Grandmaster Flash explains “Quick Mix Theory” contribution to Hip-Hop
Joseph Saddler, the American Hip-Hop DJ more popularly known by his stage name Grandmaster Flash, presented an audiovisual lecture at the Wilmington Public Library on Nov. 16 before a standing-room-only crowd.
WILMINGTON, DE — Grandmaster Flash didn’t invent Hip-Hop.
But without him, it probably wouldn’t be here.
Joseph Saddler, the American Hip-Hop DJ more popularly known by his stage name Grandmaster Flash, presented an audiovisual demonstration of his “Quick Mix Theory” style of DJ performance at the Wilmington Public Library on Wednesday Nov. 16 before a standing-room-only crowd.
Before computers and high-tech sample machines, DJs searched for records with the best drum solos and then manipulated the records by going back-to-back so that the rappers would have good beats to rhyme over, Saddler said.
But if the DJ wasn’t quick enough, the beats would be interrupted by the singers.
“This Quick Mix Theory way of DJing is like driving,” said Saddler. “You have to know where you’re going. You have to know when to pump the brakes, otherwise you’ll sound like that guy back in the days doing what I call train wrecks — one beat smashing into the other.”
Saddler first connected with the audience by sharing his childhood story of learning about his father’s record closet “where the music lived.”
When his father would come home, his dad would go into the living room and put a “black disc” into the “brown box” and music would come out.
“I thought dad was a magician,” Saddler said.
(To see more of the Grandmaster Flash demonstration, click here or watch the video at the beginning of this report.)
Atlantic City Focus
If It's important to You, It's Important to Us
Don't scour the web for things to do!!
Subscribe to our Weekend Guide Newsletter
Career Steps: Speaker, Trainer, and Leadership Consultant, Life on Purpose LLC (2003 — Present); Legal Data Steward, Day, Berry, Howard LLP (2003 — 2004); Administrative Manager, Carter & Burgess Inc. (1999 — 2001); Court Monitor & Legal Transcriptionist, Massey Transcription Service (1991 — 1999); Senior Analyst, IBM Corporation (1982 — 1991)
Business Background: An ordained minister, speaker, trainer, leadership consultant, and natural public speaker since the age of 15, Dr. Massey (affectionately known as Dr. A) is the very definition of an inspiring figure. Her down-to-earth approach to teaching others the skills and master techniques of leadership make her a natural choice for corporate and nonprofit training and real-life inspirational speaking.
Education: A certified human behavior specialist and certified professional leadership coach, Dr. Angela holds a Ph.D. in Biblical Studies, a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and a Bachelor of Science in Ministry.
Dr. Massey has combined professional public speaking with leadership and professional development skills, making her a widely sought keynote speaker, consultant, executive coach, and trainer. She has worked with numerous companies and associations to include CUNY, Dell Corporation, FedEx, Yale University, CIT, National Urban League, and IBM among others. She has trained in Japan, Belgium, the West Indies, and Italy.
After a successful career, Dr. Massey resumed her education later in life. Her book, Going the Distance! Success Strategies for Online Students recounts her experiences with returning to the world of formal education. She also wrote Amazon top seller: Interview Skills: How to Get Hired NOW! Her latest book, Lead Like a Woman: The Top Ten Leadership Mistakes Women Make and How to Avoid Them focuses on guiding professional women through the corporate leadership maze.
Today, she uses her life experiences, gift for public speaking, and personal anecdotes to guide audiences through techniques to make their workday more productive and successful. Dr. A is passionate about empowering individuals from all walks of life to live their lives on purpose, and she uses her talents and gifts to encourage real change.
Dr. Angela D. Massey specializes in interpersonal communication skills and developing leadership skills. She combines training, management, and life experience to deliver keynotes, seminars and workshops filled with high-energy, real-world examples, and a healthy dose of humor.
More in ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT from Atlantic City Focus
Slick Rick rocks Wilmington
Hip Hop storyteller Slick Rick performed at the Wilmington Library on Feb. 23 as part of the Voices of Power Series.
New Edition "Legacy Tour" comes to AC
The concert will also include a New Jack Swing reunion with the original members Guy—Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Damion Hall — along with Keith Sweat and special guest Tank.
South Jersey Cultural Alliance hosts pop-up Negro League exhibit welcoming August Wilson’s Fences to Stockton
The National Players, which prides itself on being the nation’s longest running touring company based in Olney, MD, presented the production by arrangement with Concordtheatricals.com on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Ashanti encourages children to embrace their name, story
My Name is a Story is a picture book designed to motivate children.
Hip-Hop Alliance joins forces with SAG-AFRTA
Chuck D., of legendary group Public Enemy, said the idea of Hip-Hop artists unionizing was born some 15 years ago, but it never took shape.
Native Son wins DJ of the Year
Atlantic City native DJ Ill Nino has been voted Fleet DJ's Mixshow Dj of the Year
