Every now and then I'll witness something that would ultimately change my outlook on life. I was in Philadelphia last Thursday night djing at the birthday party for Monie Love, where I ran into a few hip-hop heads like Ed Lover & DJ Cash Money. Well, when I arrived the party, Monie introduced me to a blind gentleman by the name of Touch Tone. After our brief conversation, she assisted him to the dj booth. I watched in awe as he began to set up his CD turntables.

Now, at first I was thinking he was the engineer, but after he connected his CDJ's, he began to scratch and blend music and that's when I realized that he was my co-dj. He was absolutely incredible. Every cut was precise and every blend was perfectly in sync. I asked him if he labeled every cd with Braille and if not, how is he able to find the songs and he said he remembers exactly were he placed them in his case.

Here I am, a man with 20/20 vision and I'm always complaining when I'm in a booth where I can't see the crowd or if the lighting in the booth is bad. Touch Tone has never seen the crowd and that doesn't stand in the way of his performance. Watching him reminded me that there's never a reason to not give 100% effort.

Comments

hay what's dude I had heard about you years ago, I finally ggot a computer and I listen to you every chance I get. you like myself is a blind dj. keep it tight

Posted by: dj mad max | August 2, 2007 05:08 PM

I remember Touch Tone when we were both first starting out DJ'ing, around 1992. He was still in high school; we used to practice cuts over the phone. You have never seen a brother so determined to learn the craft, I mean he ate and slept DJ'ing. He deserves to be a large as possible becuase he's just a gifted individual who has worked against massive odds to reach his goals.

Posted by: Ceenas | February 28, 2007 02:09 PM

DJ touch tone is a problem. the man is a treat to be around and in his presence. this is not just a talent of his, but a blessing to those in his presence. keep doing what you do in Philly and other cities

Posted by: MR. ALL BUSINESS | January 27, 2007 05:00 PM

U is a fuckin problem son. U is straight shittin on these otha kats, #1 blind DJ, Yea herd.
U made me look toward life at a whole different angle, and makin it clear that there is nothin in tha world that can hold me back from my dreams.

Posted by: Chris Boyd | March 23, 2006 08:44 AM

Yeah Touch is the man. I am so impressed in all that he does. He and I have been acquainted for almost a year, and he's always full of surprises. I forget he's blind sometimes. He has no walking cane or seeing eye dog. I'll just say this, he is my sweetie. Especially cause he's good with his hands. :)

Posted by: scrpnqwn | August 9, 2005 12:45 PM

yo d,,i've read your comments on returnin to the game,,,if ultra magnetic can regroup,,& start buildin on a new album,,why not return...we need a change in the game now,,it's all about beef,,,and who can sell the most..if i can get a hole of the like's of u ,,kris..ultra,,tim-dog..kool herk& etc,,we could getin,,naw take over a studio,,and show these's so-call artist's that,,there's no music with out old music,,then hit then with some new hot sh**...IT CAN B DONE
D-NICE,.. SO LET IT BE WRITTEN,,SO LET IT BE DONE.... hit me back d @ pugsla@msn.com....p.s i remember u from the ultra lab on 169/nine live,,,next to scott crib(my he rest in PEACE)
i was workin with ced brother pat(me he rest in PEACE)i gotta go d,,,but think about it....ONE

Posted by: pugsy | July 29, 2005 01:01 PM

Brings to mind that old saying"you can't judge the book,by it's cover".We should all (all the time)take time to say thanks to GOD , for our health and natural gifts we have.Enjoy every moment of everyday to the max, we never know what may be around the corner !!!!Here one day gone the next!!!!!!!!

Posted by: frank | July 21, 2005 01:00 AM

wassup i am in total awe after reading 'bout Touch Tone. that's the type of inspiration i needed to make my day so that when i get off of work i can get in the booth and rip the mic. do u have any words of advise for a singer like myself who writes and do all background vocals? i know this is my calling in life, i love singing and performing.

Posted by: amy | July 20, 2005 11:39 AM

Morning D-Nice! I met you at Monie's b-day bash. I myself am an old hip hop junkie. We are very blessed to have Touch Tone in the city of Philly. He is a very talented and also kind and humble young brother. I have been a fan of his since I moved down here from CT. Thank you for putting the word out there about him. I believe he will be largely recognized someday with the help of people like yourself.

Posted by: S04realchic | July 17, 2005 07:48 AM

A blind DJ moving the crowd? Wow, that is truly amazing and inspiring. Back in the day he woulda been on That's Incredible.

Posted by: Butta | July 13, 2005 03:29 AM

Peace D-Nice. Those reflections on Touch Tone were really dope. We take so much for granted every day, not thinking about how hard someone more poor or without sight or simply troubled has it compared to us.

So what was the answer? Does he label his CDs with Braille? How does he find his tracks?

Incredible.

MJ
http://pyramids2projects.blogspot.com

Posted by: Queen MJ | July 10, 2005 05:13 PM

That was an inspiring piece. It makes me remember to give thanks in everything, everyday.

Posted by: Mysiah | July 7, 2005 03:57 PM