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  DJ Noorah & Nat Illumine Interview
interview 0494 added 18.01.07 words:
Shucks One
technical:
Spoon
The Women of Itch FM
It has never been especially easy for the woman of hiphop.
The genre has for far too long been suffering, from a serious case of dumb ass. As a result open any newspaper and you will read an poorly researched article by some pompous journalist who, as the proud owner of a Black Eyed Peas album has been promoted to "Urban Music Reviewer". Trust me, they will bore anyone who will listen, that hiphop is "misogynist" etc. etc. etc…zzzzzz
However anyone, who really listens to hiphop or follows the culture, will be familiar with the long tradition of strong female role models and players. DJ Wanda D, Kool Lady Blue, Spinderella (who's "not a fella"), Bahamadia, Antoinette, Lady of Rage, C-Mone, MC Lyte, Pariz-1, Missy Elliott, Wild Flower, Rah Digga, Estelle, the 25 "Roxannes", Queen Latifah… I could go on but unfortunately there are not enough. So in an attempt to redress the issue, we had a chat with DJ Noorah and Nat Illumine two female DJ/hosts repping their corner, on London's number 1 hiphop culture radio station, Itch FM.
The two women as well as DJ's are also industry players, Noorah works within the music industry and Nat Illumine is known as an accomplished music journalist and was Editor of the Undercover Magazine. To get their story and opinions on the scene as they see it, we sent Shucks One meet up with them and get the real scoop.
What was some of the first records you remember when you were a kid?
 [DJ Noorah] Michael Jackson’s Bad on cassette tape was the first record I bought. But before that I was brought up with lots of Arabic music and Frank Sinatra, which is what my father was into.
[Nat Illumine] Records that really stand out from when I first started collecting vinyl are Blak Twang's Dettwork SE, followed by Skitz' Fingerprints Of The Gods, and Roots Manuva's Next Type Of Motion. Plus lots of US stuff like De La Soul, GangStarr, OutKast, Common etc
What were some of the records that really moved you when you were young (before you started DJing)?
 [DJ Noorah] When I was really young, I was dancing around the front room to Prince, Kylie, Madonna etc [and anything] that was on MTV, which I was addicted to. A bit later, the Police, Bob Marley, A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, early Outkast and De La Soul … and Kriss Kross made me jump, jump!
[Nat] Particularly the B-side of Fingerprints, which was Skitz & Phi Life Cypher's A Time of Chaos, that really resonated with me at the time. As did Common's God, and later Gangstarr's Moment Of Truth - These tunes really took me on a spiritual path.
Who was the first DJ you noticed, or inspired you?
[DJ Noorah] A guy called Lil Tony in Helsinki, who used to, and still does, run the baddest clubs over there has really inspired me a lot. He’s really eclectic and is always about, having fun and making people enjoy themselves. I sometimes fly over to play his club nowadays, and we have a right laugh. Listening to Gilles Peterson on the radio also inspired me when I was younger, but back then I NEVER thought I’d end up doing what I do now.
 [Nat] Shortee Blitz & MK, without a doubt!! When I was 16 odd I used to go to The Hop at The End (club) religiously and Shortee & Mk really introduced me to all the amazing hiphop that was out at the time (mid 90s). Plus they're both lovely boys and have showed me nothing but love in the decade since.
When did you start DJing?
[DJ Noorah] In 2003, I just had lots of vinyl and was invited to join my friend to DJ in a bar called the Asylum. I turned up, had never touched decks before and was like "can somebody explain this equipment to me please?! Where’s the crossfader and what does it do?" It was love at first fade. After that I managed to save up, I bought my own decks.
[Nat] Carnival 05. I was at the decks just putting on reggae tunes, and getting my homeboys to mix them for me (to this day - I still can't mix - it's like there's a connection missing in my head!) and suddenly they disappeared! So I was like, damn, what do I do, and just started playing tunes, albeit badly. There was quite a crowd of mates, but there was two West Indian elders, who kept coming up to me and giving me mad respect, and it made me think, if people like the tunes I'm playing, then, boy, I'm just gonna do it!
How would you describe your musical style?
