DJ OF THE WEEK 8.27.12: GRANT NELSON

DJ OF THE WEEK 8.27.12: GRANT NELSON The last week of August is one full of excitement but also a lil sadness for many as the realization that Summer is just about over becomes unavoidable. For me, well, it’s a lil something extra as well. See, it’s my birthday week so, one way or another you know I have to go all out. Which is why the DJ I select for this this week has to be extra special. I think DJ Grant Nelson more than fits the bill.

Grant Nelson is a legend in the House scene, known all over the world as the Godfather of UK Garage. Like many great DJs, his love of music goes back to when he was a young boy playing with his parents stereo systems to record mixtapes. He was in a band at 14 and by 15 was spinning local neighborhood and school parties, and as had become custom in the UK during his youth, raves. It was at these raves that Nelson began to take notice of the DJs power and consequently people began taking notice of him.

Nelson couldn’t contain his love of music to the DJ booth and immediately began to produce his own works. One of his first projects was under the name Wishdokta, under which he released numerous tracks and even an album, Post Modern Breaks Vol. 1. The Acid and Breakbeat offerings were just a taste of what the young producer and DJ had in store. Over the years, Nelson has used various names such as Chicago Symphony, Dubtone, Hangman, Naughty Naughty, Rhythm Construction Co., Ricky Suarez, and one of his most famous, Bump & Flex among others. From his 1994 EP ‘Nice ‘N’ Ruff’ to his recent work such as this years awe inspiring ‘Sundown’ or 2010’s impeccably groovy ‘Stealing Love’, or his work as a remixer for acts like James Brown, Jamiroquai, Simply Red, Frankie Knuckles, Chocolate Puma just to name a few, the one thing that has been consistent throughout a career that now spans well over two decades, is the quality of the work.

As a DJ, Nelson has been just as busy and has made just as much an impact. No matter where he spins be it Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan, or the US, he has inspired thousands of party people and he continues to do so to this day, me included. Hence why I couldn’t think of a better DJ to groove to on my birthday week than Grant Nelson. So, without further ado, let’s get this party started with some deep House grooves by the one and only Grant Nelson.