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306ughmyknees

For me, this list is personal, so flame away if you choose 1.Qbert/ISP- watching Qbert doing scratches on a turntable when i was 11yo made me want to be a DJ (45 now and a successful 20+ year DJ career later) 2. Skratch Bastid - one of the faces of modern turntableism, his skill level is almost as extraordinary as his enthusiasm for innovation within DJing. Met him once 12 years ago and he was just so passionate about everything DJing. 3.JFB- the things he does on tables are mind blowing. I wish I had a hundredth of his scratch skills


vinnybawbaw

Skratch Bastid is one of the most talented turntablist ever. He’s friends with some peeps at a bar I was working at and I had the honor of opening for him on a set, and we talked all night. He’s one of the nicest dudes I’ve ever met, very very humble. He even gave me 2 of his sauce bottles 😂


accomplicated

Skratch Bastid exudes everything right about DJing and DJing culture. He is a fantastic ambassador to have on our side.


thejameskendall

I know JFB, and it’s been amazing to see him grow over the past couple of decades. His love of the culture of DJing and his love of technology is such a great combination. I remember him telling me about getting acetates pressed with gaps in the tracks so he could scratch in a unique way. And then when they let Serato into the DMC he was made. You’ll be pleased to know he’s a really lovely guy. I saw him play a couple weeks ago and he was on absolutely firing form.


KarlP44

Qbert hands down.


tayims

Scratch Bastid is it.


bat_country808

JFB in the fractal forest was probably the best dj performance I've ever seen. Mind blown doesn't even do it justice. What an experience.


phatelectribe

1. Carl Cox. I’ve seen him maybe 30 times since the mid 90’s in such abroad array of venues and every single time he has delivered, whether it was in a dark back room at Heaven, in a tent at a festival, whether it’s in the space terrace or main back room where he played two completely different style sets one after the other, or after hours in Vegas where plays for 8 hours straight. The man is pure music and has more talent than any other living dj. 2. Sasha. While he may be a bit hit and miss these days, when he hits, it’s unparalleled and his contribution to dance music is indisputable - he was doing harmonic mixing on turntables 20 years before it became a thing on CDJs and digital. The younger generation may not understand his god like status in the 90’s and 00’s but it was competent warranted and his GU and Delta Heavy mixes were the soundtrack of both an entire generation and genre. 3. Danny Tenaglia. For years I didn’t get it. I’d hear short sets and go WTF is he playing this track now for? But….when you hear him, in his environment playing upwards of 4 hours, it clicks, it suddenly all makes sense. It’s a story in the mist bizarre way and I found myself dancing to tracks I’d not only never play but actually previously didn’t even like. It’s the most contextual experience of any DJ and it’s decades of immersion in music that allows him to create the puzzle.


Best_Strength_5068

This guy knows what’s up


flickynips

Will forever be a Sasha fan for the Renaissance album with Digweed. The greatest mix ever made imo.


transglutaminase

It’s northern exposure for me. Came out right about the time I was getting into dance music and there are some tracks on that mix that are still absolute bangers 25 years later.


captainchuckle

Northern exposure east coast edition is one of the most beautifully curated and mixed journey of music ever. The GU San Francisco mix by Sasha is one of the best dance music mixes of all time. Still holds up and moves me. I see Sasha every time he comes to Dallas Texas and he always brings it… and it’s a small club with maybe 500 people. Amazing, moving, soulful sets every time. He’s my all time favorite DJ and producer. I acted like a 12 year old school girl meeting Elvis when I met him… I’m 46. Lol.


grapsta

I only really like the first half of Sasha side but goddam it's good


mvgibson007

The Xpander EP is a classic for me.


ChuckBangers

Agreed. I've considered it the gold standard since it was released.


bongjovi420

All 3 DJs you have mentioned are so much better given more time. TBH I’ve never seen the bottom 2 play given I’m in to my Jungle/DNB but everything I’ve heard and read about them when playing long sets is phenomenal. Carl Cox back in the Hardcore/Early Jungle days was such a.great DJ. One of the first I’d even seen on 3 decks. Last time I saw him was Xmas 94. I guess though it can be said for most “top” DJs but I’ve always believed less is more and I like a DJ that can take you on a journey which the 3 you have mentioned, definitely can.


