Spotlight: 4KORNERS, Toronto Raptors DJ
Published January 23, 2013 at 7:23 pm
We recently caught up with sauga residence, one of the hottest DJ Duo’s and the official DJ of the Toronto Raptors, 4KORNERS. We find out how they came to be the Raptors DJ to their local influences to what the most annoying thing anyone can ask them while they are spinning. Get to know 4KORNERS like never before.
Also check out Arlene & Khaled interviewing 4KORNERS on insauga.com podcast on Rogers cable 10.
What is your Mississauga connection?
Short Sirkit has more of a direct connection to Sauga. He’s lived here for years, 1st with his parents and then on his own. I moved out here about 2 years ago. I love the area. It has everything I need and is close to the airport, which is super convenient for us with all of the travelling that we do.
Where/how/who/when did you guys get your DJ name?
Videos
The origin of the name 4KORNERS is something that everyone always asks, especially since there are only 2 of us. Long story short, there actually were 4 members originally, but as time went on it became 2. Also, Short Sirkit is not one of the original members. There are a few deeper meanings, but mainly, I named us 4KORNERS as a goal, to reach the 4 corners of the earth through music. And it’s spelled with a K because my name is Kirk and I just thought it would look cool! Haha.
4KORNERS are a duo DJ team…who does what?
It means that we perform together as a unit. I, Kap’n Kirk, am the DJ and Shorts is the MC. We started off playing mainly hip hop and that was the formula for every classic hip hop act. Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Price, RUN DMC & Jam Master Jay, etc…. the essence of hip hop was always the DJ and the MC.
Can you remember your first few vinyl purchases and from where?
Absolutely! I learned to DJ using a few of my dad’s old records and a few that I bought with my allowance way before I ever thought of being a DJ. I was always a music lover, even as a kid, so buying records was something I’ve just always done. All the classics – LL Cool J, Run DMC, Salt ‘n Pepa, Rick James, Earth Wind & Fire, Prince, INXS, stuff like that. It wasn’t until much later that I started buying records with the intention of DJing.
Either playing for parties or playing at a club, when was it that you realized that you wanted to DJ for the masses?
It was a combination of things that led us into taking DJing seriously. We weren’t playing any clubs yet, but were doing house parties here and there, and recording mixtapes. We realized that we were getting really good when the response we were getting was all really positive. That, combined with how awesome the DJs we looked up to seemed to us, we just decided that we wanted to do what they were doing. Our main local influences at the time were Baby Blue Soundcrew and Starting From Scratch.
So how did you get hooked up with The Toronto Raptors?
That’s the other question we always get asked. Haha. Another long story short, it was a series of calculated events and a bit of luck that led the VP of marketing for Maple Leaf Sports, the company that owns the Raptors, to see us perform at a corporate event for ROOTSCanada. She loved what we were doing, gave us her card and the rest is history.
What’s the coolest perk in being the Toronto Raptors’ DJ?
Being huge basketball fans, the best thing about it is getting to be courtside at every home game; but as a part of the action. It blends music and basketball together, and I get to spin in front of 20,000 people 3 times a week. I can’t think of a better gig in this country. I am so blessed to be in the position that I’m in.
What is the coolest place you have spun in the world?
We’ve had the opportunity to spin in a lot of cool places. To name just a few I would definitely say Barcelona, Paris, Prague, Shanghai, Cancun, St. Maarten… and so many more. The travel is probably my favorite part of being a DJ.
Favourite place to spin in Mississauga, past and present?
Haha now you’re trying to get us in trouble. I’m going to be politically correct & say it’s a tie between the two spots we hold residencies at currently. My Apartrment and &Co Resto Bar. Two totally different vibes but both awesome in their own way.
Best party your remember spinning in Mississauga?
I don’t know about the best, but one of my favorite experiences was DJing with one of my idols, Jazzy Jeff, at Body English on Halloween a few years back. That was pretty epic.
What is the most annoying thing anyone can ask when you are in the middle of spinning at a party?
For a drink. This is NOT the bar!!!!
Is there that one song that you refuse to spin?
Mark Morrison – Return Of The Mack. Worst….song….ever!!!!
Any advice to an up and coming DJ? or a kid that is thinking of getting into it?
Practice, practice, practice. No matter how many friends you can get out to the local club or how awesome your marketing is, all of that will only take you so far. Being truly skilled at your craft will put you above the rest at the end of the day.
Anything you want to plug?
As always, check out 4KORNERS.com for all things 4K. Subscribe to 4K RADIO, our monthly podcast, available for FREE in the iTunes music store. Check out 4KORNERStore.com for all of your 4KORNERS merchandise. And tweet/follow us on Twitter & Instragram: @4KORNERS.
Quick facts:
What high school did you go too?
Kap’n Kirk – James Cardinal McGuigan (North York).
Short Sirkit – Martingrove and West Humber (Etobicoke)
Favourite food?
Kap’n Kirk – Italian, Indian, a real good curry chicken roti, or a nice juicy steak.
Short Sirkit – Italian all the way!
Favourite place to eat inMississauga?
Kap’n Kirk – I like &Co and Earl’s. And Tremendous for late night eats.
Short Sirkit – Alice Fazooli’s & Chandra’s.
Favourite Raptor’s player ever?
Kap’n Kirk – I’m gonna catch it for saying this, but Vince Carter (the early years). He was the most exciting player in the NBA for a minute there!
Short Sirkit – Damon Stoudamire or Charles Oakley.
iPhone or Android?
Kap’n Kirk – I currently have both, but I use my Android way more.
Short Sirkit – I have an Android as well but I still love my Blackberry!
Do you have a podcast?
Yup! 4K RADIO available on iTunes.