More than just a party rocker, the voice of the party or "that guy playing the music," the DJ is the foundation of all of hip-hop. These days, however, somehow DJs get lost in the enormous culture of hip-hop and clubs. From being underpaid to under-recognized, these men and women were once at the forefront of all hip-hop but seem to have been forgotten of late.  At one point they were more idolized than MCs are today. For instance, Grandmaster Flash AND The Furious Five, or DJ Jazzy Jeff AND The Fresh Prince. 

The DJ was first - the MC was second.  How did it flip?

Sure, I could share my thoughts and feelings about the DJ and DJ history, but who better than the two-time reigning Weekly Volcano/25360 greater Tacoma/Olympia area DJ of The Year - as voted by the people - to share perspective on what is and what is not a DJ. 

Meet DJ Drastic, an Olympian by way of The ATL.

WEEKLY VOLCANO: What separates a good DJ from someone who just claims to be one?

DJ DRASTIC: A DJ is someone who actually cares about the music and doesn't care about the politics of a nightclub.  For example, a DJ can rock your set without being steered by a club owner/manager.

VOLCANO: Discuss the DJ's responsibilities to the music community - if any?

DRASTIC: If any? Can't say that. The DJ is responsible first and foremost to distribute music. For me, a DJ is supposed to expose people to new music and local music in the area. 

VOLCANO: Playing local music ... How does this affect a DJ's identity and reputation?

DRASTIC: You can't forget where you came from, because where you come from helps determine who you are and how people feel about you.  When you look at most DJs who are successful and have a good name, you can see a connection with their hometown and how they represented it and how the hometown shows the DJ love.

VOLCANO: What should a DJ always do? What should a DJ never do?

DRASTIC: Always be respectful and helpful if you're an opener or headliner.  A DJ should always be thinking about how to make his/her set better.  A DJ should never forget where he/she got started in the game.  Don't try to be like the next person; everyone can have his or her own niche in this.  That means YOU!

VOLCANO: How do you think the DJ got lost in the mix, overshadowed by the MC? DJs are the foundation of hip-hop.

DRASTIC: Some artists highlight the DJ upon touching the stage, even though the name is not in the group.  Where I grew up (in Atlanta), the DJ was the hype man, so his/her role has always been prominent. But there is very little interaction between the DJ and the crowd nowadays.  A lot of DJs at shows don't do a lot (other than) push buttons.