[DJ Noorah] Everything I do is from my heart & soul. I play a mix of RnB, Hip Hop across the board, Dancehall and other types of Reggae, all kinds of soul. I just love making people dance. In the club I like a lot of intense, sexy tunes that really get to you…
 [Nat] Despite being involved in the hip hop scene (through journalism & Undercover) I consider myself a reggae Selectah, as I'm really feeling a lot of the roots coming out of Jamaica at the moment. But I also play Bashment, a bit of hip hop, Soul, whatever really. I'm loving my mash-ups - all the hip hop/reggae mash ups are proper party starters! Also, I'm 7"s all the way, lickle records for a lickle girl!
What do you feel about the way the DJ movement is going?
[DJ Noorah] I think it’s great that people have much more access to music nowadays so they can express themselves how they like. Everything needs to evolve, and DJing is no exception.
[Nat] Skills are important but selection is key. Despite having no skills, people like my sets cos the tunes are fat! Ultimately, I think that's what it's all about.
How has your DJing career affected you?
[DJ Noorah] I feel everything before was leading up to this point because it is what I feel I should be doing. I can’t imagine my life without Djing, and feel blessed to be doing what I love. It’s messed up my back though carrying so much vinyl! Hahaha!
[Nat] Interesting question. I guess it's just broadened my scope in terms of more ways to get involved and push the scene. I've been on radio since before I was 'DJing' but now I get to play in the clubs, and nothing beats a bunch of people havin' it large to your own selection.
What was your favourite party?
 [DJ Noorah] The gig I’ve enjoyed best so far was playing Smoove at Ministry of Sound in Egypt. Great club, great crowd and I was really happy with my set. Topped off with the feeling of going to my country of origin to do what I love best, and feel appreciated for it.
[Nat] This carnival a year after my debut, I played two sets on my rig, and nuff crew were giving me love, and I just felt a lot more confident, Then I played at Size Doesn't Matter at Ginglik supporting Nik Manessah (Dub Don) and smashed it up. I had the whole club raving!!! Definitely my best ever gig!!! I've had a residency there for about 6 months though - big up to them for holding me down!
I know its it's a bit obvious but was it hard to learn? Or were people a bit weird to you as a woman in hiphop?
[DJ Noorah] People are always weird to me!!! Hahaha! No, not really… Being a woman in most jobs is difficult you know. We encounter the same difficulties across all industries, from sexual harassment to being undermined professionally. But I feel that for all the misogynistic attitudes present in hiphop, there have always been strong, conscious female role models [that other] women in hip hop can look up to. Even if they don’t get the same attention as the ones who take their clothes off at every given opportunity.
[Nat] Well, I'm still wack, so, yeah it is hard! Ha ha. But the whole woman in hip hop thing has never affected me cos I just been involved since day one. Having said that, a lot of male MC's seem to think you must be on their case if you go up and talk to them - yeah right, dream on boys! Other than that, I love being a girl involved in hip hop!
When you look at a lot of the videos and US magazines in particular, women's roles in hiphop has been reduced to a commodity, "Video Hoe's", "Kiss and Tell" interviews and even female MC's have to break down to their knickers to get magazine space. Do you even feel there is a place for women in today's hiphop culture?
[DJ Noorah] There is DEFINITELY a place for women in hip hop, life nor hip hop would not run without women FULL STOP! Hip hop reflects the wider society we live in, in which women are often and very unfortunately oppressed. All of pop music and popular culture has got to a point where content, videos are very sexualised, and I wonder how much further this can go. There are a lot of women who are happy to take their clothes off in videos. Whether this is because they actually want to, or because they see it as an easy way to a seemingly "glamorous lifestyle." Or in the worst case scenario, feel like they have to, that is another matter… and a question I can’t really answer. I suppose I just hope that no woman would feel like they have to take their clothes off if they don’t want to. The case of Kim Osorio springs to my mind. She was the editor at hip hop magazine the Source and ended up suing the magazine owners in a case of sexual harassment. Similarly we have seen a lot of women in other industries bring court cases for sexual harassment. Maybe these cases can shed more light on the issue as a whole, and encourage more women to fight their corner and progress in their career. Perhaps having more women in positions of power within hip hop as well, might go some way to changing things, albeit a slow process.
