The term DJ has changed meaning over time. Initially, it was the person in charge of what songs were played over radio airwaves. Later, with the evolution of cable television, DJ's morphed into VJ's, who brought the latest videos into millions of homes. In its latest iteration, disc jockeys manipulate records and sounds to create a whole new product for the ears. Many have spent countless hours attempting to learn this craft.
Identification
Learning to DJ involves some preparation. DJ's must acquire equipment including turntables, a mixer, amplifier, speakers and needles. DJ's must learn to monitor two records on the turntables by listening to both records and mixing one record into the output while diminishing the sound of the other record. This is called mixing. It takes skill, timing and good equipment. In addition to becoming good mixers, some DJ's "scratch," or move records back and forth, to add signature sounds to their mixes.
Benefits
Becoming a DJ can lead to a full-time career. A good reputation will help a DJ gain steady work for parties and other special events. It also provides access to party promotions and music artists. Some DJ's, such as DJ Khaled, have released CD's as music producers. Like DJ Khaled, star DJ's enlist the services of many of the artists they feature in the mixing sessions. The transition from DJ to music producer is often seamless as DJ's have a broad knowledge of music and what is popular.
Geography
The current iteration of the DJ got its start in the urban areas of American cities. New York fostered young rap artists and DJ's at the same time. The artists often had a sidekick who spun records and scratched during their shows. Salt-N-Pepa had DJ Spinderella. Run-DMC had the late Jam-Master Jay. This inspired young DJ's during the 1980s and '90s to take up the craft.
Theories/Speculation
Part of the initial hesitation by the larger music community to accept hip-hop and rap artists was the theory that they were not actual artists. This was in part due to the perception that DJ's took records that already existed to make beats over which hip-hop artists rapped. Over time, this theory was mostly dismissed.
Warning
The cost of becoming a DJ can be exorbitant. Decks or turntables of any quality run into the thousands of dollars. Needles for turntables is an ongoing cost for DJ's who scratch. Quality mixers are also costly.
Misconceptions
Becoming a professional DJ is more than just a notion. It takes hours and months of practice to become a DJ who can charge for services. Before spending money to become a DJ, it is prudent to borrow equipment and get a feel for the craft to determine whether a full commitment is desired.
