FINDING YOUR OWN PATH
“Black music was in our house 24/7." For Statik, the love affair with music began with his parents. He is ¼ of the DJ wrecking crew, Ill Vibe Collective. Statik's older sister introduced him to Hip Hop through influential groups such as Boogie Down Productions and Public Enemy. Once he heard the beats and rhymes of such legends, it deepened his involvement with music. When Statik was 12 years old, he started making mixtapes, and experimenting with DJing. Towards middle and high school, he invested in turntables. With his new equipment he worked over crowds at local parties in his South Philadelphia neighborhood. By the time he graduated from Bartram High School in 1998, a buzz about his skills had evolved. As he attended college at Textiles, he worked his way around by DJing, "There really wasn't a huge campus, so it was a series of house parties for the most part." He also served as the DJ and promotions director for WTEX, which was the local college station. It was there he met future collaborative partners, DJ Phillee Blunt and DJ Panek. In 2000 he was the DJ for a local Philadelphia group, The Disciples of Discipline. Although, no longer existent, they accomplished a number of things such as premiering in XXL magazine. Statik along with PhilleeBlunt and Panek realized they had the common goal to spread good music to the masses, or anyone that would listen. It was out of that idea, Ill Vibe Collective was formed. "We all were playing together since 1998, but Ill Vibe became official in 2000." Through a mutual friend, they met WKDU's DJ LilDave, and realized he was the piece of Ill Vibe that was missing. They have chemistry with each other that sets the chill tone of any room. "We're friends before business partners. Everyone pulls their weight, and gives one another respect." Since fusing their elements together, the men of Ill Vibe have had various notable accomplishments. One of the most recognizable is BODYROCK, which is a party at Aqualounge every first and third Saturday.  In February, BODYROCK will be celebrating its 2-year anniversary. They also participate in the monthly Beat Society event. I couldn't begin to name the number local stages they've rocked. This past New Year's Eve, Ill Vibe traveled up north to spread their Illadelph vibes in New York City. Individually, Statik has continued to thrive in music. He just released his seventh CD, simply entitled, DJ Statik - Live at Four 1 Eight. "When I was overseas with Common and Grand Agent, I realized I was on the right path." He's also had the pleasure of playing at the X games, and sharing a night with Public Enemy, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples, and hometown favorite, Prophets of the Ghetto. "People are trying to label us (Ill Vibe Collective) by saying we aren't what we used to be. I don't get that. We've just begun." All of a sudden, the future of Hip Hop in Philadelphia doesn’t look so bleak.

ON THE FLIPSIDE
Statik always represents Philadelphia when he goes to play in another location. He does his best to expose people to the sound and roots of our city. Regardless, he recognizes the problems within the underground scene. "People in Philly have this mentality that if they weren't involved, it was weak. Things need to be looked at for what they are, but instead people see things for what they aren't." That's part of the reason he believes people leave Philadelphia. "We overshadow ourselves." While I agree, Statik has many positive remarks about the local underground scene. "Even when they can't support financially, people come out to the events." He also points out that there is an abundance of talent here including, The Roots, Jazzy Jeff, Baby Blak, Sat-One, Jay-Ski, and Pauly Yamz. Being an artist can be financially straining. Someone once told me to make money, you must have money. Statik puts wealth second to his integrity. "Although I'm not against making money, it's not my main priority." That's what we all say!

MUSIC FOR THE PEOPLE
Statik is pretty versatile in his selection. "I spin Hip Hop, deep house, afro-beat, acid jazz, lounge, funk/soul, reggae, and a little bit of drum & bass." He tries to play all types of music to appeal to each person of the crowd, but makes sure to concentrate on the music heard in his community. His method of playing records is pretty simple, "I spin what I like. I figure someone else has to like it too." That method hasn't failed him yet. Since having his son 11 months ago, Statik has become more conscious of the message he sends through his art. He tries to keep reality in check while still giving people a foundation to dance. When asked where Hip Hop is going, Statik replies, "In a soulful and musical direction." The only difference he sees between underground and commercial are that different people are setting the trends, therefore the outcome is two opposite sounds. "There are good commercial releases, but the underground is so disgusted with it as a whole, that we group it all into one bad category." Statik's talent doesn't end at the turntables. He writes and recites spoken word pieces at open mics around the city. At the present time, he just wants to concentrate on DJing. "I try to do one thing, and do it well." Statik is the brother you'll see at the tables looking intense, but having a good time. Along with the whole Ill Vibe Collective crew, he makes sure that your soul goes home full and more importantly satisfied. "No matter what happens, I'm human before I'm a DJ."

more info check out the Ill Vibe Collective Web Site.

January 2003
Phillyhiphop.com