Mar

Other Interests: Rare collectibles relating to Hip Hop culture

Motto: Have fun while you’re doing it!

Profile

One of Japan’s leading DJs, Masayuki Imanaga aka DJ MAR is known for his creative hooks and funky beats. Dropping beats from a variety of genres, he always hits where it counts. Focusing on Hip Hop at the core but easily moving in and out of soul, funk, rock, jazz, Latin, and disco, he is a versatile and highly acclaimed DJ on the International scene.

In 1990, in his hometown Fukuoka, MAR started to dance. New Jack Swing was the popular style at the time and when he saw some of his friends dance, he wanted to be a part of that scene. It wasn’t until 2005, when MAR moved to Tokyo and met Chino and Crazy A that he started to learn about B-Boying and the roots of Hip Hop. With his interest in music it was only natural for him to choose the path of becoming a DJ.

MAR got into DJing because he wanted to mix the songs and beats he and his friends liked to dance to. So in 1991, he went out and got a turntable. He was really exited when he brought it home, went straight out again and bought his first single, “So What Cha Sayin’” by EPMD. “I got home with the record and to my amazement had to discover that I needed something called a mixer to play the track! Back then, I didn’t have anyone to teach me things so I had to work them out for myself. Luckily, I was born to play and DJing is in my DNA!” MAR not only studied DJing, but also the culture and history of B-Boying so every time he puts on a song, he is able to visualize the background from which the music arose. “This brings me mentally and spiritually close to the music and the effect the music has on the people listening to it.”

When MAR moved to Tokyo in 1996, he saw a video of late DJ Leacy who was the DJ at the Battle of the Year. “I was blown away by the unique selection he played and I started checking into the songs and studying his style. He had a huge influence on me.”

Apart from DJing, MAR has a big interest in collecting vintage items, rare things, related to Hip Hop culture. He recently opened a shop called “Dancers Collection” in Harajuku, right near Yoyogi Park and the RED BULL BC ONE venue, which focuses on all things dance and B-Boy-related. “The shop was the culmination of years of preparation and dreaming about it. Finally I got the chance and now am able to focus on giving back to the culture that has given me so much.”

DJ MAR not only plays for B-Boys, but also spins for lockers and poppers. When he plays for an event or a battle, he’s always concerned about giving his best for the B-Boys. “The music should be backing them up, supporting each move!”

Asked what makes a good DJ, MAR stresses the importance of knowledge. Because even though it’s about skills, it’s also about knowing the culture and applying that knowledge to the situation. “For example, I am a Hip Hop DJ, but I don’t play Hip Hop music. I play funk, disco, breaks, and come up with the best fusion to create Hip Hop out of the elements I have. It’s all about the breaks!”

DJ MAR feels strongly about the history of Hip Hop. He believes it’s important to understand the past to realize the potential of the future. Most pioneers of Hip Hop culture are still around and he tries to meet them because he feels this is the best way to learn about the history of the movement. MAR believes in the message “each one teach one.” In his opinion each generation needs to learn about the roots and further develop the culture—to learn from the ones who came before you and impart that knowledge onto future generations. “You need to give back! This culture has given me everything I have. It has taught me how to live. Hip Hop is my life!”

MAR loves the exciting scene in Tokyo because of the variety of people and ideas that create an influence on you. To really expand your mind, he feels there is no other place like it. “Some people may recall what an impact it had on Taisuke when he came out from Nagasaki in Southern Japan and started living in Tokyo. His whole attitude and dance style changed. He is now a vastly different person, more confident, more stylish. He really came out of his shell.”

MAR expects that bringing the RED BULL BC ONE to Tokyo will help the Japanese scene to evolve. He states that the event will expose a large audience to the culture and hopes that it might serve as a stimulus for other companies to get involved in supporting the Hip Hop scene. “So far people over here have only seen the event through videos on the internet, now we can see it live! This is a once in a lifetime experience for any B-Boy! No doubt it will be tremendous. There hasn’t been anything like it in the scene here so I think it will add a new page to the history of Hip Hop in Japan.”