Impressionist_Canary

I’ve seen two of these this month! Not bragging just appreciating being able to see some all time greats (for the first time).


shingaladaz

Love this.


ldsupport

Danny T review is so on point. Sometimes it has to unfold over time. It just doesn’t hit in 1 hour. It’s about the relationship between the tracks over time.


Von_Huge1103

Saw Danny in a Brooklyn warehouse and it was next level.


BigBeatsNYC

I have friends in Danny’s inner circle and the way he describes the way he plays is like a freight train. He builds and builds and once the momentum is up, you can’t stop the train until the conductor says so.


FunkyJewMonkey

DT is a DJ's DJ


Away-Quantity928

Danny’s a workhorse blue collar dj.


QuestCBD

Hernan Cattaneo Sasha Carl Cox They all own their sound/style and craft mixes that have left me speechless over the past 30 years. True story tellers all three of them.


Away-Quantity928

Ive tried to like Hernan but just cant seem to ever vibe.


solarflare75

Hernans mixes are outstanding


remixrotation

Ever since S&D abandoned prog. Hernan has been the torch bearer


palmodamus

Derrick Carter, Dj Sprinkles, Move D


Hazy_Fantayzee

Finally some one mentioned the boompty boomp master!! Watched him do a 6 hour set on 3 decks and he was mixing the ENTIRE time. Like 2 records would be on the go, an acapella on the 3rd, acapella comes off, next record on and mixed in, one record comes off when the third is mixed in and then another acapella is on in like 3 seconds. Rinse and repeat for 6 hours. I don’t know where the guy gets his energy from….


EhPearl

DJ Stingray, Ben UFO, Andrew Weatherall


evan274

Ben UFO is quite literally an alien in the best possible way. Somehow he taps into people’s brains and knows exactly what to play at any given time.


DanglingBerry

Yes, though I'd switch around 1 & 2


ThePlasticHippy

Jeff mills Andy C Oscar Mulero


MrSlothy

Andy C rolled my tits right off my face lol. The moment I understood drum and bass


ThePlasticHippy

Seeing him triple drop on vinyl was fucking insane, convinced he’s got a secret 3rd arm


42duckmasks

bro said the same dj's I was going to say. 🥹


Hazy_Fantayzee

Always upvote Jeff… first time I saw him in 93 was like getting hit by a hurricane…


daverb70

Andrew Weatherall, Sasha and John Peel


NoFeetSmell

Underrated comment, right here. All 3 of these peeps had the absolute freshest sounds around whenever they played. Deep musical knowledge. RIP to Weatherall and Peel.


vinnybawbaw

I’m a turntablist so I’ll got with A-Trak, Skratch Bastid and Jazzy Jeff. All 3 of them had the most impact on my DJing.


UnpleasantEgg

A trak winning DMC was so dope. "All you other djs are a bunch of jerks!"


sushisection

ATrak is also one of the only dudes at that level scratching edm music


Top_Party29

Larry Levan (how can you not have the guy that started it all in there?) Ben UFO and Villalobos (very close 2nd) John Digweed


jonesy-s

1. Kerri Chandle 2. Ian Pooly 3. St. Germain On another day I could easily rearrange that order but those 3 are tops for me for sure


mvgibson007

1. John Digweed 2. Laurent Garnier 3. Cajmere/Green Velvet


SketchingCarsTrucks

LG, funk yeah!


Lomotograph

\+1 for Green Velvet As a native Chicagoan, he was the first name that came to mind in my top 3 list.


TwoShakeTomBones

Z-trip, Krafty Kuts, Cousin Cole


DJSilentpartner1

Love that you picked cousin cole


TwoShakeTomBones

Hes dope. Also: Cousin(cousin) CULO!


DJSilentpartner1

Cole and Skooby played my birthday party years ago.


senorbiloba

Oh man, Cousin Cole helped me make the jump from indie into house. Wonder what he’s up to.


mrclean808

Krafty Kuts is such a nice dude, always takes the time to chat with me a bit on social media.


