| LIVE PERFORMANCES BY KOOL D.J. A.J. |
| Total Mixes: 4, Duration: 00:30:10 |
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A summarised biography of Kool D.J. A.J. created using Google Gemini in January 2026 can be found at the bottom of this page |
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Click on the 'Release Title' to view the full details of each release |
| Release Category | Release Title | Label | Catalogue # | Year | Mixer(s) | Mix Title | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Hip Hop/Funk/Dance Classics Volume 2 | Music Of Life | SPOCK4 | 1992 | Kool D.J. A.J. with Busy Bee | THE FIRST BLACK HISTORY JAM LIVE AT BRONX RIVER CENTRE Part 5 | 00:04:34 |
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Hip Hop/Funk/Dance Classics Volume 3 | Music Of Life | MOLLP030 | 1993 | Kool D.J. A.J. with Busy Bee | HIP HOP THROWDOWN Part 2 | 00:06:45 |
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Live Convention '81 | Disco Wax | LC181 | 2008 | Kool D.J. A.J. with Spicey Dee & Kay Bee | LIVE CONVENTION '81 Side B Part 2 | 00:06:48 |
| Live Old School Hip Hop | Rap Archives Legends Volume 1 | Sounds Of Urban London | BLIPMV100021 | 1996 | Kool D.J. A.J. with Busy Bee & D.J. Easy Lee with Kool Moe Dee | LIVE AT HARLEM WORLD, MANHATTAN N.Y., 1981 | 00:12:03 |
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Kool DJ AJ was a pivotal figure in the late 1970s and early 1980s Hip Hop scene. Often overshadowed by the "Big Three" (Herc, Flash, and Bambaataa), AJ was a master technician and a key architect of the Bronx party scene during Hip Hop's formative years. Core Contributions to DJ Culture The "Lyrical" DJ: AJ was renowned for his incredibly smooth transitions and his ability to "speak" through his scratching. He wasn't just playing records; he was known for a rhythmic, musical style of cutting that influenced the next generation of turntablists. The "Unity" Parties: Alongside his partner, Busy Bee Starski, AJ hosted some of the most legendary parties in the Bronx. He was instrumental in moving Hip Hop from the parks into the clubs, helping professionalize the craft. Technological Precision: AJ was a perfectionist regarding sound quality. He was known for having one of the cleanest sound systems in the city, which helped elevate the standard for what a professional DJ set should sound like. Key Milestones Association with Busy Bee: AJ served as the primary DJ for Busy Bee Starski, one of the first true "celebrity" MCs. Their chemistry defined the "party rock" era of Hip Hop, focusing on crowd participation and high energy. "AJ Scratch" (1984): He was immortalized in the song "AJ Scratch" by Kurtis Blow. The track served as a tribute to his skills, making him one of the few DJs of the era to have a hit record specifically named after their talent. The Convention Hall Battles: AJ was a frequent fixture in the legendary DJ battles of the early 80s, often going head-to-head with icons like Grandmaster Flash. Legacy Kool DJ AJ is remembered as the "DJ's DJ." He bridged the gap between the raw, outdoor park jams and the polished, global phenomenon Hip Hop would become. His influence persists in the emphasis on "clean" scratching and the importance of the DJ-MC relationship. "AJ is the man with the master plan / He's the best musician in the land." - Lyrics from "AJ Scratch" by Kurtis Blow |