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Student by day, DJ by night
Senior plans to progress to the next level after this week
By Charles Robinson
While most students serve coffee and wait tables to pay for their education, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Senior Tim Zick, known as DJ Kidcutup, dishes out hot music with his partner Why B at the award-winning No Request Friday’s hip-hop night.
This Friday, March 31, will be bittersweet though, as the pair plan to end the popular night at the B-Side, on its two year anniversary.
No Request Fridays was put together by Kidcutup and Why B as an answer to the present state of the art of disk jockeying.
“The idea is that if you respect the DJ, you will let them do their thing and represent themselves,” Zick said. “Too often, DJs betray themselves and play a bunch of stuff they hate just to satisfy others … which is only really cool at weddings.”
No Request Friday has also been focused around a revolving door of local DJs, from local legend DJ Aaron Wade of the Late Night Hype Show on WMSE (91.7) to up-and-comers like DJ Seoul K.
No Request Friday has steadily built a following and credible reputation in the local community, peaking when the Shepherd Express crowned the night the best hip-hop club venue in 2005.
In addition to running No Request Fridays and other hip-hop nights at The Uptowner and the 434 Lounge, Zick has also been taking up to 18 credits a semester while majoring in communications.
He said the most difficult part of going to school and running a successful hip-hop night is getting up early. He also has some good words for fellow students who are trying to pursue their dreams while still learning them.
“Even if you can’t do what you want like you want to, at least be around it as much as you can,” Zick said.
According to Zick, the main reason for the decision to end No Request Friday is progression.
“It’s really just time to move on and conquer the next challenge,” he said. “B-Side lets us comfortably preach to the choir. While that is good for solidifying our base, it also limits our audience.”
The last No Request Friday will feature Zick (as Kidcutup) and DJ John Sjuan opening with a four turntable set, followed by another four turntable set by DJ Why B and fellow No Request Sound member Steve Marx. It will also be the album release party for the No Requests Volume 2 that was mixed by DJs Why B and Steve Marx.
After a short hiatus, the night will keep the same name, but it will be moving to the Mantra Lounge, 1905 E. North Ave., in May.
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