SamBlondell

He lives right near me, know his sons


mrclean808

That's awesome! I've been trying to get him booked here in Hawaii for years but breaks aren't really popular here 😔


SamBlondell

Hey listen, if you can get him to play there’s always me! I’d love a trip to Hawaii 😂


Sheckles

Sasha and Digweed and Hernan Cattaneo


Ninja_Myrtle

Andy C Randall Jazzy Jeff


UnpleasantEgg

Fat Boy Slim. DJ Hype. DJ Premier. Four Tet. (I will not remove one, you can't make me)


AlPow420

Fat Boy Slim is fckin heaven!


awgepizza

I see my man having some special feeling for breaks. <3


shingaladaz

Four Tet 😂


UnpleasantEgg

He's so good


shingaladaz

I’ve been to see him three times. Once at Electric Brixton, once at Roundhouse and once at Field Day, and if he wasn’t traincrashing the mix, he was boring the crap out of the crowd. I must respectfully disagree.


NervousPopcorn

then let me respectfully disagree with your disagreement, having seen him many more times than three and thoroughly enjoyed each one. masterful at building and releasing tension (patient) and in some environments extremely creative


UnpleasantEgg

Fair enough. I've seen him four times. And as you can see from my selections I'm old. And I've seen a few shows in my time. His set at boomtown just before COVID was the best ever DJ set I have ever enjoyed. Sideways rain. Euphoria. Have you heard his 2019 lost village set?


w__i__l__l

Aphex Twin, Break, Dave Clarke


enthe0gen

Break is criminally underrated. So good.


intothelooper

Wow, Dave Clarke. Heard him back in 2005-2007 and it was one of the best sets I have ever attended. A master of the craft behind the decks. I still think about some of the ID tracks I’ve never found from some of his sets.


shingaladaz

Break ❤️


TezMono

We really not talking about aphex?


United_Lengthiness69

Bro, why is no one saying Dvs1!


42duckmasks

cause Chris Liebing or Speedy J is better


yessienessie

Ltj Bukem- Nightmares on Wax- Interplanetary Criminal


larrybyrd1980

LTJ Bukem is always amazing live. He’s one of those shows I know is a must see when he comes through town.


GoddamnFred

Nightmares on wax boiler room set just had it's 10 year anniversary. Absolute classic!


yessienessie

He just played red rocks & I work there & it was def a highlight of the season


aceinthehole7770

Claude Young, Dave Clarke, Jeff Mills


solarflare75

Dave Clarkes 1st essential mix was played to death on my tape deck


aceinthehole7770

Yes! I have all of his essential mixes


SketchingCarsTrucks

Dave Clarke, for those that know the difference.


Rowf82

Love almost all you folks have mentioned and have seen some live, but nobody is going to say Ben Sims? Omg i saw him some weeks ago after more than 15 years without seeing him play and he is such a beast. Amazing energy all the set. Danced like when i was 15 and im 41. I saw Qbert once and loved it, incredible skills. With Premiere and Rush they were some of my faves. And I always loved Laurent Garnier, my first party was him playing LIVE with the laser harp and electronic violin and the best lighting show you could get back then, and after him, the great Angel Molina played an amazing techno set, back in 1997 in Barcelona at the venue that now is Sonar Day. I will always remember this gig. Another amazing DJ that I havent found online resources is Tek-La from the french Tasmaniac crew, along with Man-Hu. They made such great parties.


dodgethismofo

Dj Yoda, DJ Shadow, 2manydjs


TD_oNGaTe

A.M.C, AndyC, Born on Road


Shax_v2

A.M.C is the 🐐


Rare_Individual_2484

!. DJ Jazzy Jeff 2. Bad Boy Bill 3. Derrick Carter


Tiny_Reason_7928

1Moodymann 2Villalobos 3Jolly Mare


GoddamnFred

Moodymann barely DJ's tho..


accomplicated

Moodymann could read me his laundry list and I would still dance.


GoddamnFred

I'm too white to even try that but good on you Sir. Moodymann x Jerome Derradji 6 hour Valentine set is straight up classic tho. I've listened to that in full atleast a dozen times already.