 [Nat] The situation is shocking, and has got to a point where it's just plain criminal. But unfortunately you have to look at the consumers. Ask young girls which female rappers they respect, and you're likely to hear Lil Kim, Ciara etc etc, all female rappers who happily commodify themselves and their bodies. Young girls don't seem to care about the negative aspects of image, and actually want to emulate these artists, which you know is a sorry state of affairs. However you have to look at the bigger picture of society at large, and the way in which the male race has always exploited the female race throughout the ages. Either way it us women who will have to ensure these changes occur.
Do you think enough women in hiphop are challenging these roles?
[DJ Noorah] Missy Elliott, is a respected songwriter and producer as well as an amazing artist. She has done it without taking her clothes off! So hopefully she can show a lot of aspiring female artists that, it is the talent and hard work that get you longevity in this industry.
 [Nat] No not really. You have MC's like Jean Grae, Estelle, and Apani B who eschew these ideas and just plain rap well, but they get little light in comparison to the Kim's and Foxy's of the world.
Who would you say are some positive hiphop role models for women today?
 [DJ Noorah] Well, I’m talking from a personal point of view here…In addition to the above, Salt n Pepa were big for me when I was really young. Then when I was a bit older Lauryn Hill’s album came out, I found her lyrics and attitude very conscious and inspiring, that was a real landmark for me, being a teenager and so into hiphop. Listening to a woman like that, she was rapping like the boys, but the lyrics were very empowering for women. However, I have since heard things that have supposedly come out of her mouth, that I don’t respect that much. It just goes to show you that, it’s good to draw inspiration from others, but no-one’s perfect and you shouldn’t expect your idol to always be on point. Therefore it’s pointless to idolise anyone too much. I also really admire Beyonce for her amazing talent and although personally I haven’t had the pleasure of working with her (YET – B if you’re reading this get in touchJ!) Everyone, who has, always sings her praises. I find her lyrics a very honest and vulnerable, yet an empowering exploration of womanhood. She also makes a point of working with lots of female musicians and I think it’s great to see someone like that on stage with a full female band.
 [Nat] Mainly soul artists: Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Mary J Blige, India Arie... There are very few role models in hiphop, so women often look to soul artists for knowledge and inspiration. Fortunately we do have strong women to look up to; they just don't make hip hop. With the exception of Lauryn Hill, who has always inspired me with her attitude.
For other women coming up in the game do you have any advice?
[DJ Noorah] Well, my first piece of advice for anyone pursuing anything is to have full belief in what you want, and work really hard to get it. When you know your goals, it is harder for anyone to distract you from your path. As a female in hip hop, as in most industries, it’s important to be able to see past the bullsh**t. Guys may approach you on a ‘business tip’, when they actually want to get with you. If you have your wits about you, it’s quite easy to sense. Don’t be fooled by smooth talkers. Don’t be scared of people, just be smart – for example, it’s better to have an email address for work purposes to give out, rather than your number. To weed out the weirdos and stalkers! Also if you’re a DJ, get a bag with wheels and be good to your back. This may sound like a joke but it’s serious – if your back gets messed up you can’t DJ!!! That goes for producers and engineers too!!! Sit right! (Do I sound like enough like your granny?!)
[Nat] Just do you. Don't do anything you don't want to do. And most importantly, respect yourself and your own values, otherwise no one else will!
Are there any rappers, you really think are just sexist dumb asses?
[DJ Noorah] I’m sure there are!!! But no-one that I am so interested in, that I could name and shame them right now.
[Nat] Mr. Rodney P, please stand up! No not really - just joking Rodders! To be honest, I tend to bypass 90% of commercial hiphop, so my soul isn't afflicted by ignorant chat. There's nothing intrinsically wrong with commercial hip hop, just most of it has no artistic, nor political validity in my opinion, certainly when it comes to gender relations or equality, so I just avoid it.
Even though it might be "a hot record", are there any records you wouldn't play because of offensive content?
 [DJ Noorah] I think this is a difficult one, because I think you do have a certain degree of social responsibility as a radio station DJ, as well as your own personal morals. If the Pussycat Dolls sing ‘don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me’ and I play that record, is it sending out a message to the guys that their girlfriend is not hot enough? Is it saying to the girls that, they’re not nice enough, that they should look like six strippers? But girls, no matter what they look like want to hear that record, and they get down to it. Whether they think about the lyrics or not. Radio is good in this respect because you can always express your own opinion on the subject matter. I try to maintain a balance, but if a record clearly goes against everything I stand for, then I wouldn’t play it.
