As rappers became featured artists, it was the DJ’s job to keep the beat (or the break) steady, so that the rappers could rap to the beat, do their routines, or recite full verses without interruption.

DJ 101: The Basics

DJ 101: Looping and Sampling (in standard definition)

HD: DJ 101: Looping and Sampling (in high definition)

Kandi introduces “the scratch,” a move where you pull the record back and forth while the needle is on the record. But scratching is as much about rhythm and style as it is about technique.

DJ 101: Scratching (in standard definition)

HD: DJ 101: Scratching (in high definition)

High quality equipment may help you become a better DJ, but nothing beats having the right “touch.”

DJ 101: Drop it on the One (in standard definition)

HD: DJ 101: Drop it on the One (in high definition)

In this podcast series, turntablist Kuttin Kandi, one of the best battle DJs in the game, demonstrates the basics of her instrument.