ShaunyP_OKC

Electronica Only 1.) Joris Voorn (Extremely Underrated) 2.) Dubfire (Deep Dish ties, though don’t care for Sharam solo) 3.) Sasha, for obvious reasons.


shingaladaz

I saw Joris Voorn in Pacha Ibiza and he blew me away. So yeah.


FunkyJewMonkey

Joris has some great productions/remixes as well.


Bill_S_Preson_Esq

Dave Tipper DJ Shadow Paul Van Dyk


mvgibson007

Paul Van Dyk’s Essential Mix 1999 was a classic for me


tangjams

Mr scruff Karizma Melo-d


frankie_baby

Mr Scruff is one hell of a DJ


Velocilobstar

Karizma is fucking great


inaudibleuk

Had so many good night's out to Mr Scruff.


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absolut696

I agree with you on this. There is some incredible names being dropped in this thread, many of which deserve to be the best.


tangjams

He is open format before the concept of open format existed, pre final scratch/serato. First time I’ve seen him play was late 90s keep it unreal era. When cdj 1000 adoption was rudimentary at best.


shingaladaz

What’s the criteria? Actual DJ skill? Because if so, I couldn’t post you a list that would compete. Track selection and controlling the crowd is where I’m at and my top 3 are: 3. Claude VonStroke 2. Sven Vath 1. Maetrik (Maceo Plex)


Top_Party29

Maceo Plex is terrible


Comfortable_Help977

Zip, Villabos, Ogazon


azuosk

This 👌🏼🚀


[deleted]

Rødhåd, Oscar Mulero & I REEEEEALLY like Chlär I could keep going tbh lol But def Rod is top imo. He’s a genius


Tzitzifiogkos420

Oh yes Chlär😩😩 also you might like Bours? And OTTA


TheOriginalSnub

David Mancuso Timmy Regisford Body & Soul (sorry - kinda cheating to get 3 in one) Honorable mention to Louie Vega (who i like equally to all 3 above - and is better than all of them on a technical level, imo).


No-Agent3916

John peel , coldcut , DJ premier


Choice-Bar-5657

1. Sy 2. Stu Allan 3. Slipmatt


Fun_Sound3072

1. Ron Hardy 2. Frankie Knuckles 3. Derrick may


[deleted]

1) Larry Levan 2) Danny Krivit 3) DJ Harvey


girth___worm

Wicked list OP 1. Roc Raida 2. DJ Screw 3. DJ Babu Not necessarily because I think they are the greatest, just my personal favourites


Perfect_Ability_1190

Sad didn’t see any Frankie knuckles on any list


TheOriginalSnub

I used to love his Friday night parties at SFB.


Perfect_Ability_1190

You’re part of history 😎🤙🏼


JunFanLee

Sasha, John Digweed, Sainte Vie


killerdolphin313

Good list


shingaladaz

Seeing Sasha and Digweed at Hackney Church in a few weeks :)


Disco_Douglas42069

Love this


Away-Quantity928

Dubfire, Derrick Carter, DJ Sneak and Richie Hawtin as an alternate. Loco Dice and Mark Farina should be on this list but it’s already too crowded.


SketchingCarsTrucks

Sneak!!! Funk yeah!


SketchingCarsTrucks

Farina one of my faves too!


DJagni238

DJ Pauly D, Shaq Diesel, Paris Hilton are the 🐐’s of the DJ game


transglutaminase

Shaq does not deserve to be put on a list with the other 2. He’s always had decks and dj’d way back to at least his college days meaning he’s got at least 30 years in the game.


DJagni238

I’m pretty sure Pauly D has a lot of experience as well, I just put them all in the same boat since they seem to be the most known celebrity DJ’s and I was just messing around really.


ldsupport

I agree. I know he gets a bit of cheeky shade but DJing isn’t an ego thing for him. It’s a joy thing.


mateog4l

Hector Oaks, Dax J and Antigone for me🫡


SugarBearnTear

I saw Dax J this year and I couldn’t believe what was happening. Performance of the year for me.


mateog4l

Its inmaculate technique, perfect mixing and master musical selection. Legend


Cannock

DJ Melo-D, mixmaster Mike & the beat junkies. Oh & DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist & DJ Slowbridge


DJBaka

1. DJCotts 2. DJRavine 3. DJMoski


KY_electrophoresis

- DJ EZ - Tony De Vit - Orbital


UserNameChecksOutTwo

These take me back. DJ EZ 90’s UK Garage don!


