Built to Scratch: X-ecutioners

Created in 1988, the X-ecutioners--currently made up of Roc Raida, Rob Swift, and Total Eclipse--started out as the X-Men, a New York DJ crew whose innovative talents and techniques have slowly but surely catapulted the brilliant turntablists to moderate fame (the group has appeared on SNL, the MTV Music Awards--and Swift even turned up in a recent Gap commercial). A riff off their 2002 album Built from Scratch, this tutorial program features the group providing viewers with the tips, tricks, and fundamentals of DJ-ing: setting turntables to “battle mode,” marking records, chops and stabs, fades, drags, counting bars, beat juggling, and even body tricks (did you know you could use your mouth?). Although the X-ecutioners are knowledgeable, personable, and serve up detailed explanations (usually accompanied by a demo, relevant elaboration, and applicable DJ history), director Jake Davis's no-budget presentation (with a boring stark white backdrop, jumbled editing, few explanatory graphics, no opening/closing credits) makes this a confusing how-to. Although hyped for novices, the equipment is already set up at the abrupt start of the program, and is never broken down (a rather important omission if you've never DJ'd before). More advanced DJs might find this somewhat useful, but beginners would do better with DJ's Complete Guide (VL Online-2/03). Optional. Aud: P. (J. Williams)