DJ OF THE WEEK 11.18.13: RICH MEDINA

On Monday nite, me and my lady are going out to go enjoy the sounds of a particular DJ. Now, you know with three kids at home it would have to be a very special DJ to get us out on a work nite. It would have to be the type of DJ that not only gets us hype with his skills, but also one that takes us on a journey with a varied repertoire of cuts we don’t get enough of, those gems that take us down memory lane, tracks we have possibly even forgotten. If you’re wondering who in fact we’re going to go shaking our butts too and thus have deservedly so selected as this weeks DJ of The Week, then let me just cut to it and introduce you to Rich Medina.

Rich Medina is a New Jersey native originally, but he made his name in Philadelphia with a party he founded along with another famous DJ and previous DJ of The Week selectee Cosmo Baker. The party was The Remedy, which reached legendary status in the city of brotherly love, and would put Medina on the map.

Wanting to expand his geographical influence, Medina then started a party in New York’s Lower East Side called Fun. And it more than lived up to its name. Back then the L.E.S as it is called, was not as tourist friendly as it is now, yet this party attracted party goers from all over and this was due primarily to Medina’s prolific skills behind the decks. He did the same a lil’ further uptown beginning in 2001 at the now defunct and much missed APT for a party called Lil’ Ricky’s Rib Shack. Another success it was his steady spot until he started spinning at the Open party in Santos Party House. There’s also his Happy Feet party alongside Bobbito Garcia and What The Funke with DJ Spinna in which he paid tribute to James Brown, Fela Kuti, and other funk masters.

By now, you might have realized that whether it’s a party in Philly, New York, or various hot spots around the world, or as the opening DJ for acts such as De La Soul, The Roots, Gil Scott-Heron, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, Tony Allen, Antibalas, Zap Mama, Seun Kuti, and Femi Kuti, just to name a few, Medina always brings it. From Hip Hop to Soul, Afro Funk, House music, and more, it is no wonder why Medina has such a loyal following, and why me and my lady will be going out to Giant Steps monthly Monday party at LeBain, did I mention it’s a work nite, to enjoy what he has to offer. Can’t wait!

Rich Medina at Le Bain for Giant Step