Sounds fall into his mind

Former Masters at Work member DJ Kenny Dope looks forward to an open-minded crowd so he can ‘do his thing’

Kenny Dope Gonzalez’s power has always been that he has so much to say and so many ways to say it. At least, musically. During his phone interview with Tabloid, however, he was laconic to a point where the journalist worried there would be no story.

While perhaps not a big talker, Gonzalez has, over his career, shown himself to be a great listener. His huge record collection and club experience has given him a span that translates into startlingly original music. And as a Puerto Rican growing up in New York, his varying experiences can only help the mix.

When a young man in Brooklyn, Gonzalez turned away from the Latin music of his parents and began to absorb the rhythms of the street. Hip hop ruled the local parties and Gonzalez teamed up with Mike Delgado to from the famous Masters at Work duo.

What started as a name to host parties under, grew to a virtual dance encylopaedia as the two DJs began releasing tracks, remixes and samples. Their discography entries eventually ran into the thousands. They were so prolific the record companies couldn’t keep up; and so they created their own label.

A big success is The Bomb! (These Sounds Fall Into My Mind). A dance album that was created in three days, it went up charts on both sides of the Atlantic and was the big break for Masters at Work.

After the initial rejection, Gonzalez turned back to Latin in a big way when Masters at Work collaborated with percussionist Tito Puente and pianist Eddie Palmieri — both Latin legends — on several releases and live events. These setting the way for Gonzalez to pull away from Masters at Work and create a solo identity.

As a successful solo DJ today, Gonzalez still keeps his interest in record releases. But this time his focus is on rereleasing soul and funk albums from the 1970s under his label Kay Dee Records.

Battling jet lag in Hong Kong, Gonzalez was coaxed to say a few words before his arrival in Dubai for his show.

What’s the Kenny Dope sound?
Soulful. Anything in that category — everything has a soul feel to it.

What about Masters at Work? Has that sound carried over?
Of course. That sound has been with me for years. I used to be the man behind bass, drums — that whole style. So everything is beat driven.

We tend to hear a lot about the London dance scene. Can you tell us about the New York scene as you see it?
It’s gotten a lot smaller. A lot of bars are what’s happening. A couple of small clubs have opened. There’s a place Cielo, for just 300 people — the bigger scene is not happening any more. Security crackdowns closed a lot of the clubs and big clubs is not where it’s at. I’m happier in a smaller place.

What’s hot right now back home?
Hop hop is big — a lot of everything… house music

Tell us about Kay Dee Records.
Kay Dee was to look for music that was out in Seventies that might have got looked over. We’re taking up the masters and remixing them. They didn’t mix them with a lot of bass, so we’re adding more bass.

I’ve read that you love a huge variety of music. Does your show have a similar span?
Yes it does. A lot of different styles come through. If I can open the crowd up to that then I will.

Have you been to Dubai before?
No this is the first time.

What are you looking forward to?
I’m curious to see what’s giong on there. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. I look forward to an open-minded crowd so I can do my thing.

THE SHOW

Party with New York superstar DJ Kenny Dope.

Venue: Arika Lounge, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa.
Date: Today.
Time: Doors open at 10 with opening DJ. Kenny Dope will start his set at 11pm.
Tickets: Regular Dh60, VIP Dh120 — with true New York Style red carpet treatment.
Available at: OHM Records, Five Green, Timeout Ticketline, Dubai Marine Beach Resort Box Office and at the door.
Age limit: 21 & above only.
Dress code: None.