A-Trak Issue #27

Sunglasses Is a Must (Audio Research)

By Amber Drea
Published: March 1st, 2006 | 12:00am

Best known for being the youngest DJ to win the prestigious DMC World Championship, A-Trak also has worked with Q-Bert, Craze, and Kanye West during his 10-year career. Now 23, the Montreal native has produced and directed a film that documents his journey from child prodigy to turntable master. Released on Audio Research, the label A-Trak co-founded, Sunglasses Is a Must is a home-movie collage combined with an inside look at turntablism during its heyday.

A-Trak introduces and narrates each scene with a stiffly scripted humor that contrasts his charismatic stage persona. The first two chapters are packed with the excitement of DJ competitions while chapter three consists of rambling clips from his fabulous lifestyle. More interesting and informative are bonus features including A-Trak’s scratch notation seminar and performances that showcase his importance as an innovative and influential DJ.