The secrets of spinning are revealed at the Scratch DJ Academy in 10011. The founders of Scratch believe that the skills needed to be a DJ are indeed an art form that should be made accessible to all music enthusiasts. Classes cover everything from mixing and blending, to scratching and beat juggling, with many taught by world famous DJ instructors. Is all this scratching making you itch?

www.scratch.com

The roots of hip hop can be traced back to the South Bronx where a handful of influential artists created a sound revolution. Grandmaster Caz was in on the action at an early stage and his contribution to the music genre can be heard throughout music today. Caz created a sound unlike any other and worked with some of hip hop’s finest along the way.

Hip Hop’s granddaddy is a DJ by the name of Kool Herc. Born Clive Campbell in Jamaica, Herc’s eventual migration to the US led to a cultural revolution. Grandmaster Caz was so influenced by Her c that he picked up the mantle and helped create the world of hip hop. Caz was the first to rhyme and cut simultaneously and his work with the Cold Crush Brothers set the foundation for many of today’s hip hop phenoms. “Herc showed us the way, he brought the party to us, to you. A whole new world opened up,” says Caz, “We could laugh and we could dance. That’s what hip hop is all about.” Herc began to DJ with his father’s sound system and developed new techniques that sampled sounds and mixed existing records. Grandmaster Caz recounts, “There were DJs around at that time, but they were all playing disco. That was the music of the day. Most people in The Bronx couldn’t identify with that, so we wanted to have our own little disco.”
Caz pays homage to his legacy and The Bronx with the Hush Hip Hop Tours, which brings New York natives and tourists alike to the Boogie Down to learn about the humble beginnings of what is today a billion dollar industry. “We need people to celebrate the fact that this culture was born here.” Cedar Park in 10453 was the epicenter of the phenomenon that still reigns supreme today. Says Caz, “Segewick Ave and Cedar…this is where the magic happened. It’s the birthplace of hip hop. Herc brought the music outdoors, here, so that more people could listen to and experience it.” To recognize his achievements, Hush Tours is working with the City of New York to dedicate a bench to Kool Herc in Cedar Park. “It’s time to pay some respect to our history.”

www.hushtours.com

When you’re looking for a party, just head to The Bunker. For the past five years, these merry makers have been driving the dance floor for folks from all over the city. Their regular Friday night gig at 11211 cultural hub Galapagos has become the city’s “it” party with world-renowned international artists taking the tables. This group knows how to bring the heat. The Bunker host, Bryan Kasenic – aka DJ Spinoza – says, “On New Year’s Eve we had a 19 hour party with 600 people.” Along with DJ Derek Plaslaiko, DJ and soundman Naudio, and hostess Seze Devres, Kasenic appreciates the NYC scene. “We are blessed to be in New York City where many popular DJs from around the world come to visit and then stop by to play for the The Bunker.” Next time you feel like dancing, pop over to Galapagos to get your groove on.

www.beyondbooking.com/thebunker

Do you love the nightlife? Do you have to boogie? Then Clubplanet.com has got what you need to shake your groove thing! This site is your source for everything that’s going on after the sun goes down. It’s a nightlife portal that compiles club listings and dance parties, as well as articles and videos on people, places and events happening in the world of entertainment. Get on guest lists, follow your favorite DJ, learn how to make drinks, get the scoop on your favorite celebs – even plan your own party. Clubplanet is run by entertainment, nightlife and lifestyle company, Track Entertainment, which also manages cool sites like NewYears.com and CoolJunkie.com. So for all the info on cocktails to comedy, nightclubs to mnemonic devices, hook up with the “Final Word on Nightlife” at www.clubplanet.com.