you often hear in secular hip hop where paper chasing is the bottom line. Instead Skillspinz paints a picture of working hard improving your skills and putting in quality work to better your craft and to take care of yourself and your family, and just in case anyone misses that in the message DJ Skillspinz comes right back at ya to drive the point home with Pettidee on “What Does it Profit?” On this track they build upon Matthew 16:26 which poses that same question, What good will it do for the person to gain the entire world only to lose his soul? Using modern day examples Skillspinz and Pettidee remind us that there is a higher purpose and that our focus should be that eternal finish line and not just how much we can stack.
Da BreakDown
DJ Skillspinz doesn’t just see himself as a Christian alternative, he literally sees himself as a minister of the Gospel fully embracing the Commission to take the Gospel to all people and all nations. One need only take a quick peek at Skillspinz career and see that he has been doing just that…literally going all around the world using his skills to proclaim the Gospel.
The Foundation is packed full of bangin beats, thumpin bass lines and lyrics that will challenge your thinking and touch your heart. If you are a true hip hop head you will enjoy this as a true representation of one of the backbone elements of hip hop. The Christian hip hop head can enjoy the fact that there is still some quality music that feeds the spirit and soul as well as satisfies the ears desire to hear something new and fresh!
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the tracks and their content:
- A reminder that those who are ashamed of God, that God will be ashamed of them when they stand before him, a declaration of who we are in Christ and a challenge to pick up the Cross and fulfill the Great Commission [Hand's Up (If You're a Believer) ]
- Some crazy scratching, and infectious contagious celebratory track with an encouraging hook, “If the world can get Crunk we can get crunk too/with the Lord on our side what they gonna do!” [Crazy Scratching ]
- Matthew 16:26 what good will it do you to gain the whole world only to lose your soul in the process, a modern day tale built on this question posed by Jesus. [What Does IT Profit? (featuring Pettidee)]
Final Thoughts
The Foundation by DJ Skillspinz helped me rediscover my love for the DJ. Newcomers, Old Heads and music lovers in general will all enjoy this cd. It’s engaging, and the lyrical content is solid. There is no question about who and what the driving force is behind all of Skillspinz hard work. This is a must have for your collection.
To find out more about DJ Skillspinz or to copp The Foundation you can visit of the following link:
