The legendary DJ Cash Money was in town a few weeks ago, touring the UK yet again in his own inimitable style. We had the chance to catch up with him quickly by email and get some thoughts on the state of the scene, battling and what it is that makes the UK so appealing to US DJs. Read on...

Firstly I guess it would be best to introduce you quickly to the people who might not know who you are. Where you are you from and how did you get started in the DJ game?

C: I'm from Philly... I got started by falling in love with music first. Then I heard Grand Master Flash...

As you know battle season has started again. Being a past world winner and someone who has had a lot of influences on DJs over the years, what is your look/view on battling today? Where do you think it's going right or wrong?

C: You need to battle. That's how you can see who is wack or good... We need more battles in this music industry. That way you could see how "wack" these corny niggas are that have record deals and videos... I think the battles are heading in the right direction. Hey they are still around right?

Do you still follow the battle scene? What would you say to those who are entering this year?

C: I don't really follow them that much...I'm out of the scene right now. I just concentrate on rocking my parties and production. I'm there in spirit though... To a DJ in the competition I would say be original. Stop using those same battle records that everyone has. You are scratching the same shit as the next man.

What is your best battle memory?

You are widely regarded as a pioneer of the turntablist artform, and the artform and music as a whole has changed greatly since you first emerged. Does the artform and music still attract you like it used to back then?

C: Yes, the artform is definitely a love of mine. Shit, I helped pioneer this thing so I am connected with it even when I'm not around. It's just that I can't stand these companies making the product for the DJs. It's like they take all the ideas from the DJs, create a slamming product but never give their product to the pioneering DJs. They give product to cats with no pioneering status...I can't stand that. It's like pulling teeth to get a fucking mixer out of them. I'm like "I am one of the reasons you make your turntables this way. I was the first cat to ever put the tone arm at the top of the turntable". Now they call that battle style. Fuck that. That is my style. Stop discrediting me... Man, that makes me mad...Oh back to your question...I love the artform...These younger cats have the torch now. I like where they are taking it. Good job ya'll...

What artists/DJs/Performers in the last few years have really amazed you with their music/performance etc...?

C: I really haven't seen anybody as of lately.... There is a singer in Philly called Lady Alma. She is off the hook. You need to check for her...

You are back in the UK once more. How does it feel to be back in London? What would you say to someone who's never been to one of your shows about what they can expect?

C: This is definitely my second home. I have a lot of history in this country. For someone who has never been to my show all I can say is: Where the hell have you been? I have been around for like 20 plus years now. Where have you been seriously? I just play some party tunes to get you dancing... You might have heard these records but never like this...

I know you normally play quite a lot around the UK and not always in London; do you find the crowd reception is warmer/better outside of London?

We spoke to Spinbad recently who mentioned that he found the UK crowds to be more receptive to all kinds of hiphop be it old or new whereas in NY the crowd expects the DJ to play all the latest tracks and not necessarily play old school joints or classics. Is that something you have also experienced? Do you think that maybe US crowds, in major cities anyway, are a bit spoilt?

C: The UK crowds are the shit.... That's why I'm over here so much. They really appreciate the music. The US crowds suck. If you are not playing the same commercial shit they play on the radio over and over again then you will not work.... I play a lot of clubs in the states. If you start scratching or doing some amazing shit on the turntables the crowd is like, "what the hell is he doing?" I can be the DJ Cash Money everyone knows when I'm over here...

Out of all the places worldwide you've played in, which was your favorite and where have you had the best reception?

Thanks to Esther @ Pearpress for arranging the hook up and thanks to Cash for his time.