From Beat Juggling in Brooklyn to On Sale at Walmart: How DJ Controllers, DJ Media Players, and Turntables Became a Global Industry
From Beat Juggling in Brooklyn to On Sale at Walmart: How DJ Controllers, DJ Media Players, and Turntables Became a Global Industry** By DJ Buddy Holly aka DJ Systemism (David) DJ culture didn’t start in a boardroom or a marketing department. It started in bedrooms, basements, parks, and block parties. It grew out of curiosity, creativity, and the desire to move a crowd. For decades, the tools of the trade were limited to a few companies that truly understood the craft. But today, you can walk into a Walmart and buy a DJ controller off the shelf. That shift didn’t happen overnight, and it didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a long, complicated evolution that reflects both the growth of the culture and the changing identity of the companies behind the gear. This article explores how we got here — from the battle mixers of Brooklyn to the mass‑market controllers in big‑box stores — and what it means for the future of DJing. The Early Era: When Standards Were Set by the St...