Out & About: Krush's Global Groove

DJ KRUSH CLAIMS to have no philosophy of music. But he offers, “There’s no end to training” as sort of a modus operandi. And that’ll do, considering his reputation for pushing DJ culture into new territories.

He emerged 13 years ago on the international scene during hip-hop’s halcyon years and, not incidentally, the acid-jazz boom, turning heads with his jazz-like fluidity and gully hip-hop beats. Krush quickly began ranking up an impressive discography, marked with significant work with hip-hop acts the Roots, Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth, and Method Man, as well as jazz cats Herbie Hancock, Roy Hargrove and Ronny Jordan. Oh, and deep house musicians Kyoto Jazz Massive, Monday Michiru and United Future Organization.

Lately, though, Krush’s music has become more cinematic and abstract. “It’s hard to say how my sound evolved, but I’ve always been determined to make the sound that only I can make,” he says. “My music absorbs many different elements of everyday life, news and traveling.”

Then Krush goes on to cite his previous album, “Jaku,” an evocation of his Japanese heritage on which he featured the shamisen (a banjo-like string instrument) and shakuhachi (a Japanese bamboo flute).

When asked about the popularity of DJ culture in Japan, Krush says that it’s considered a “cool job” and that many people there have access to top-notch audio equipment and records from around the world. Yet he still worries about the artistic integrity of Japanese DJ culture. “I wonder out loud about how many people [in Japan] who call themselves DJs are determined to make an [artistic statement] that only they can make. Hopefully, DJ culture in Japan won’t end as a fad.”

The new three-disc DVD set, “History of DJ Krush,” traces his ascension from Japan’s underground hip-hop scene to those in London and eventually New York. And while Krush gave no clues as to what he’s presenting Saturday at the 9:30 Club, he promised to hit the audience with “a sound that’s 100 per cent DJ Krush.”

9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW; Sat.;11:30 p.m.; $25; 202-265-0930.

Written by Express contributor John Murph
Photo courtesy Rephlektor Inkorporated