You've seen them, separate or together, rocking parties or posted up, head-nodding to the music in packed clubs. DJ Ktone, DJ Top Shelf and KDJ Above, the trio of DJs who have joined ranks and formed a music contingent known as the Moolah Boyz, a crew that's out for the love of the game. Complete with a dance known as the "moolah shuffle," the threesome have set out to change and enhance the role of the music architect, the DJ.
Individually, these guys are known to rock parties all over Denver. KDJ is a well known staple in the party community, holding down steady Friday nights for Sutra's hip-hop party, "Fancy Fridays," and also the new Saturday night event at Rock Star Lounge. In his music repertoire, KDJ is well known for his booming beats and ability to rock a crowd. He brings a humble charisma to the team.
Then there's DJ Top Shelf, the southern gentleman who lives in Colorado by way of Alabama. Top Shelf brings a fresh perspective to the team and has also figured out a way to break records of a more southern variety to the Denver crowd. Top Shelf is also a regular on the lounge side of Sutra on Friday nights, but he is most often seen facilitating mayhem on the dance floor at Twisted Olive's Saturday party, Dream Saturdays.
Heading up the crew is the turf boss and purveyor of good music, DJ Ktone. Ktone, who is a very particular selector and often offers feedback to other DJs on songs that are hot in the streets and are looking to break records, leads the Moolah Boyz on the path to reinvent the role of the DJ in the hip-hop scene.
The most tangible aspect of the movement is obviously -- money, scrilla, currency, or, as is appropriate, "moolah" -- but Ktone says it's so much more than money. It's about the grind, the motivation and the understanding of hip-hop culture.
"It's not just about the money, although that is definitely a part of it," Ktone notes. "We are making the statement that you have to pay the DJs. Not just the promoters, but everyone. We provide the music and want the party to go right, so this is what we do. It's not just about making money; it's about being on your grind and making it work for you."
The Moolah movement, if you will, is designed to bring back the essence and respect of the DJ. As a part of a larger conversation about the manners of club goers, the Moolah Boyz are an involuntary facilitator of the club movement.
"You'd be surprised what people do in the club," Ktone continues. "They pull on my shirt, they want like fifty shout outs to all of their friends, and we're trying to let people know, 'Hey, tip the DJ. Respect us. We're working too. This is a business.' We really push that. We're here to have a good time, but there are rules to this."