[Nat] Not really. I tend to focus on conscious hiphop anyway, as that's what moves me, but if a song is banging enough I will play it. I have a ridiculous reggae mash-up of Busta's 'I Love My Bitch', and I play that all the time, 'cos it sounds wicked. And I just have to hope I don't offend anyone! But the etymology of the word 'bitch' has transformed a lot in recent year and it can be a term of empowerment for some women. I certainly am not offended by the term in itself, as I feel it means 'nasty girl' as opposed to being a generic term for all women.
A lot of MC's just talk a lot of shit, which is kind of the nature of "Rap". Does any of that really bother you?
[DJ Noorah] I am all for conscious hip hop and a profound believer in the political power bestowed within it. However one thing that I think should not be forgotten is that this culture is also about having fun. Hip hop started as an antidote to gang violence, and as an outlet for all kinds of feelings through music. The fun should be present too, so people talking shit in their rhymes doesn’t bother me. I just think it’s good to have a balanced collection of music, sometimes you want music to inspire you and make you think, and sometimes you just want to be silly!
[Nat] Indeed, and no, not really. It is what it is, and I just tend to not listen, or indeed play, any tunes on which the MC is not saying anything of importance, unless the tune is banging!
On your shows do you get a good response from women listeners?
 [DJ Noorah] On radio I get a good response from both male and female listeners - I love them all!!! In the clubs I often get women come up to me to say they enjoy my set and I am really happy when that happens. One time in Geneva a girl even bought me a bottle of champagne. When girls are happy in the club, guys get happy and everyone has a merry time. Obviously as a DJ your job is to entertain people so when people show me love it shows me I do my job properly and my job is my LIFE, so it is rewarding.
[Nat] Yes I've had a couple of calls from women who are inspired to get on the radio, and it's empowering for me to hear that from other girls.
What are the benefits/detractions between club Djing and the radio?
[DJ Noorah] I think the two are completely different but I love them both equally! The main difference is obviously that in the club you can see your audience and what they react best to. Therefore my radio shows tend to be more pre-planned, things I can’t wait to play on air, whereas in the club it’s what fits the mood.
[Nat] None I can think of!
How have you found your time on Itch?
[DJ Noorah] Really wicked! I have learned so much about doing radio. When I first started I was seriously scared of the Mic but as time has passed, I’ve sussed that is what I was born to do! I’ve gone through tears as well as mad laughter in the studio so it’s been an emotional journey also. I’m extremely grateful to [the Itch FM management] for giving me a chance, and supporting me so much. And cussing me down when it was needed (you know who you are – it’s all love!) I feel I’ve come a long way from when I started, but equally there’s a long way to go… It’s great to be a part of a fam like Itch – lots of great characters there! Everyone does his or her thing with a passion, and everyone’s thing is different. That’s what makes it such a great station and that’s why people respect it.
[Nat] Great! Although on like my third show my computer crashed mid-song and I kinda panicked and had to put on a MD as I couldn't get any sound out of the decks! Fortunately (Lyric Pad's) Roger Muffin called the studio phone and told me to calm down and [talked me through] what to do! That was pretty embarrassing! [Itch] feels like I'm home, you know? I said it on air on my first show - "Itch is the home of UK hiphop and I just came home!" I'm just glad to be part of such an integral organisation in the support of our scene.
Do you consciously try to include more female artists in your sets, or does it just come down to your taste?
[DJ Noorah] I try to check out lots of female artists, so I suppose in that sense they do have a better chance of ending on my playlist or in my box. But I’m not sexist either way – I just play records I like!
 [Nat] No. Not at all. It's just which tunes are fresh and new for each show. I definitely play more male artists on my show, but not through gender choices, just probably the type of music I am playing: Hip hop, grime, D&B and reggae are predominantly male forms. If I was playing more RnB and other predominantly female fronted genres like house then I'm sure it would be more balanced. But on this show its music first, politics later.
There is much talk about a return to a more conscious level in hiphop. Do you feel this could provide a more balanced climate in Women's role in the movement?
