The DMC World Championships are just around the corner and fans of the art of turntablism should head down to the HMV Forum on the 27th and 28th of September, to witness the best in the world, cut, scratch and juggle their way through battle. To get you in the mood, we’d like to introduce you to the man representing the UK, Ritchie Ruftone.

Since winning the DMC what have you been up to?
Practicing for the Worlds, Playing Minecraft and scratching online.



This year you won both the Battle for Supremacy and the UK Finals, what's the main difference between the two battles, and what did it mean to you to win both?
The main difference is Supremacy is a VS Dj battle and the UK Final is one 6 minute showcase Dj set, oh yeah, and Supremacy is vinyl only but in the UK Final you can use Serato or Traktor.

How many titles from DMC have you actually won to date?
OK so I’ve been in the UK Final 7 times, 2000 till 2005 then I stopped but got back into it last year where I came UK runner up and also last year I was online runner up, I also won the 2002 UK DMC Battle for Supremacy.

Everyone loved your ode to Darth Vader and Star Wars during your set at the UK finals, what made you decide to use props and real showmanship?
I was just trying to cover all bases really, scratching, beat juggling, gimmick, plus Star Wars is my favorite film ever.

You're obviously a very talented man, but what drew you into DJing in the first place? What was it about turntablism and the art of scratching and cutting that mad it more appealing than standard DJing?
 I’ve been Djing since the early 90’s, I started mixing Drum’n’Bass and rave music on pirate stations Boomerang and Healthy FM, which I did straight from the bedroom for 7 years, that got me bored of normal standard mixing and for me scratching and juggling is just a natural progression. I like it coz it’s hard to do and not just any asshole, i.e.  Paris Hilton, can come along and do it, you really have to like it and practice a lot.

You're representing the UK at the World Championships in September. Who's the DJ to beat?
All of them will be good, usually the American’s and French are a worry, But I just gotta do my thing tight and the rest is up to the judges.

What are you most looking forward to about the event?
It being over! So I can chill the fuck out.


What do you think it is about DMC that make's it such a sought after accolade in the world of turntablism?
It’s ran for nearly 30 years, the Hall of Fame Champions include all my heroes; Dj Noize, Cash Money  Qbert, Mixmaster Mike, A-trak , Roc Raida, the list goes on.


WORDS: Whisky Kicks

Related Links:

• DMC UK DJ Championships 2010 Results
• DMC World DJ Championships Review
• Win A Novation Dicer
• DJ Hooch's B-Boy Championships Book
• Dead Beat Society Production Battle

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