Scratchator Biography

Music has been at the core of DJ Scractchator since he was a young child. At the age of nine, he laid his hands on his neighbor’s turntables and has been experimenting and creating ever since. Nearly two decades later, DJ Scratchator has established himself as one of the most recognizable party/performance DJ’s in the business. He continues to expand and develop his skills producing remixes and original tracks for a multitude of artists, releasing a series of his own mixtapes and launching his own production company, ShaKey Music, where he hopes to shape the careers of tomorrow’s big names. Born Herbert Jordan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents of Belizean heritage, Scratch and his family eventually made their way to Brooklyn, New York. Living in East Flatbush, and spending summers in West Philly, he was introduced to DJ’ing by the neighborhood dj’s that would spin in nearby parks. He was instantly caught up. His grandmother recognized his enthusiasm and gave him his first pair of Techniques 1200’s (which he still owns today). Scratch was bitten by the bug and began spending all of his free time behind the turntables. Not long after, DJ Cool Scratch (his first stage name) started doing around-the-way house parties and dances developing a reputation as one of Brooklyn’s finest. Scratch aligned himself with DJ DT and DJ Dice (of Das EFX fame) and they began calling themselves “3 the Hard Way”. The crew had the Brooklyn party scene on lock during the mid 1980’s dj’ing regularly at hip-hop venues that included Prestige, Skate Key and Starlite Ballroom. As Scratch began to explore other musical genres he developed a love for Reggae and Dancehall. He was introduced to DJ Roots, who was known for his Reggae parties. Roots was so impressed with Scratchator’s talents that he asked him to serve as his opening DJ. Roots brought his massive collection of Reggae and Dancehall records and his contacts in the reggae world while Scratch brought his experience and his reputation. Together they founded KingRoots International. Their popularity grew as they were regularly featured at venues like Club Krystals, Q Club, and the infamous Biltmore Ballroom. In 1992-1994 KingRoots International had the opportunity to participate in the West Indian Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway. In 1994, they had the most talked about HipHop/Dancehall following on Eastern Parkway. In 1994, a friend from back in the day asked Scratch to be his DJ. That friend was rapper Little Shawn who had since signed a deal with Capitol Records and was preparing to embark on a US tour. Soon Scratchator was touring both nationally and internationally as Shawn’s DJ promoting his hit singles “Hickeys on your Chest”, “I Made Love for the First Time” and “Dom Perignon”. As the tour came to a close, Scratchator was looking forward to some much needed time to himself. Before he could say “Woo Ha”, he received a call from another childhood friend who was in need of a DJ. This call would forever change the direction of Scratchator’s career ultimately garnering him notoriety as one of hip-hop’s most popular performance DJ’s. The friend turned out to be Busta Rhymes, then frontman of the group Leaders of the New School. Busta was ready to branch out as a solo artist and insisted that Scratchator come on the road with him. Six years later, with several US and World tours under his belt, Scratchator continues to serve as the official DJ to Busta Rhymes and the Flipmode Squad and remains an integral part of what many have called the best live performance in hip-hop. As Scratchator approaches his fifteenth anniversary in the business, his focus has shifted. A self-proclaimed behind the scenes man, he is now ready to step into the spotlight and be the star of his own show. Scratchator has launched a series of his own underground mixtapes and has begun producing both original tracks and remixes for other artists. His production company, ShaKey Music, named after his daughters, Sheray and Kiarra, will focus on developing the careers of aspiring artists. Scratchator can also be found rocking a party near you making regular appearances at Philadelphia’s Brave New World and both Nell’s and Club Envy in New York City. A gifted and established DJ, crowd motivator, a budding producer and A&R man, Scratchator continues to grow and expand both as an artist and as an entrepreneur. With music remaining at his core, he will undoubtedly continue to succeed beyond expectation. Book Scratchator for shows and concerts at Heavy Rotation booking agency. Worldwide Bookings with HR Booking. Scratchator Booking, Book Scratchator. Book artists like Scratchator, Scratchator booking agent, contact Scratchator email, Scratchator manager, Scratchator management for concerts, bookings, biography, pictures, videos. Scratchator may be available for your club shows, private party, festivals or other events.