| Profile: | Josh "The Funky 1" hails from Chicago, the home of House Music. A DJ for over 12 years, Josh blends a unique style of funky house, tech-house and breaks, while incorporating ill-scratching and turntable tricks. Josh’s passion for the art of DJing first came about when he discovered hip-hop while still in grade school. A fan of early pioneering hip-hop groups like Public Enemy, EPMD, Eric B. and Rakim, he was enthralled by the art of scratching. One day a friend lent Josh a videotape of a DJ battle, which unknowingly turned out to be a D.M.C. battle, the most renowned DJ battle in the world. Mesmerized by what he saw could be done with 2 turntables and a mixer, Josh practiced and honed his skills relentlessly. His passion and persistence proved to be worthwhile, as he has since displayed his skills in some of the most prestigious DJ battles in the world.
1997 saw Josh become a D.M.C Midwest Finalist. In 1999 he competed in the Winter Music Conference scratching competition where he was a runner up to 3-time world champion DJ Craze. In 2000 Josh took 1st place in the beat-mixing competition at the Winter Music Conference DJ spin-off.
Aside from competing, Josh’s passion for music has led him to compile several mix compilations including his own "House Funktion" series, which showcases his diverse music selection and wicked turntable skills. Josh has also helped co-produce legendary DJ BadBoyBill’s "Bangin the Box Vol. 4" and "Banging in London" mix compilations. As if his DJing accomplishments weren’t enough, Josh has also had his hand in the studio producing tracks for the infamous Chicago labels I.H.R, Kid Dynamite, and Strictly Hype Recordings. His tracks have been featured on mix compilations and DJ play lists throughout the world, further establishing his reputation as a DJ/Producer. Josh has also lent a hand in remixing Chicago’s number one house diva, Dajae. Her first single on Kid Dynamite records entitled "Time" is an uplifting vocal anthem that has received Billboard attention and has since been licensed to Credence Records in the U.K.
Most Recently Josh has remixed Dajae’s newest single "Everyday," also on Kid Dynamite Records and already licensed to Defected Records U.K. However, “The Funky 1” is not one to be content with only producing records for other labels. In 2001, “The Funky 1” will present his own record label, Funktion Recordings. The first release “Everybody Everywhere” by BSJ and Fun-K is sure to find its way into the record boxes of DJ’s worldwide. When not in the studio or running his label, Josh is constantly touring the world bringing his sound and skills together for the masses. Be on the look out for Josh "The Funky 1" in your area soon
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