(formally Eminem & Hot 97 DJ / N.Y.C.)
Stretch Armstrong is a New York based DJ with worldwide notoriety. Although many people still don't know what he looks like, they have either heard him or at least heard of him.
No other DJ has, or does, play the kind of sets he is so well known for. Which is why he's established himself as one of the most sought-after DJs in the country, if not the world. Stretch works best behind-the-scenes. What most people don't know is that he's produced records for superstars such as Jay-Z, Lil' Kim and Capone-N- Noreaga. Stretch is a leader, a trendsetter and a musical groundbreaker. He has made a name for himself in the Underground world, receiving mainstream accolades.
Born and raised in New York City Stretch Armstrong grew up having a love for music. Stretch takes the deejay art form very seriously and credits his family for the ongoing support. 'Growing up I played the drums,' Stretch recalls. 'My uncle was a musical conductor and my father made violins.
I have another uncle who's a musician and producer so my family was always talking about or listening to music.' This constant exposure to music gave Stretch the inspiration he needed to think about what he wanted to do with his time. Collecting vinyl became one of his hobbies and one-day he just put two and two together. The result was captivating. He not only figured out how to lay down tracks with beats that complimented each other, but he also became innovative with what he played. Hip-hop parties weren't only parties for urban folk, DJ Stretch learned how to find a common ground for partygoers who also wanted to hear other types of music.
So he started to insert rock, alternative, drum and bass, classics and house into his sets. Despite that there may be other DJs on the bill for the night, Stretch always ends-up stealing the show. 'Stretch has always blazed a lot of trails in which he didn't get credit for,' says Rob Tewlow, Director of AandR at Atlantic Records. 'He was constantly playing all the hot joints, even before they came out. Stretch is ahead of the game, playing classics and RandB songs most DJs don't even have. He can play all kinds of music, from Rock to Pop and Rap, which is what makes him so versatile and diverse.' Known for his whimsical humor and outlandish jokes, along with his hints of sarcasm, Stretch brings personality to the table. 'Just like you don't know which record he'll play next, you never know what Stretch is going to say,' grins Rob. 'He always catches you by surprise.'
It was approximately thirteen years ago when Stretch began his career, using the name Skinny Bones. 'Clark Kent was the first DJ I became friends with,' remembers Stretch. 'I then got to know Marley Marl, Red Alert and Chuck Chill Out-all who had, and continue to have, phenomenal careers.' Being a deejay started to become lucrative for Stretch when he spun at high profile New York City clubs such as MK, Mars, Nells and Love Transporter Room. Once heard, Skinny Bones, who soon after changed his name to Stretch Armstrong (in 1990) was hired to co-produce and co-host Columbia University's Underground Mix Show with Bobbito the Barber on WKCR 89.9-one of the most popular Underground shows in the history of New York City. The Source called it one of the best Underground Mix shows of the genre. The 4-hour hip-hop mix featured new music from NY's best, as well as a mix of breakbeats, classics and freestyles, in combination with some on-air antics.
The show was also recognized for breaking such legends as the Notorious BIG, Nas, Jay-Z and Eminem, along with rap icons Mobb Deep, Brand Nubian, DTC, Big L, Wu-Tang Clan, Busta Rhymes-among others. Following the success of that show Stretch was presented with an opportunity all deejays dream about: a chance to host his own Underground show on the largest hip-hop station in New York City-Hot 97. Djaying on Hot 97 for six years the show, showcases the best Underground, mainstream and never-before-heard records around. Its hip-hop music at it's finest. 'I became a DJ when the art form was still fresh and raw,' asserts Stretch. 'Now everyone wants to be a DJ. The problem with DJs right now is that they don't play anything you've never heard. I play what pleases me the most. There's good and bad music. A lot of the stuff I play should be heard, and a lot of the stuff that's played on day-time radio should be heard less.'
Since the beginning of the show Stretch has involved himself in several projects that include his independent record label Dole, and another record label called Game which he is no longer a part of, and is in the process of starting a new label: Spit Inc.
Stretch Armstrong also has AandR experience under his belt. He was responsible for bringing Poetical Prophets to Loud Records-the infamous rappers who now go by the name Mobb Deep.
Currently working on building his own studio in Soho, NYC, Stretch is expanding his goals with a concrete plan for the future he's already begun to implement. 'I am less interested in making money through other people's music. I like to find talent, write songs and produce other artists-I enjoy facilitating the creative process,' says Stretch with excitement.
Thinking back on a Benefit concert Stretch was hired to deejay for the Beastie Boys, he says, 'It's important to find the common denominator when you play for big audiences, and I love doing that. Whether you play hip-hop, rock or both, you need to make the crowd rock!'
Stretch is becoming a legend in his own right
Stretch has produced records for Lil Kim, Jay-Z, Capone-N-Noreaga, The Cover Girls, Tragedy Khadafi, nd has recently remixed Amel Larreux's 'Sweet Misery,' as well as Ruff Endz hit 'No More' featuring Ghostface Killah and Raekwon. He has also made appearances on the Vibe TV show, Conan O'Brien and MTV. Recently, he provided the music at Kobe Bryant's Adidas party in LA, the Tommy Hilfiger Men;s Fashion Show in NYC, Eminem's MTV Awards after party, and most recently, Sade's after party for her Lover's Rock tour. Stretch continues to DJ in clubs all over the world, including in such places as Tokyo, Osaka, Paris, Copenhagen, Stockholm, London, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto, Berlin, Frankfurt, Ibiza-just to name a few.
Now, 'It's my plan to do things that reflect my broader musical interest, like TV. I want to do more and reach a bigger audience.' Stretch is stretching out!