Well, I would have to say I got started years ago by just being a fan of music. It wasn't until I was about 18 that I really learned to appreciate the art of music, and everything that is involved. With this fascination came curiosity, and I began to think of ways to get involved. I couldnt play any instruments and I wasn't about to start rapping (we don't need another vanilla ice) so I decided to pick up a turntable-- ONE turntable, no mixer (financial issue). I liked the concept, so I expanded and after about a year, I bought the whole setup.

What are your influences (producers/rappers)?

Probably my greatest infuence was DJ Premier. He taught me how great hip-hop really is. I loved the way he combined all elements of hip-hop in his work, and his production skills are nearly unmatched. Also Stretch Armstrong's weekly radio show was fun because it showed another side of hip-hop that's not glorified too often. But in general, my influences change so frequently, its hard to choose just a few.

What are your 10 essential classic CD's?

--In no particular order
1. Nas- ILLMATIC - The blueprint on music production and lyricism. Maybe the pinnacle of rap's golden age.
2. Notorious BIG - READY TO DIE - check Life After Death
3. Notorious BIG- LIFE AFTER DEATH-- Both Biggie CD's are amazing. The greatest rapper ever, only 2 real releases.
4. Tupac - ME AGAINST THE WORLD - Tupac's heart and soul spilled into a recorder. Amazing depth and emotion.
5. Dr. Dre- THE CHRONIC - Great party record with amazing beats.
6. Eminem- MARSHALL MATHERS LP-- Reppin for the white boyz. And doing a dam good job of it.
7. DJ Shadow- THE PRIVATE PRESS - Some crazy hip-hop/jungle/house/funk/jazz ish. Bangin tho, give it a listen if you never have.
8. Parliament- TEAR THE ROOF OFF - Great funk CD, with all their hits. Production wise, one of the earliest hip-hop records. Funkyyy!!
9. Some DISCO R&B COMPILATION-- I love the late 70's music, great rhythms and funkiness.
10. DJ COOP mix- ANY 1!!!-- I've been making mixtapes for years, I have about 100, and each one has its own separate hotness! Booyakasha!!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to see myself not just DJing but also performing. I think a lot of these hip-hop DJ's are not creative enough in their routines. I'm currently beginning my journey into music production, and I want to be able to incorporate those skills into my DJ sets. It's mostly house DJ's that have done this in the past, bringing samplers and keyboards and video effects into the mix, but I'd like to someday bring hip-hop to that level live. There are only a few heads I've seen do that with hip-hop... like DJ Shadow.

What makes your DJ style unique?

I would not say my style is completely unique yet, but I am trying to figure myself out. Each time I perform I think I get better and better, learning what I like and what the crowd likes. I like to keep the intensity level extremely high--going from intense to extreme, never really dropping down, which may not be the best way but it keeps me interested. Why don't you come to one of my shows and see for yourself ???

Feel free to e-mail DJ Co-op (ECSNRock@aol.com). Replies guaranteed.