It’s kind of amazing how much DJ Nu-Mark has permeated the world inside my ears throughout the majority of my life. Jurassic 5 was one of my big four of hip-hop that made me truly love the genre. “I Know, Didn’t I” from his amazing album with Pharcyde’s Slimkid3 last year, immediately found a special place in my heart, finding me at a particular time in my life. Most importantly, last year at Shambhala he gave my brother and I our “bonding set.” That one special set that both of us were looking forward to more than anything else. Holy shit, it was amazing. The guy put on a damned class in the History of Groove. While the set was criminally under-attended, my brother and I danced our faces off in front of those speakers, loving every single choice the good Uncle Nu made. I was lucky enough to get to talk to him before that set for the Martlet and even luckier to get some of his time here for y’all. Big props to one of the greats in the world of DJs and just an all-around cool cat, DJ Nu-Mark.
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You should be peepin' DJ Nu-Mark's soundcloud because it's a god-damned hit factory. Not a miss in the bunch. But, for our purposes right now, here's one of my personal favourites that I think will accompany our little chat quite nicely.
1. Do you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What medium was it? Do you still have it? Does it still hold up for you?
Yeah, the first album I bought was U.T.F.O.'s first self titled LP. I still have it although it's pretty beaten up from multiple 80's house parties. Can't really play it out now but it is for sure a Hip-Hop classic. "Roxanne Roxanne" was the big hit.
2. Can you think of a movie that had a genuine effect on the way you saw the world/your life philosophy? What was it about that film that got you?
The movie "Ray" really impacted the importance of never giving up. In the past I would release an album and wait 3-4 years for the next project. These days I'm trying to stay in the marketplace with new material. I figure if I keep shooting at the target one of the bullets will hit.
Photo by Ixchel Lara.
3. Do you think technology can set humankind free and allow us to reach a place of togetherness, ala Star Trek (Not specifically Star Trek, but that techo-utopia sort of deal)?
Not really....I kind of feel like the technology will one day take over humans and computers will eventually build computers. The human touch and feel seems to be what's missing in most artistic arenas for me. I don't see the gorgeous, sleek character in automobiles due to computer advancements. When I listen to multi-track recordings of classic Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell there's a distinct feeling that's rooted in human emotion. Computers aid in convenience, but I don't think they're the end all catalyst in bringing humans together.
4. If you had to choose between keeping only your hearing or your vision, which would you keep?
Hearing, simply because it's my first true love. Don't get me wrong, having to make due without sight would be really tough. I just love music and audio communication too much to let it go.
5. If the world was facing imminent doom and you got to choose one piece of culture from anywhere in the world to save, what would that piece of culture be? (It can be anything except "The Internet.")
Performing art would be the one I'd save simply for the fact that it's proven to be the one thing that has brought multiple races together without prejudice.
6. THE GAFF wants to know...If you could spend a day with anyone from history or current times, dead or alive, who would it be?
I'd spend it with Joey Bada$$ coming up with a heat rock of a song. I'd select someone older or who passed but there's just too much to live for.
Photo by Ixchel Lara.