DJ Ken-ske (real name Kensuke Sato) is a DJ's DJ — he eschews celebrity club culture in favor of a purists' approach to the medium, which allows him to play more than 100 gigs a year. Although primarily mixing hip-hop in a B-boy style, he's hugely knowledgeable in a variety of styles, as proven by his residency at the weekly "Royal Flush" party at Tokyo's Club Harlem where he explores old-school rap, disco and house. This month, he gave The Japan Times a peek into his record bag:
Opening Number: Tears For Fears — "Head Over Heels" [Mercury]: Obviously it's a famous track that was a massive hit in the 1980s, but lately when I've been DJing at smaller clubs and lounges I've taken to mixing this sort of '80s new wave and funk into hip-hop. It was also sampled in DJ Cash Money and Marvelous' classic track "Ugly People Be Quiet" so it brings back plenty of memories for the B-boys and B-girls.
Golden Oldie: The Notorious B.I.G. — "Hypnotize" [Bad Boy]: Ever since this was released I don't think it has left my record bag ... or should I say my laptop, these days. I love the way the loud drums ring out over a dance floor. It's a track that never gets stale.