“With [the] talented pool of jocks out here, such as Mellow Khris, Shorty Smooth, Lavell C, Vell, DJ Calvin, and Cross to name a few, staying relevant is challenging, but like my dad always said, ‘When they open the door to you, KICK IT IN!’” (cont.)
T. Pratt (TP): Myron, the first time I heard you DJ I believe was at the Sabre Room. Steve Breeze and I were blown away at some of the classics you dropped. Do you favor a particular type of Steppers music?
Myron “The R” Robinson (MR): I do favor classics, it’s what I was brought up on. My brothers and sister were huge steppers/boppers in the 70’s. So I tend to lean toward classics. I have to say, I’m a sucker for a real smooth track too … nah hello! By the way, I think it was at Niko’s for a déjà vu event; Mr. Brewer’s triumphant return to the booth.
TP: Can you blend and do some of the new tricks that Steppers DJ’s are bringing to the game?
MR: I love to blend. I got my start DJing house music. That genre has tracks at 120bpm (beats per minute) and higher so you must be able to blend song to song at the break to keep the House Headz happy and partying. The beats with steppin’ music are much slower [and] easier to blend. Not sure what tricks are being done.
TP: You’ve been holding it down in Joliet for some time. Is the dance community growing out that way?
MR: It is growing thanks in large part to Burt StepperB Barton who is now teaching in Memphis, Larrissa Robinson, Karen and Donny McElrath, owners of Ms. Camilles. The dance is now branching out in Bolingbrook, Naperville and many other suburbs in Will County.
TP: What DJ’s, if any, were instrumental in your growth?
MR: What a fabulous question. DJ Vell was and is extremely instrumental to me. I learned all about flow from him and how to trust my ear. It was DJ Vell who gave me a chance to play my 1st Steppers Set at Purcell Hall with Kyle. Not many jocks would do that. DJ Lavell C is equally important to me. From him I learned to use the mic and interact with the crowd and become more personable. I try eagerly to learn something from every jock I hear.
TP: There seems to be a lot more competition among Steppers DJ these days, how do you stay relevant and get work in this environment?
MR: With [the] talented pool of jocks out here, such as Mellow Khris, Shorty Smooth, Lavell C, Vell, DJ Calvin, and Cross to name a few, staying relevant is challenging. But like my dad always said, “When they open the door to you, KICK IT IN!”
TP: Do you feel you’re given the proper recognition and exposure in this industry?
MR: No, but who does?
TP: Personally, I know you grow up in the hood on the Westside of Chicago, but you’re very polished and well spoken. How did you come out of Four Corner Hustler territory and stay on the straight and narrow?
MR: Damn T. Wow! I have great God-Fearing, praying parents! They instilled a want in me that the streets couldn’t conquer. They pushed me and made me want more. But don’t get me wrong Charlie, I’ll jump you if I need to and I gotta knife! What?!
TP: What else are you good at outside of Steppin?
MR: I love to hoop! As a matter of fact, I coach a freshmen AAU basketball team named The Illinois Gold Rush Tigers. Aside from that it’s spending time with my wife, kids and my two grandbabies. Oh, I love to cook too, almost forgot about that. And Yes I’m good at it.
TP: There are a number a major out-of-town and local Steppers weekends. Are there any Steppers events that you’re itching to play for?
MR: Yes, had a talk with Shorty Smooth and he was telling me about the masses at the Heritage Ball … I think playing that would be cool. Word of Mouth Entertainment Stepaganza’s event over Memorial Day weekend is another one. But I’m patient if nothing else. The world is my oyster.
TP: What is your favorite Steppin’ song right now?
MR: Res “For Who You Are.” I like that one.
TP: When are you going to share some of those classic records with me?
MR: Whenever you ready baby, I got that “Fazon” [by] Sopwith Camel locked and loaded.
TP: My man. You know that’s my jam! Let the people know where they can here you play.
MR: April 15th in Milwaukee for the Autism Awareness Fundraiser. April 22nd with the Under Cover Steppers at The Olympic Banquet Hall in Cicero. April 30th at MRV Entertainment’s 3rd Annual Steppin’ In Black in Joliet. July 15th–18th in Memphis with The Smooth Steppers of Memphis (Steppin In Paradise). August 5th & 6th in Milwaukee with MSBU for The Milwaukee’s Largest Steppers Contest. Every 1st Saturday at The Joyful Noise with The Brothers.
TP: Any closing thoughts?
MR: I’ve never had a forum of this magnitude to utilize. So I’ll craft my closing thoughts in this fashion. Thanks to all the promoters who’ve given me the opportunity to play music for your patrons … what an honor. Thanks to all the jocks for your help and tutelage. Finally, THANKS to my wife VinEllen for all she is to me and more. I love you.
Hope to see you soon in Joliet T … real soon like April 30th.
TP: I’m going to miss that one due to work, but I’m coming. I know I’ve been telling you that for like three years, but I promise I’m going to make it. (Laughing)
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