Through the years of attending Open Style Battles as well as seeing a few events on youtube, I’ve learned that the DJ’s music is sometimes really good, and other times it makes you wonder if they are even paying attention to some of the things they are doing…

Here is a list of some of my pet peeves and/or recommendations. Some are the super obvious and a few were from mistakes myself before I finally learned and became more aware.

Set the vibe during the cyphers.
Now isn’t the time to practice. Come a little prepared. A lot of people look forward to the cyphers sometimes more than the battles. Folks want to get warmed up, and a few want to get ready for the next round of battles. So it would be good to play majority of songs under the next category. Keep the energy going. If a song isn’t working, switch the track sooner than later.

Avoid the train wreck blend mixing.
If you are good enough to be a “DJ”. You better be good enough to transition between songs smoothly. If you’re going to cut the next song in, do it on beat. If you’re going to blend it in, make sure you know how to adjust it so that it doesn’t sound all sloppy. Sad to say, but with all the “DJ’s” out there, half of them can’t even blend well. Get in the lab.

Leave the pop songs to Disney radio.
This is just my personal preference, but I hate dancing to pop songs for any open style battle. Don’t use the “true dancers can get down to anything” excuse. Nothing motivates you to win a battle like a happy bubblegum track.. not.

A super fast song, hype does not one make.
It’s the finals and you want to get the crowd super hype. So you throw on one of those 140 bpm breaks. You figure it’s a good idea because it’s a fast beat that the crowd will be dancing in their seats. The problem here is that the song will be so fast, the competitors will be moving around like they’re on crack.

Do your research.
If you’re going to DJ an open styles jam, get familiar with the styles you will be playing for. Know the context of the music for the cyphers and the battles. I’ve been to a jam where the DJ played Ring My Bell for one of the battles in the Bboy category. WTF?! Also know which tracks are better for the parties, for practices, and for battles. The more you understand the dances and the culture, the better you will become at providing the music for the events.

Give the people some new sh*t.
Try to steer away from common saturated songs. Some examples, for me atleast with Locking: Disco Connection (although I still love this track for some reason, when I hear it for a battle the feeling just isn’t there anymore because I’ve heard it so much). Popping: More Bounce to the Ounce. etc. There are plenty of songs that are similar that will give the same effect. Those classics though are great if 2 OG’s end up in the finals, so just use your judgement wisely.

Even the playing field.
Keep the same track playing so that both sides get a piece of it atleast once. The judges will have an easier time observing who can adapt to the other’s style better.

Microphone check.
Know when to tell the MC to shut up. It’s good to get the crowd hype for a little bit. Too many “Woo’s” and “Uhh’s” can get a little distracting.

Internal.. Internal.. INTERNAL!!!!
For Serato vinyl users, keep your needles clean or know when to use Internal mode (unless you want all of us to dance to sounds of under water garble). If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then shame on you!

In this digital age, there are a lot of overnight DJs. A lot sharing music with each other without doing their own research to find different music. When this happens, you will probably hear a lot of the same tracks over and over at each jam. Doesn’t matter if you go to the record stores and dig for wax, or browse through some slept on local producers on Soundcloud, just DIG! Find your own music, develop your own sound, and for God’s sake, just please play good music!

Oh yeah, and don’t mess up like this guy…

What are some of your event DJ pet peeves you’re experienced at jams out there? Don’t be shy 🙂