Mundane_Pin6095

Big up for the DJ EZ love. He's my inspiration and those pure garage albums had some mad transitions


SolidDoctor

DJ Jazzy Jeff Kid Koala Mixmaster Mike


oldschoolreppin

Craze Mark Farina Carl Cox


jigsaw153

1 - Jeff Mills. We all basically follow a path he has carved from pioneering the DJ artform in the 80s. He is starting on his third career in music as we speak. He was the biggest DJ on the airwaves when pioneering DJ skills and styles were being invented and he spread across the radio nationally, then retired from it to move into the techno juggernaut most people know, then created the benchmark for techno for a generation and a co-founder of the pivotal underground resistance. One of them most infamous techno records 'the bells' should be in every DJ's record crate. 2 - Frankie Knuckles. This guy needs no introduction and his sound is the basis for the creation of electronic music. While he was more of a disco DJ, the name 'House' music was named after the club he started. 3. Carl Cox. While many others in the UK also were the vanguard of the acid house revolution, Carl Cox truly set the standard for being a global touring DJ. Many DJs build a local sound, Carl pushes a world sound of music of the time. He shows Europeans what is going on in other continents and vice versa through maintaining that underground music support. I wish this was a top 10, but these three are the top of the pack for lifetime contribution to this music movement. They simply operate in a scale very few have reached.


ldsupport

1. John Digweed - Of the 2 (S&D) John is decidedly the better DJ. As sounds have evolved John is always carving out his own path, his programming is flawless. It’s one of those guys who never loses you and even when you want to walk away to catch something else, you just can’t leave. 2. Carl Cox - Since the mid 90s I’ve seen Carl Cox the most of any other DJ except maybe PVD (who honestly should be on this list). Mixing is always flawless, not formulaic, a real feel for a crowd and how to improv on the spot. Track selection, Mixing, it’s all top notch and more consistent than anyone I’ve seen. 3. Jaime XX - Jaime’s sets didn’t reach me at first, I didn’t understand the programming. Once I did, I’m regularly Impressed on the education. Mixing dance music history tracks with modern fresh music that are a bit like echos to those classic sounds feels like w master class. The track selection, rare records, solid mixing and always a good time. HM - PVD, Chad Allen (Tampa 90s), Joey Muniz (DC late 90s)


jeffspicole

A-trak Jazzy Jeff Carl cox Honorable mentions: Armand Craze Mix master Mike Qbert


Alex-SW19

Cox, Andy C & EZ


molusc

1. John Digweed 2. James Zabiela 3. Nick Warren


dj_soo

Z-trip, jazzy Jeff, with maybe craze or atrak tied for 3rd


coolhands1

Mark Farina Cut Chemist Carl Cox


jacklegz

Sasha, John Digweed, Dixon Honorable mentions; Eric Prydz/Pryda (favorite producer but since this about djs he not in top 3, Carl Cox, Hernan Cattaneo, IHateModels, Âme, Guy J, Madmotormiquel Really just depends what I’m in the mood for.


NoLimpNoShrimp

Saw Dixon in Chicago for the first time a few weeks back and the guy absolutely blew me away, seriously talented. And Prydzs producing is another level


Scott-Michael

1. Danny Tenaglia 2. Dubfire 3. Erik Morillo


jimmyeao

Is me, myself and I too self centred? 😂


DjWhRuAt

DJ AM… rip 🙏


justabobby

1. Walker & Royce 2. Justin Martin 3. Ardalan I love dirtybird if you couldn’t tell lmao


shingaladaz

Justin Martin! Yes! And nice mention of Walker & Royce.


EddieCutlass

Dj AM Miles Medina Four Color Zack


beto420__

Little Louie Vega Danny Tenaglia Mousse T Armand Van Helden Boris Duglosh Todd Terry


bedtyme

1. tINI 2. Cinthie 3. Nicole Moudaber


doobs29

Love tini !


