A Science Masterclass from GRANDMASTER FLASH

One of the most important and long-standing figures in hip hop history, Grandmaster Flash was the first to blend musical breaks – creating the quick mix theory – and invented the ‘cutting’ technique of spinning vinyl back and forth. Without this input and influence, who knows where hip hop would be today?

Given his pioneering work since the late seventies, one might think Grandmaster Flash would now rest on his laurels in the fast-changing technological age… not so. From his groundbreaking work with The Furious Five, to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grandmaster Flash is the ultimate innovator, maverick and pioneer – but first and foremost, he wants Hot Press to know he’s a scientist. So, is there a sound of which he’s most proud? “I’m most proud of creating this DJ science. I created all of it. I started it all off. This is my science.” Mr. Flash may not be modest, but I guess there aren’t many artists who can rightfully claim to have started a revolution.

I met a pumped-up Flash fresh from a remarkable set at the Native Instruments stand at NAMM, where he was was demonstrating the latest Tracktor Scratch digital DJing solution: “It’s closest thing to the science I invented. It makes it real easy to look at effects and delay, to change pitch without the tempo changing – I don’t have to bring it outside the limits.”

Flash goes on to reflect on modern hip hop: “Music today has so many subcultures. Once it was straight, now you’ve got R&B, pop, rock, funk – it’s a blending of sounds”. He explains that because of this, he sees artists such as James Brown as increasingly important figures in what we listen to today – “his music just has so much history and memories”. We talk genres, which ultimately brings us to George Clinton. So, I wonder, who’s funkier, Flash or George Clinton? He laughs. “Oh Georgie is a master! George is probably funkier than me.” Quite an admission from the ever-confident Grandmaster and creator… was he sure? “Well, George Clinton, is a teeny bit funkier than me… just a teeny bit – but I am funky!”

Before we go our separate ways, the hip hop legend leaves me with his thoughts on Ireland… “Man, no-one in the world parties like the Irish. I always love going to Dublin, we always party when we’re there. The crowd are always wild! Off the hook!” He shouts across the room to DJ Demo “Hey Demo what’s Ireland like?” – “Bananas. That’s ‘Olé Olé’ yeah?” – “Yeah”, says Flash “Olé, Olé, the Irish are crazy...”
Mark Hogan

Grandmaster Flash’s album ‘The Bridge’ is in stores now. His book ‘The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash - My Life, My Beats’ is also out now.

For images from The NAMM Show, click here