DJ Boogie Blind Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Feb 17th 2010 4:15PM by Megan Carpentier
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Harlem-based DJ Boogie Blind has played all over the world (and at SXSW) for the X-Ecutioners, Pharoahe Monch and others. Now he's solo and on his way back to Austin on his own. He sat down with Spinner to talk about his music, his influences and what John Mayer is missing out on.

What's the origin of your name?

I was a basketball player, and I used to have really thick glasses. I was a good player and one day I was playing in the park and did this move and the announcer was like, "Wow, boogie blind!" and it just stuck. It's something I've had my whole life, not just a DJ name.

Describe your sound.

My sound is more authentic than anything. It really comes from the heart and I really love what I do, so I guess the best way to describe it is love. Kinda corny, but it's true.

How did you get started in the business?

I got into the business in 2000. I won the Vestax DJ World Championships in 2001 and then qualified for the DMC US finals battle. When I didn't make the worlds, Roc Raider asked if I wanted to join the X-Ecutioners on the road -- not to join them, but as a roadie. And I did that for a couple of years, basically being their roadie.

How did you become a member of the X-Ecutioners?

I got involved once Rob Swift left the group.

Do you like the Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

Both the Beatles and Rolling Stones. I love them both.

Do you side with Jay-Z or Nas?

Both Jay-Z and Nas. As much as I love Jay-Z, I love Nas, too, so I don't want to sound biased when I'm not.

If you had your iTunes on shuffle at a party, what song would you prefer not come up?

I'm gonna be honest with you, '5-4-3-2-1' by Kid Sister. I would take a lot of s--- for that one.

What the one thing you always have to have with you on the road?

Serato CDs, just in case the Serato vinyl doesn't work.

What's your biggest vice?

Continuing to buy records.

What did you think when you heard John Mayer's comments to Playboy about women of color?

That's just sexual preferences. If he doesn't like black women, that's his loss. He's entitled to have sex with who he wants to, but if he doesn't like any women other than white women, he's missing out.

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