[DJ Noorah] I would love to see more ‘serious’ female MC's emerge in the mainstream on both sides of the Atlantic, on some great club beats or strong radio tunes. It would be great to see women who do hip hop portray a strong image in the public eye.
[Nat] Hell yeah! And let's hope that happens. It's as much up to the consumers as it is the artists though. We'll only come to a return to more conscious hip hop if that's what the public want. The phenomenal success of Kanye West, in particular 'Jesus Walks', makes me think perhaps they do. And if that's the case, I'm sure more females will want to step up in the game. But we all have to make informed choices, artists, DJs and consumers alike.
Is there anything particularly difference between Female DJs and males? (Selection, vibe, etc.)
[DJ Noorah] Every single DJ is different. I don’t think it has anything to do with being a woman or a man.
[Nat] I don't think so at all - what difference is there between Harry & Sarah Love - they're both dope!
Moving forward where do you see your career?
[DJ Noorah] I want to continue doing radio and entertaining people with my presenting and Djing. Continue DJing all over the world and go on tour with a big artist. Lots of things. I’ll let you know as I go along.
 [Nat] Next year I want to travel the world with a box of 7s, and spread the roots gospel! I'll also keep playing in London whenever and wherever anyone wants me. And now I got a new show on Itch, I'll probably buss a couple of 7s on air! I'm just all about, and have always been about, spreading good music, and giving people music they might have never heard before. That's it. I'm never going to be a top DJ, but that's cool, cos it's not the only string to my bow. On top of being a journalist, I also feel I'm a presenter and a Selectah. It's a hobby really, or just another aspect of what I do.
If you weren't DJing hiphop, what other styles do you like?
[DJ Noorah] I’m certainly not restricted to Hip Hop and RnB. I’ve got loads of different stuff and can easily drop a set of old soul & boogie, neo-soul, soulful house, reggae or jazz…
[Nat] Roots, Bashment, Soul, Grime, Jazz, whatever. The best DJs mix it up.
What are a few sure-fire party rockers?
[DJ Noorah]
Beatnuts – Watch Out Now, ODB – Got Your Money & Beyonce – Crazy In Love...Can’t get much surer than that!
[Nat]
Busta & Sizzla - Touch It remix, DJ C & Quality Diamond - Let It Billie (remix), Jay Z ft. Kardinal Offishal & Dennis Brown - Lucifer (Yard Mix), Pinchers - Bandelero
and all the obvious reggae classics: Ring the Alarm, Nice Up The Dance, Uptown Top Ranking etc
What are you 10 favourite records at the moment?
 [DJ Noorah] In no particular order, these are just some of the things that are rocking my world at the mo:
Buss It Up – Kano & Vybz Kartel
My Love – Justin Timberlake feat TI
Gash Dem – Chuck Fender
Come Around – Collie Budz
Vato – Snoop feat B-Real
Lost Yo Mind - Beyonce
What You Want - Ty
Hits Pon Top A Hits – Capleton
It’s Okay (One Blood) – Game
Miss Your Touch – Cassie
 [Nat] Ok, in no particular order:
Kiprich - Weh Dem A Deal Wid
Fantan Mojah & Jah Cure - Dem Nuh Build Great Man
Busta Rhymes ft. Kelis & Will.I.Am - I Love My Bitch (Remix)
Miri Ben Ari ft. Anthony Hamilton & Scarface - Sunshine To The Rain
Amy Winehouse - Rehab
Foreign Beggars ft. Graziella - In It For A
Minute
Ty ft. De La Soul - The Idea
Skream ft. Warrior Queen - Check It
OutKast - Life Is Like A Musical
J Dilla ft. Common & D'angelo - So far To Go
Is there anything you want to add?
[Nat] Yeah big up to all my fellow chicas making moves in the music industry. Do what you do, girl, and don't let no-one discourage you… ever!
Catch DJ Noorah's Radio Show: Mondays 6pm-8pm Itch FM 105.1 FM and Nat Illumine's Radio show: The MySize Show Mondays 10pm-12am Itch FM 105.1 FM. Also check out
Nat Illumine's Residency @ Size Doesn't Matter, Gingliks, 3rd Friday of the month.
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Shucks One
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