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SOUNDS OF MY LIFE…
Turntablist, Deejay, Activist, Hip-Hop Advocate are superlatives that
still fall as understatements to the dimensions of Kuttin Kandi. Governmentally
issued as Candice Custodio, she makes her mark in the scene not just as
the best female battle DJ, but as one of the best battle DJ's standing,
disregarding gender issues with her skills. Coming into her ninth year
of the game, Kuttin Kandi continuously masses her struggles to dedicated
success, and proves why she can rightfully be labeled as a pioneer, processor
and DJ commodity.
Kandi made her first explosion in 1997-98 when she qualified and conquered
turntablism in such DJ competitions as ITF, Vibe Battles, Rhythm Method,
and over twenty more. Remarkably, she took the crown in the Source Magazine
Championships of '98, as well as being the first and only female to take
it to the DMC USA Finals. She continues to prove face in the competitive
scene, judging battles, and moving the masses when mixing it in the party
scene. Whether it be at a battle, club, event or just a record session
with other deejays, Kuttin Kandi's Midas touch expands.
YOU CAN SEE ME…
From bedroom Deejay in her native Queens residence, Kandi now jumps into
the world view. She's been the front cover story of One Love, appeared
on the front cover of XXL, XCLR8OR, and features in numerous magazines
and periodicals such as Rolling Stone, Source, Stress, Rap Pages, DJ Times,
NY Times, Daily News, and the Village Voice, to name just a few. More
extensively, Kuttin Kandi, with her group Anomolies, appear as one of
Vibe's Hip-Hop Diva's, as well as Kandi herself voted Top 5 DJ's 2002
in A Magazine, and voted Next 100 in Urb Magazine.
But it doesn't just stop at print. Performing with such artists as Jay-Z,
Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Wyclef, Mya, Common, Blackstar, Naughty By Nature,
Biz Markie, Dead Prez, Gangstar & DJ Premiere, Rocksteady, Tony Touch,
Evil Dee, Pete Rock and an endless list too long to mention; it's no wonder
Kandi is respected by the pioneers of Hip-Hop. She had the honor of being
the guest performer and spokesperson for the 1999 Rock & Roll Hall
of Fame Hip-Hop Conference in the realm of legends Kool Herc, KRS One,
Chuck D and GrandWizard Theodore. Kandi also appeared on MTV, BET, Fox
5, and Much Music's Busta Rhymes Special Edition. She can be seen in the
top DJ video documentaries of Qbert's Turntable TV, DMC USA 98, DMC Best
Of The Best, BattleSounds, TableTurns, ITF, and again too many to mention.
This exposure has broaden the horizons of Kuttin Kandi, the deejay, to
Kuttin Kandi, the exemplary global figure. She endlessly revolves through
the deejay world with needlepoint precision.
BUT YOU CAN'T TOUCH ME, ME OR MY CREW…
In many instances, we've seen Kuttin Kandi to be the last woman standing,
but she doesn't always do it alone. She is a member of the world famous
DJ crew 5th Platoon. Along with Roli Rho, VinRoc, Daddy Dog, Neil Armstrong,
and Doboy, they have an outstanding awards collection of world titles,
belts and trophies from numerous DJ competitions. 5th Platoon still stands
as the only crew with TWO, two-time world championships.
Kuttin Kandi is also a founding fore-mother of an all female hip-hop collective,
the Anomolies. Established in 1995, the Anomolies have been breaking through
the circuits, representing all elements of Hip-Hop. There's the Mcing,
Breaking and Graffwriting of Invincible, Pri The HoneyDark, Helixx C,
and Big Tara while DJ Kuttin Kandi leads the turntables. Aside from Kandi's
titles, these Ladies of Hip-Hop hold Blaze MC Championships, Lyricist
Lounge productions and involvement, and numerous accompaniments in the
industry and music videos. The Anomolies are currently in the lab working
on future product releases.
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY…
Besides the stage and spotlight, Kuttin Kandi's works can be found in
many tangible triumphs. Buzz developing mix tapes like "Never Underestimate
The Power Of A Woman" and "A Bgirl Stance In A Bboy's World"
raided the streets, driving her to production work. She produced such
tracks like "It's Blue" for Blu Magazine and a coproducer for
"5th Line Of Defense" in the Deeper Concentration album, "Remember
The Way" in the Elephant Tracks Hip-Hop compilation, "It's About
That Time" in Asian Avenue's Plugged In, volume series 1-3, and "Bongo
Bop" on Turntable Essence" by HipBop Records. And not to forget
special appearances in such works as scratches for "Silent Poets"
feat. Terry Hall (Japanese Import).
But Kuttin Kandi's accomplishments do not just prove for self. Her generosity
and open heart always keeps her involved in the community, for the community.
Whether it be spokeswomanship, cultural advocation, activism, or spoken
word, Kandi uses her talents and endeavors to lend a helping hand. She
stays involved with Roots, Refuse & Resist, No More Prisons, Gabriela
Network, F.A.H.S.I., and CAAAV. And melding her Hip-Hop agenda with her
heart, Kandi holds an annual ThanksGiving fundraiser, Hip-Hop event for
several charities; the first one starting with Camp Hill for Lauryn Hill's
Refugee Project. It's non-stop, generosity just carries on.
So call her champion, call her world famous, groundbreaking or true soldier
in the game. No matter what title you give Kuttin Kandi, she will always
back up why she is one of the best female DJ's, wait - No! One of the
best DJ's; that came, proves, and grows on.
Written by
Brian Buno
"Music is a drug. Music excites like good sex." (18+)
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