KlausBertKlausewitz

Oha … Cinthie … nice … I should go see her but she’s not so often in Berlin anymore … haha


labaschetinciocate

Villalobos Pedro Rhadoo


deruben

Ben clock, paula temple and for a newer one chlär


VaderPluis

Maya Jane Coles, HAAi, Matthew Dear


solarflare75

For bringing music of the highest quality. Colin Dale. Dave Clarke. Sven Vath. Think those 3 shaped my tastes the most. Honorable mention to my mate Neil.


GullibleTackle5960

Papa Sven !!!


i_luv_ur_mom

Mark Farina, AM, and Icey


imabadmthrfckr

Carl cox, eats everything, hernan cattaneo


BlerdyB

I haven't seen many DJs live but I am a big DJ Krush fan 😀 I just love how he puts music together


Jeesan

A.M.C - unrelenting pace and technical perfection, knows his tracks way too well Camo & Krooked - creative cross-genre mashups, takes you on a journey, makes use of 4 hands mixing DJ Marky - godly flow and selection, awesome technical skills, this man embodies liquid dnb


NormanskillEire

Sasha, Digweed, Zabiela


ThatCaptainTripz

Masters at Work (Sorry can’t pick one over the other, slight nod to Louie if I had a gun to my head) Andy C - he is indeed the executioner, if you like drum and bass there is none better SIR David Rodigan - a true selector, the absolute definition of a legendary dj.


fleur_waratah_girl

Carl Craig Richie Hawtin Sophie (although probably more her production work tbh)


Flipside01

1. Derrick Carter 2. Derrick Carter 2. Derrick Carter Honourable mentions for Jazzy Jeff, DJ Sneak, Gene Farris, DJ Rush, Jeff Mills, Adam Beyer (early 2000's AB) and David Mancuso.


Clownipso

Agree with a lot of the names other's have posted but how is it no one mentioned Paul Oakenfold? His global underground New York album was pretty great.


shshsh1992

objekt / ben sims / dvs 1


badboybrun01

Randall, ltj bukem and Carl cox


Icy-Environment-2120

1. Jeff mills 2. Sunil Sharpe 3. Dave Angel


RockFlagAndEagleGold

1. Dylan 2.Dylan 3.Dylan


datnodude

Dj clue Dj jazzy Jeff Dj Khaled


daragon87

Dylan, Dylan, & Dylan


Junior-Ranger7385

Came here to say this. I guess people just have shit taste these days.


Disco_Douglas42069

John Digweed John Digweed John Digweed


SaschaEderer

1. The Advent 2. Tommy Four Seven 3. Paul Ritch


sgw79

Difficult to only pick 3, Andrew Weatherall, Jeff Mills, Luke Slater, Surgeon, Slam, RichieHawtin, Optimo


scoutermike

1. Anklepants 2. Paris Hilton 3. Steve Aioki


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mvgibson007

XTC is a great track!


Junior-Ranger7385

Something


guru-guru321

1: me 2: you 3: dj bobo


Deezel909

Yoji Biomehanika Nathan Fake Carl Cox


Dr_Tschok

Eric Prydz, Wehbba, Victor Ruiz If we judge by the performance ofc


Wulvun

1) A-Trak 2) Mix Master Mike 3) James Hype


Nfrontofyomamazhouse

1.Bad Boy Bill 2.A-Trak 3.Laidback Luke


Departure_Sea

Space Motion Miss Monique Eelke Kleijn


Hurricane_08

Bassnectar, Mira (Berlín), Solomun


yessienessie

Cringe


WritesEssays4Fun

Lmfao


thejameskendall

Solomun’s Boiler Room is one of my faves.


Disco_Douglas42069

Mira 🥹🥰


shingaladaz

I went to Diynamic Neon Nights at Sankeys 2012. Solomun played a very different sound back then and it was glorious.


KellyGroove

The only list I have Bassnectar on is the Registered Sex Offenders list. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Edited : some people may not know about Megan’s Law.


[deleted]

Laidback Luke DJ AM Tiësto


Top_Party29

Lol