CUTTING GROOVES

A fixture in the local hip-hop scene for a decade now, DuWop Rose is one of Vegas' best and most ballsy DJs. A true turntablist, she doesn't just spin records, rather, she cuts deep, diverse grooves like few of her peers. Normally, she lets her hands do the talking, but today, she tells us what she's all about in her own words.

What does DuWop Rose The Vinylist sound like?

"The sound you hear when you put the needle on a record. Hence, The Vinylist. All school, from hip-hop, breaks, funk-soul, R&B, reggae and rare grooves to feel good."

You need to get a dead crowd jumping. What do you turn to first?

"I'd put on a dope instrumental and have a scratch session. That always turns heads."

On the flipside, what do you avoid at all costs?

"Playing music I don't support (music with no substance) is something I avoid at all costs."

You've been active in Vegas hip-hop circles for some time now, and as you know, the local scene is up and down. Do you think this is a good city for hip-hop?

"I know Las Vegas is a great city for hip-hop because of all the talent it possesses. I've been involved in the scene for over 10 years now and I've grown from student to a teacher that is still learning. I've seen Las Vegas hip-hop fall and rise. The scene is growing and it will continue to grow as long as the people continue to support it. Las Vegas isn't just flashy lights and gambling. All the events I've coordinated for the hip-hop community proves it."

Hip-hop can be a testosterone heavy genre at times. Do you ever have to put any dudes in their place?

"Even though hip-hop can be a male dominated arena, that does not mean that I can't hold my own when facing a challenge. When someone is underestimating my skill, I let my hands do the speaking. So just listen ..."

See DuWop Rose at 9 p.m. Friday at the Beauty Bar, 517 Fremont St. Call 598-1965.

Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.