Welcome to the 8th interview in our series, ‘Stories About Records’ where we ask our members and some of our favourite Djs about their most cherished 45.
This is not about perceived or discogs monetary value but personal value that is tied up in memories, stories, love, loss, life, family and a passion for this particular 7″ vinyl record.
We want to know what the record is, what it sounds like and why it is so important to you.
If you’re interested in being apart of this series drop us an email or sign up for our Newsletter to be informed when these wonderful stories drop.
Now to the interview and it’s great to present Triple D from Berlin, Germany.
Firstly, tell us about yourself as a Dj and Collector of 45s, how long have you been playing and collecting, why 45s, what was the first 45 you were given and also the first 45 you bought? Do you still have them?
First of all, I want to thank Mr Lob for inviting me to this group & to answer these questions!
I don’t really know, where it all starts, but I was the guy, who was in charge of the music at all private parties I was invited to. Even when I wasn’t invited to play music!
In the mid 80s I got in touch with Hip Hop via Run DMC & the Beastie Boys and started collecting mostly 12″ & LPs.
Every Thursday & Friday I was in different record stores, waiting for the newest hip hop 12s!
I was spinning Hip Hop, Funk & Soul occasionally at private parties & small clubs till mid 90s.
In the mid 90s I was infected by the Reggae-virus & bought my first 10 x 45s on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
I can exactly remember that day, because I had to save these 45s in the shop & had to leave the store to think about starting to buy 45s.
The 7″ is the main format when it comes to Reggae.
From there the journey brought me to countless Reggae dances mostly here in Berlin & two residencies in two big Hip Hop/RnB clubs for over 10 years!
By 2010 I started to play 70s, 80s & 90s classics on b-days, weddings & business events mostly using 45s.
Before covid I had three residencies in Berlin clubs, where I was playing all time favorites with some Reggae & Hip Hop.
My first two 45s were not Reggae or Hip Hop related.
They are John Denver – Country Roads
Oliver Onions – Flying Through The Air, which my class at primary school had to perform at a school event.
These two 45s are still in my collection!!
What is your most cherished 45? Why is it so important to you? What is it’s story (label, year, artist, musicians), where did it come from? Is the B-Side any good?
When I start to go to Reggae dances the main man here in Berlin was Barney Millah.
In his busy times he was playing 3 – 4 times a week in different clubs.
One tune he was playing mostly at all the parties for years was this 45 and now my most cherished 45.
It’s Barrinton Levy – Be Strong on Lipstic Records released in 1993.
With its sweet lyrics by Barrington, a classic dancehall beat & on top a catchy piano part, it is the perfect dancehall tune for me still today.
But we’re in the 90s, baby, so no internet was telling me, what this tune was.
You have to ask the selector!
Barney is a smart guy, he told me the name (besides teaching me how to play Reggae!!), but it was impossible for me to get this 45 for five or six years.
One day I was chilling with my good friend, selector & famous radio-host Oli Massive at his crib.
I told him that I was searching for this 45 and wanted it so bad.
Oli told me, that he has a second copy of it & that I could have one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can’t imagine how lucky I was that day.
That’s the story folks and here is the track!
P. S. : On the b-side you will find the version (instrumental)
Big up to The Forty Five Kings Collective & of course, Barney Killah Millah & Oli Massive!
Check out Triple D’s great sets for various live streams on Twitch for The Forty Five Kings
Check Out both Forty Five Kings Mixes by Triple D