This week we have the legendary DJ Taye who is a DJ, producer, rapper and footworker. We start by discussing when he started making beats and how his family passed down the love of hip hop. He actually started rapping in eighth grade. Juking was also in the neighborhood. If you pay attention you’ll notice there are some jazz influences in his music and that stems from playing instruments growing up. We also get a lot of information on how footworking beats are made and what qualifies them as such.

We also talk about footworking battles starting with one he did in Tokyo. When he’s playing different sets he tries to come out and dance as well. It all depends on the vibe. We discuss many of his shows with some stand outs like London, Lollapalooza, Japan, Pitchfork, SXSW, European tours, Hyperdub Tour, and the Avalon Theater. We also discuss the various radio shows and sets he’s done throughout his career including some controversial ones. He also did quit a few shows at Boiler Room which is a special place because that is also where he got his first pair of Ray-Bans. We also get an exclusive about the Dj Taye work out mixes coming back.

Of course we had to talk about all of the music DJ Taye has out and will be releasing. He is leaning on his label ‘Don’t Trip and will be releasing music through it. He tells Melly exclusively that he will be dropping his music on all DSPs soon. He also talks about how he breaks his writer’s block. We break down ‘Chaos Control’ and the significance of Sonic the Hedgehog in making the album. We break down the entire album and then go back and talk about a lot of his other projects like ‘Still Trippin’ which had several tracks that needed to be recreated because his laptop was stolen.

We have a funny moment when Melly recognizes a Cole sample that Taye has used and no one has ever figured out. You have to watch to find out what happens. Taye is also coming out with new merch which he shows us exclusively on the Couch. While most rappers spit a freestyle at the end of their interviews, DJ Taye gives us a mini master class in footworking. Remember to follow him using these links:

• Instagram
• Bandcamp
• Twitch

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