The Evolution of Deejaying and Its Techniques

Deejaying began in the 1930s with radio DJs who played recorded music on air. It evolved in the 70s, in the Bronx, when DJs like Kool Herc developed new techniques like breaks and scratching.

Scratching is a technique where the DJ moves a vinyl record back and forth on a turntable. It creates a unique sound and is considered a form of musical expression. Grand Wizard Theodore is credited with its invention.

Beatmatching is synchronizing the tempos of two songs. It allows a seamless transition between tracks. This skill is fundamental for DJs and was popularized by disco DJs like Francis Grasso in the 1960s.

Early DJs used turntables and mixers. Technics SL-1200, released in 1972, became the industry standard. Today, digital setups with software like Serato and Traktor offer advanced features like cue points and effects.

The 90s saw the rise of the superstar DJ, with artists like Carl Cox and Tiesto becoming global icons. They headlined major festivals and commanded high fees, highlighting the DJ's transition from background to mainstage.

Turntablism is the art of manipulating sounds by creating new music from existing recordings. Turntablists use intricate techniques including juggling and phrasing to perform. The DMC World DJ Championships showcases this talent.

Deejaying has significantly influenced music genres like hip-hop, house, and techno. It has also impacted fashion, language, and technology, with terms like 'mixtape' and 'remix' becoming part of everyday vocabulary.