About Vega Benetton:
Since the dawn of hip-hop, different types of DJs have scratched, and mixed their way into our collective souls…from battle, to radio, club and mix tape DJ's. Some names may escape you, and others you'll always remember…VEGA BENETTON is the ultimate DJ, bringing raw uncompromised music. His name is one you'll never forget.
This native New Yorker and Harlem representative reminds us all that DJ-ing is not a lost art. Vega heightens our expectations of creativity, by resurrecting the lost elements of DJ-ing, such as scratching, mixing, and taking the crowd to the pinnacle of the hip-hop experience. His love for music at a young age was his driving force. Despite the fact that he lacked proper DJ equipment, Vega used his creative genius in an attempt to emulate DJs he admired. "I didn't have turn tables so I used old school stereo components and pieced them together and created mix tapes by using the play and pause buttons. I still remember the first time I heard Pete Rock and CL Smooth's 'Reminisce'…I was a fan up until that point (I'm still a fan), but after hearing that record, I knew this was for me."
Vega Benetton's strong hip-hop roots, diverse skills, undisputed ability and determination has allowed him to bless us with stellar radio performances. St. John's University from 2000-2001 was his first radio gig. Since that time, he has performed on radio shows heard by much larger NYC audiences including 89.9 FM with Timm See and DJ Jer 2 (Sucio Smash), as well as the Lisa Evers' show 'Street Soldiers' on Hot 97.1 FM. Also, on 91.9 FM, Vega had the opportunity to share the spotlight with the legendary Pete Rock. The two were interviewed together and shared a set for the length of the show.
January 2006, was a memorable day for BET's (Black Entertainment Television) legendary Hip-Hop video show, Rap City. Their national viewing audience had their first taste of this magnificent artist. Vega can also be seen in New York City, perfecting his craft at hot spots such as Jay Z's 40/40 Club, Show, Light, TNY (Temple), Branch, Flow, and The Den on a weekly basis. While in Tampa, FL, he shared the stage with the legendary DJ Premier at Derek Jeter's 'NYC 2 Tampa' after party at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Lastly, but possibly the most significant.Vega was the first DJ to perform live before the United Nations General Assembly, and the UN Secretary General Koffi Anan.
Mix tapes are a significant part of Vega's repertoire. His most notable mix tapes to date are 'Best of '94; Rugged and Raw: a ten year salute to 1994', 'The Life and Rhymes of Branson', and 'Live In '95: a ten year salute to 1995'. 'Best of '94' and 'Live in'95' focused on classic Hip-Hop released during the aforementioned years. Both mix tapes were hosted by DJ Premier. 'The Life and Rhymes of Branson' is a compilation of songs in which a variety of artists make reference to the NYC Urban Legend. The CD guest stars Redman, Black Rob, Tec of Smif-N-Wessun, Fab 5 Freddy and Common. These mix tapes have earned Vega critical acclaim in renowned Hip-Hop publications such as The Source, Scratch, Don Diva and Complex magazine.
"Quality is the most important thing; not quantity. I want to make sure that the product will stand the test of time. If I can do that, then it'll stay in your collection forever."
Vega Benetton
EVERY 2nd THURSDAY & 3rd FRIDAY OF THE MONTH, VEGA BENETTON ON THE 1's & 2's
LIVE @ FORBIDDEN CITY
