Qbert Aims to Be Kung Fu Scratch Master -- First Victim is DJ Pauly D

The art of scratching might not always receive the fanfare it deserves, but that hasn't stop retired DMC champion, DJ Qbert from taking home DJ Times' coveted America's Best DJ award. In this year's challenge, Qbert beat out a slew of wax-spinning contemporaries like A-Trak, Steve Aoki, and, controversially, the much-maligned 'Jersey Shore' star Pauly D, who managed to place eighth in show and anger much of the DJ community.

"[Pauly D is] just trying to hustle, but the universe chooses things sometimes," Qbert tells Spinner. "However, he does use the Butter Rug slipmats I make with my production company, Thud Rumble, so he knows what's up at least."

"I see winning America's Best DJ this year as a response to scratchers," he continues. "It's a giant leap for us, and it's good for the art."

Despite the impending threat of digital domination with vinyl being replaced by MP3s, Qbert counters, "the thing about scratching is that nothing will ever replace the feeling of holding a record in your hands, and the feeling you get from scratching. There's a physical connection to the brain." The only reason to stop scratching? Well, says Qbert, "with technology, they'll one day be able to wire instruments to our brains, so at that point, we wont have to scratch!"

Watch DJ Qbert Interview on America's Best DJ Win
Until musical instruments are wired to our central nervous systems, the practice will continue to take its wear and tear on the hands and fingers, so Qbert offers some advice for aspiring champion DJs.

"Massage your hands, give them love and good energy. You want to go as far as you can but you don't want to hurt yourself. Stretch gently and eat good food. I don't want to affect my body with toxic food, so I eat organic and sustainable foods that are less likely to cause cancer. Halal or Kosher food is good, too. I drink a lot of spring water, but out of glass bottles because some of the plastic ones have chemicals in them. But if you got to, it's better than having an alcoholic drink, because that can mess you up.

"Well, a little bit is relaxing," he says with a coy smile, "but anything too much isn't good."

After being in the game for over 20 years, Qbert shows no signs of stopping. "One of my inspirations are kung fu monks you see in China; some of them are at least 80 years old, and they are still practicing," he says. "I see scratching the same way in my life. I'm not a kung fu monk, but I know that I want to be doing this till I'm that old -- scratching is a lifelong passion."