Richard Quitevis (born October 7, 1969), professionally known as DJ Qbert, is an American DJ and turntablist from San Francisco, California. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential and innovative figures in the history of turntablism, credited with developing numerous scratch techniques that have become fundamental to the art form.
Born to Filipino immigrant parents, Quitevis began his DJ career in the late 1980s, quickly gaining local recognition for his technical prowess and unique style. He rose to prominence in the early 1990s through DJ battles, winning the DMC (Disco Mix Club) USA DJ Championship and then the DMC World DJ Championship multiple times, both individually and as part of a crew.
Qbert's most significant contributions lie in his pioneering development and popularization of complex scratching techniques, such as the "crab scratch," "tweak scratch," and "flare scratch," among others. His groundbreaking routines and methodical approach to deconstructing and teaching these techniques profoundly influenced subsequent generations of turntablists worldwide.
He was a founding member of the influential turntablist crew the Invisibl Skratch Piklz (ISP), formed in 1992, which included other prominent DJs like Mix Master Mike and DJ Apollo. The ISP was instrumental in pushing the boundaries of turntablism as a distinct musical art form, releasing albums and performing intricate routines that showcased the turntable as a lead instrument. They are often credited with elevating DJing beyond just mixing records to creating new sounds and compositions.
In addition to his performance career, DJ Qbert has been an educator and entrepreneur. He founded Thud Rumble, a company that produces DJ equipment, records, and educational materials. He also launched Skratch University, an online platform dedicated to teaching turntablism. His 1998 instructional video, "Dirt Style," became a seminal resource for aspiring scratch DJs.
DJ Qbert's work has earned him a reputation as a living legend in the DJ community, with his techniques and philosophical approach to turntablism continuing to shape the global scratch scene. He is celebrated for transforming the turntable from a mere playback device into a sophisticated musical instrument capable of complex expression.