Early Career and DJ Battles:
Long Island’s DJ Supa Dave began his career as a prominent member of the Turntable Technicians DJ crew in the late 90s and early 2000s. Starting as a bedroom and party DJ, Dave soon gained recognition for his innovative routines in the DMC and ITF DJ battles. However, despite his love for crafting battle routines, he realized that the endless practice sessions and limited opportunities were unsustainable. Reflecting on his experience, he recalls, “It was something you practiced for 365 days a year to do a five-minute DMC battle or a two-minute ITF battle. And if you didn’t advance, that’s it. You just wasted a whole year.”

Transition to Mixtapes:
Around 2001, with his career at a crossroads, Dave shifted focus to creating intricate mixtapes, developing a reputation for his extended scratched intros. He likened the creative process to putting together a puzzle, spending weeks perfecting just one minute of audio. This new venture allowed him to channel the skills he honed during his battle DJ days into a more sustainable and fulfilling artistic pursuit.

Move to Production:
By 2004, DJ Supa Dave sought to further expand his craft by venturing into music production. Starting with a modest setup, he began sampling records and gradually built a more complex home studio. Despite the initial challenges and the lack of mentorship, Dave developed his own sound by studying idols like Alchemist, Just Blaze, DJ Premier, and Pete Rock.

Breakthrough and Collaborations:
Dave's persistence paid off when he landed his first album placement with the legendary Kool G Rap in 2009. This breakthrough led to more opportunities, and he went on to produce tracks for artists such as J Hood, Mayhem Lauren, Nature, PMD, Blaq Poet, and Ali Vegas. Working with veteran MCs who he admired in his youth was a surreal and gratifying experience for Dave.

Current Projects and Future Outlook:
DJ Supa Dave continues to grow his production discography, with recent projects including a track for Lyes Papparazzi featuring Dave of De La Soul. He remains humble and patient, always ready for the next opportunity to present itself, embracing the journey and the evolution of his career from DJ battles to respected music producer.