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Vincent “DJ Spinna”
Williams is something of an anomaly in music. A
humbling example of what it takes to truly succeed
within the framework of multiple fields. A
steadfast work ethic, an obsessively extensive
vinyl library and the willingness to pursue the
full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and Jazz),
foundation (Hip-Hop) and future (Electronic/Dance
music) with no restraints.
A cornerstone of Hip-Hop’s
late 90’s indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much of
his first impression on listeners as the musical
background of his group The Jigmastas (having
released an impressive slew of 12” singles on
his then self-run label Beyond Real during this
time) as well as providing the canvas for an array
of that era’s lyrical giants. As an emcee in New
York City, if you didn’t have a Spinna
production under your belt, well, you just
hadn’t accomplished all there was to accomplish.
Everyone from Mos Def, Talib Kweli to Pharaohe
Monch boasted Spinna beats to prove their worth to
the scene. At the height of indie-kingpin Rawkus
Records heyday, Spinna was in demand, also
churning out timeless classics of the era from the
likes of J-Live, Mr. Complex and The Polyrhythm
Addicts (his all-too-brief collabo-group with
Apani B., Shaabam Sadeeq and Complex).
As collaborative production
work flooded his studio, from hip-hop legends like
Sadat X & Grand Puba (Brand Nubian), Masta Ace
and Guru (Gangstarr) to even The Jungle Brothers.
Yet, while his stock as a the go-to producer rose
so did his value as a key, if not crucial, remixer.
At the time reworking hits for the major-label
likes of De La Soul (“Stakes is High”) Das EFX
and MC Eiht.
Turning heads throughout the
industry, Spinna’s sonics soon infiltrated
numerous genres. Tapped by everyone from George
Michael to Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for
his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to “We’re
Almost There”). It’s here his production
presence would flourish greatly, as Spinna would
go on to revive and revise Soulful marvels like
Donald Byrd Eddie Kendricks, Betty Carter, Roy
Ayers and Al Jarreau. Always relevant to the
current, Spinna has taken to new mixes for the J
Dilla bred Platinum Pied Pipers and Bay Area
songstress Goapele as with the well respected Les
Nubian. Though it goes without saying that one of
the more memorable mixes goes to his monumental
version of Shawn Escoffery’s “Days Like
This”. In turn, catapulting Spinna into his now
stately, touted presence in the dance music scene.
Which made the transition to BBE Records smooth as
ever, for his landmark solo production album
“Here To There”. It also spawned another
record label, Spinna’s own, Wonderwax. A home
for his soulful dance classics, the imprint came
to fruition in 2003, and has seen memorable
releases from contemporaries such as Rich Medina,
Lady Alma, Blaze, The Free Radikalz and Selan.
With so much studio work,
it’s a marvel Spinna travels as much as he does.
The constant, globe-trotting performances he’s
become equally famed for have brought the DJ as
far as Iceland, Australia, and South Africa as
well as countless jaunts through England, Europe
and the U.S. Not to forget, his hugely successful
tours of Japan, where Spinna is held in the
highest regard throughout the country for his
craft in music. Not always the lone
crowd-controller, Spinna’s collaborated on stage
alongside contemporary luminaries like Gilles
Peterson, Jazzanova, Joe Claussell, Bugz In The
Attic, Osunlade, Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, Keb Darge,
DJ Scratch (EPMD), DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist.
He’s a true showman – versatile as ever.
Yet nothing compares to his
celebrated Stevie Wonder inspired WONDER-Full™DJ-performances
(aside friend and contributor Bobbito Garcia).
Garnering overwhelming fanfare each occasion done
- whether NYC, LA, San Francisco, Japan or beyond
– if a WONDER-Full™ event is booked at a club
you can put money on a line around the block and
thousands of Stevie Wonder admirers rocking the
house. And while he’s gained so much attention
and accolade for his tributes to Stevie, Spinna is
not incapable of doing the same for any other
pivotal forefather. Visit New York City any given
month and find a number of Spinna themed
throw-downs in the city’s esteemed venues - each
as memorable as the last.
Its true that there are other
likeminded DJ/Producers in the world comparable to
DJ Spinna, but for the most part, they choose a
genre and master it. Ask them to flip another
variety with the same intense knowledge and
sleek-savvy and you’ll be hard pressed to find
someone that’ll do it to Spinna’s extent.
With a brand new album
“InterGalactic Soul” at its completion (set
for release in May, 06), Spinna’s venturing to
new reaches in his quest to musical harmony.
Tapping into his perfected take on a truly cosmic
boom-bap to a sexy, stylishly accessible brand of
House and dance music that is unique only to him.
Remaining a musician for the
ages, Spinna’s true successes happily await in
the future. Won’t you come along for the ride?
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