When it comes to naming the legendary hip hop DJ’s and in particular show DJ’s Terminator X must make most peoples top ten. With the world full of superstar DJ’s it impossible to open a magazine and not see an interview with at least one of them, it’s the hype machine in effect. Yet Terminator has managed for 15 years to keep his name out there without saying much of anything to anyone in the media, after all he speaks with his hands.

X recently re-emerged from his hiatus, to announce the launch of www.terminator-x.com a site which showcases not only his production talents but also some of the emcees he has unearthed during his time away from the limelight.

JS: First up, how you doing? How have you been keeping?

TX: I am doing well. I am happy.

JS: It’s been a while since you last performed with PE on stage and in the studio, what’s been occupying your time during that period?

TX: I have been DJing at clubs, working on music and doing hobbies basically since I left the group.

JS: Who laces the vocals on the Gangsta and Shut Down tracks? Are you working on more material with them?

TX: The guy on the tracks on my website is J.Gunn. I feel that he could be a big star one day. He is a natural He did those tracks when he was sixteen.

JS: One thing that surprised me was the distinct lack of scratching on those songs, was that a deliberate move?

TX: My new music is mostly original music, no samples. I am upset with all the new rules of sampling. I can’t even scratch on a track without having to pay for the sample of what I am scratching so that is why there is no scratching on the tracks. But I do intend to include some scratching on my production.

JS: Chuck mentioned in his last Terrordome that he is trying to get you on Slamjamz, will that be happening?

TX: Chuck has not asked me to be on Slamjamz but I would consider it if it was a reasonable offer.

JS: He also mentions that you now understand the power of the web. Where do you think the web will help you and what are its strengths over traditional outlets for artists?

TX: I got on the web basically for exposure. No one knew where I was or how to get in touch with me. Also I wanted to put my music out there for people to hear and showcase some projects I may be working on. I intend to expand my website and make it better as I go along.

JS: You’ve always been the strong, towering and silent figure, in the background of the group. Did that suit you? Or would you have preferred to be more visible?

TX: I was OK with being silent. I didn’t feel the need to be anything more. People enjoyed me for what I was.

JS: With all the controversy surrounding the group over the years, was it sometimes a relief to have that silent role?

TX: Of coarse it was good not to have to speak on the controversies.

JS: Do you miss the touring and recording with the group?

TX: I miss touring a little.

It still was a blessing to be part of Public Enemy…I have many good memories and experiences of my time with the group. I enjoyed travelling all over the world experiencing many things most people will never see or do. Like travelling to other countries and having people scream out your name. That is an incredible feeling.

JS: Is there any one thing that stands out above the rest of the memories and experiences you have had?

TX: Many things come to mind like, the first time someone asked for my autograph, the first time I heard our music on the radio. Watching people ride down the street blasting our music. Being on stage is an indescribable feeling. I never did drugs but I imagine it’s probably like being high. I could go on and on. But if you want one of my most memorable experiences, let’s see. I enjoyed, was honoured and will never forget performing ‘Don’t believe the hype’ in the middle of Stevie Wonders set at Radio City Music Hall.

JS: Could see yourself replacing your turntables with software or the CD equivalent?

TX: I have many times thought of using other means of mixing, scratching music. I don’t think there will ever be anything to replace turntables but I do feel that they will disappear nevertheless. I think there will be something else to come along but it will not be the same as having turntables.

JS: Would you consider a collaboration and if so who with?

TX: I would do collaboration with anyone, but if I had to choose somebody I would love to do one with Premier. I love his style. I like his scratch choruses on his productions. I like groove scratching as apposed to wild and crazy scratching. You know your question made me realize one thing. None of the new rappers/groups that I can think of even promote a DJ. Not that I can think of. That’s kinda like the singers not being in bands anymore. Not R&B singers anyway. Humm, interesting.

JS: Who influenced you and inspired you to become a DJ? If there wasn’t a ‘who’, then what was it that sparked your interest in being a DJ?

TX: You have to remember I am getting old….lol. When I started DJing there were no rap artists, only DJ’s with MC’s. I met someone through some friends who had two turntables and was basically just cutting and mixing break beats back and forth. When I saw him doing it I said to myself, I can do that. That looks easy enough. So I started practicing on my one belt driven turntable that was with my stereo and the rest is history. Back then I lived on Long Island and I was kinda young and did not travel to the city to see any DJ’s live in action so all I was exposed to was the tapes that would trickle into the neighbourhood. Tapes like the battle of Kool Mo Dee and Busy Bee, Kool Herc and the Herculoids, The Force Mc’s, Dj Hollywood, Grand master Flash to name a few. It was not until I saw someone do it in person that I got interested in DJing.

Interview by Joshsam 2002

Peep new audio from his site at Terminator X.

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