turntablism
DJ scratch artistry
Turntablism is the art of manipulating vinyl records on turntables as a musical instrument rather than just a playback device.
DJs scratch, beat-juggle, and mix records to create new sounds and rhythms: The competition showcased turntablism at its finest.
The practice emerged from hip-hop culture in the 1970s and elevated the DJ from selector to performer.
Raking with nails
- cuttingDividing via sharp edge
- backspinningRotating against travel direction
- chirpShort, high avian sound
- flareSudden bright burst
transform · crab · orbit · scribble · drumming · stabs · tears · hydroplane
Playing recorded music live
- emceeingLeading a performance event
- b-boyingAthletic hip-hop street dance
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
- cypherEncoded communication method
freestyle · old-school · underground · battles · crews · sampling · breaks · Bronx
Audio blending slider
- mixerCombines ingredients or people
- slipmatTurntable friction reducer
- stylusPointed implement for marking
- cartridgeSealed container for supplies
tonearm · platter · fader · direct-drive · slipmats · needles · counterweight · anti-skate
Stored data or albums
- waxPliable waterproof substance
- 12-inchOne foot measurement
- breakbeatsSampled drum patterns
- samplesSmall test portions
crates · digging · pressing · grooves · instrumentals · loops · classics
Regular sequence of actions
- showcaseCabinet for displaying items
- DMCEmbroidery floss brand
- battleArmed military engagement
- competitionStruggle for supremacy
stage · crowd · improvisation · showmanship · tricks · no-look · championship · judging
scratching
Raking with nails
- cuttingDividing via sharp edge
- backspinningRotating against travel direction
- chirpShort, high avian sound
flare · transform · crab · orbit · scribble · drumming · stabs · tears · hydroplane · tweak
DJing
Playing recorded music live
- emceeingLeading a performance event
- b-boyingAthletic hip-hop street dance
- graffitiIllegal surface markings
cypher · freestyle · old-school · underground · battles · crews · sampling · breaks · Bronx
crossfader
Audio blending slider
- mixerCombines ingredients or people
- slipmatTurntable friction reducer
- stylusPointed implement for marking
cartridge · tonearm · platter · fader · direct-drive · slipmats · needles · counterweight · anti-skate
records
Stored data or albums
- waxPliable waterproof substance
- 12-inchOne foot measurement
- breakbeatsSampled drum patterns
samples · crates · digging · pressing · grooves · instrumentals · loops · classics
routine
Regular sequence of actions
competition · stage · crowd · improvisation · showmanship · tricks · no-look · championship · judging · exhibition
- Hip-Hoprapper, rappers, rhymes, beat, lyrics
- Black Musicblues, jazz, gospel choir, hip hop, R&B
- music technologysynthesizer, electric guitar, amplifier, MIDI, drum machine
- Trip-HopMassive Attack, Portishead, downtempo, Sly, Mandalay
- Black artship hop, jazz, blues, soul music, R&B
- DJ equipmentDJ set, mixing, beatmatching, scratching, vinyl set
turntablismorchestral music
Music for full ensemble
a cappella · classical composition · singer-songwriter · original composition · folk music