Big_Once out of Chicago has made quite a name for himself behind the decks. The former 2011 Red Bull Thre3style U.S. Champion has ignited dance floors all across the home of house music alongside some of the biggest names in electronic and hip-hop music: A-Trak, Crystal Method, DJ Shadow, Jermaine Dupri, Glitch Mob, Ice Cube, and Skrillex to name a few.
Infusing hip-hop lyrics sampled partially from The Beatnuts’ “Reign of the Tec” track off of their 1993 Intoxicated Demons EP, Big_Once’s “Buck Shots” is a bass-filled banger that boasts sounds akin to old Pretty Lights and Bassnectar. Available for free download, this tune is great for getting hyped for your Friday night, or would fit well into your bass-driven jam playlist.
Turntable Champion
One thing I personally love about the art of turntablism is the amount of acceptable grandiosity that comes during a high-profile performance. Most of the music game is spent being humble and thankful, but for the 15 minute performance at turntable championships it is just the DJ, the music, and some of the ballsiest beats and live performing you will find. (If you’re doing it right, that is.) Not only is the crowd witness to some of the best manipulating of vinyl, a mixer, and finger drumming that exists in the world, but it’s also at times an amazing comedy show and brilliant journey through endless genres of music with no ties to popularity of the time. It truly is a no-holds-barred funfest for those that enjoy music at a higher level, and those that can perform it at a higher level.
The video below for Big_Once’s 2011 Red Bull Thre3style U.S. Championship winning performance may be shaky, but his skills certainly are not. He has been a judge at 20+ regional turntable qualifiers and performed and/or judged at the U.S. and World Finals in 2012 and 2013. He demonstrates his talents on his monthly mix show on Vocalo 89.5FM Chicago, and at The Chicago Scratch Academy classroom where he teaches young turntablists how to hone their skills.
Lollapalooza
No stranger to the festival scene, Big_Once has been on the docket of some of our generation’s favorite parties: SXSW, Spring Awakening, and Lollapalooza. This weekend you can catch him throwing down at Lolla’s Palladia stage with fellow Chicagoan Trentino Friday at 8:00pm. Buy your tickets now.
Big_Once
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