The Hip Hapa Mix Tapes, Part 1: DJ 40oz

The Hip Hapa Mix Tape interview series offers original Q&As with skilled artists from all across the hip hop universe. For the inaugural installment of this recurrent feature, we probe the mind of DJ 40oz (that's his logo below - you know you love it). He's the resident DJ at Streetside Bar & Grill on the west side of Chicago, a seasoned music journalist, and the ranting polemicist behind the website AptCoot.com.

Where are you from? Chicago, IL.

What’s your birth date? 07/31/1976.

When did you first become interested in hip hop music? Early 80s.

What was the first hip hop album you bought? Run DMC’s Raising Hell.

When did you get your first set of turntables? How much? What kind? Late 80s; used for cheap; not sure of the brands but they were belt drives without pitch control.

What equipment do you use now? 2 or 3 Technics 1200s and whatever mixer is handy.

How did you come up with your handle? I was 18 and thought it was a good idea to name myself after a cheap bottle of beer.

Who has influenced you the most musically? As a DJ, early Chicago house jocks, Premier, Z-Trip, Mr. Scruff; musically there’s way too many to list.

How big is your cache of records? How often do you dig? Approximately 2,000 records; whenever I have the cash.

What’s your favorite record in your collection? LOL – come on, that’s like asking which child is my favorite.

In your opinion, who is the best DJ of all time? This depends on factors, but for straight up rocking a party while innovating in DJ style and skill I’ll take either Z-Trip or Mr. Scruff.

In your opinion, who are some up-and-coming DJs? Angry Skinny, Amin Drinks.

Would you rather be in a studio recording or at a club performing? Performing.

What is your favorite nightclub to perform at? The Dugout in Athens, Ohio (RIP) and Red Dog in Chicago, IL (RIP).

What projects are you currently working on? DJ 40oz. Plays the Blues and the long overdue Hip Hops Volume 16.

Where do you find inspiration for new music? It comes to me in dreams.

What other hip hop artists have you enjoyed working with the most? Zion I, Del, Amin Drinks.

What artist would you like to work with that you haven’t worked with yet? DJ Premier the king of beats, Madlib the upstart gunning for the crown, and Jay Dee (RIP) the only other visionary on par with Madlib.

What are your long-term goals as a DJ? To continue playing records as long as electricity is ample and cheap.

What CD is sitting in your stereo right now? Right now I’m listening to a playlist including Gnarls Barkley, Beck, Spoon, Styrofoam, Phoenix, Get Him Eat Him, Islands, The Psychadelic Furs, Scissor Sisters, The Unicorns, The Talking Heads, The White Stripes, The Arcade Fire, The Dandy Warhols and The Bravery.