DJ Riz

DJ Riz bought his first set of DJ equipment at the age of 15. Inspired by radio DJs Marley Marl, Red Alert, Chuck Chillout, Clark Kent and Kid Capri, he quickly developed a new love for this musical art form. "Marley Marl was my biggest influence. I used to pattern myself as a DJ after him". When Riz wasn't in school or constantly playing organized sports, he was in his room making "pause button mixes" with his tape deck to create a "mix tape". His parents couldn't understand this obsession with his new hobby. They pressured him to get a job when school was out but he resisted saying "This DJing thing will pay off one day".

Riz started making mix tapes for his friends that started circulating through the neighborhood. "He then started to DJ various house and block parties in the neighborhood, which then escalated to lounges and small clubs. During this time, he started developing friendships other well known DJs in the music business. "We would get together at one of our houses and just cut, scratch, and mix for 8 hours a day. Right after football practice, I would go home, grab some records and mix until midnight and then do it again the next day". As his skills progressed, Riz would then branch out to work at some of the most well known nightclubs and radio stations in New York City.

In 1992, Riz was given a DJ residency at the biggest hip hop club in New York at the time (Homebass). This is where he eventually met Funkmaster Flex. Riz would eventually become a member of Flex's DJ crew "The Flip Squad" which included a roster of marquee named DJs that were big in the clubs or on radio. During this time, he also became the tour DJ for M.C. Search (3rd Bass) doing shows and various television appearances all over the country. To this day, Riz has headlined at numerous clubs in the city as well as out of state and overseas. He also played at events such as the Super Bowl and Pro Bowl with DJ Skribble., along with DJing celebrity parties for Mike Tyson, Heidi Klum, Marcus Allen, LL Cool J, Donald Trump and Jayson Williams to name a few.

As for radio, Riz started DJing on his college radio station at Hofstra University in 1990. "I always wanted to dj on radio. I wanted to be like Marley Marl who was one of the biggest producers/DJs during the mid 80's on". Riz would eventually wind up DJing on various New York college radio stations, winning various awards with well known hosts such as Jeff Foss, Wildman Steve and Mayhem, as well as doing numerous guest spots on major commercial radio stations in the city. He currently has a mix show with his partner Sizzahandz on 103.5 WKTU in New York.

Currently, DJ Riz is one half of the world renowned production duo The Crooklyn Clan. Along with longtime neighborhood friend Sizzahandz, they have created some of the worlds biggest club party anthems. They have also worked with major artists such as Sean Paul, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Kool, as well as many others, not to mention producing the platinum selling single "Be Faithful" featuring Fatman Scoop. The Clan can also be found displaying their DJ talents to the masses at different clubs and venues around the world.

"Scratch LIVE allows the DJ to have as much music as they need while still having the ability to play it with a that vinyl feel. I love the fact that you can play your own, or someone else's remixed versions of songs. It's really unlimited as to the things Scratch LIVE can do". It's just going to get better and better. (No more heavy record boxes and excess baggage charges when traveling!)"