DJ Spinna

Despite achieving more than the typical disc jockey, DJ Spinna stayed firmly rooted in the underground scene even with his remarkable abilities. While his reputation centered on hip-hop productions, he ventured into downtempo house territory as well. This New York-based turntablist crafted remixes for acts including Soulstice alongside Nightmares on Wax. His production credits encompass rappers such as Guru and J-Live, in addition to the hip-hop collective Jigmastas that he helmed.

In collaboration with MC Kriminul, the pair launched Jigmastas during 1996 via the independent release "Beyond Real," issued through their self-run imprint bearing the identical moniker. Apart from the Jigmastas output and sporadic production work, Spinna handled mixes for multiple record companies. One such effort, Raiding the Crates from 2002, gathers selections originating with Chicago's Guidance deep house imprint, whereas The Beyond Real Experience, Vol. 2, also from 2002, draws material from his personal label. Spinna maintained strong ties to BBE, highlighted by the 2001 compilation Strange Games and Things, which artfully assembled unconventional classics like Eddie Kendricks' "Girl You Need a Change of Mind," Rick James' "Mary Jane," and Donald Byrd's "Wind Parade." Furthermore, he assembled 2009's The Boogie Back, emphasizing post-disco sounds from the late 1970s and early 1980s.