When you think of hip-hop DJs in Olympia one of the first names that should come to mind is DJ Slimrock.  Holding down the scene since 1998, Slimrock has DJ'ed any type of event you can think of -- from backyard skateboard parties to private events at the top of the space needle. Impressively, he continues to build his massive vinyl collection while not getting burned out on a culture that is quickly losing interest in having a DJ at all.  While iPods and laptops are taking over for some performers, Slimrock is still out there DJ'ing for real, with no plans of stopping. He says wishes more live performers would respect the art of what he does. 

I had the chance to speak with the self-proclaimed skateboard fuck up - slash - DJ and talk to him about his past and what he's got going on now.

"As of right now I've got a wedding gig lined up," says Slimrock with a laugh.  "It's hard out here man.  Everybody wants you to haul your gear and play music all night for his or her event, but they don't want to pay you.  They figure they can just play an iPod all night for free so why should they have to pay me.  It's not like it's ALL about the money, but it's my job and I've definitely paid my dues."

Being a hip-hop artist myself, I can't help but wonder if there will come a day when it will be harder for me to get paying shows because audiences be satisfied with just playing my music from an iPod, eliminating the MC and DJ altogether.

Although it's difficult for DJs today, Slimrock does have a recognized name and lot of experience -- people know they're getting a solid DJ. It's not as difficult for Slimrock to stay  busy as it is for other DJs. 

"Take One really got me inspired to start DJ'ing back in the mid ‘90s," says Slimrock. "I had been stacking records since the early ‘90s as a hobby, but Take, DJ DS and B-Mello really inspired me to start spinning."

Slimrock's first DJ crew in Olympia began around 2000, with DJ Deadbeat and K-Tone. The group called themselves The Table Touchaz.  "It was nice going from pushing a skateboard around town with those guys to making some reasonable money doing something that I loved," offers Slimrock. 

On top of being one of Oly's most OG DJs, Slimrock also may have one of the most intense record collections ever seen in Olympia.  "I've been stacking for nearly 20 years and honestly my house looks like an episode of ‘Hoarders.'  Every room in my house is full," says Slimrock. "I don't like throwing numbers out, but I'd guess I've got around 20,000 pieces of mostly hip-hop and funk. But I've got a mix of everything and in every size wax you can think of."

All MCs need to man up and realize the DJ has been around just as long as the MC. More important, your live show just isn't the same without someone like Slimrock backing you.