-Click the image to read the entire interview.

-Hypebeast interviewed Neil Armstrong on a number of things including staying true to his craft, and DJing for Jay-Z.

Here’s an excerpt, click the image to read the whole thing:

Turntablism… is my roots, but in the last five years it has kind of gone the way of jazz, its popularity peaking around 2005. There are still die hard fans and practitioners of the artform, and I am one of them. When I need to relax, I’ll just put on a record and scratch and beatjuggle.

Growing up on hip-hop… in the golden area (’88- ‘ 92) in NYC was the single greatest factor in creating all that I am — besides my parents and church. I’m sure that I’d be a completely different person without that force influencing me. Back then it used have such a bad reputation as a terrible part of American culture, but because of hip-hop, I’ve literally travelled the world, performed for the inauguration of a U.S. President and have made a living by making other people dance. No degree in the world would have allowed me to have that.

Diversity in what I listen to… was not my choice. I truly believe music chooses you. New Wave because of my sister who loved Depeche Mode and the Smiths. Freestyle and House because my first girlfriend was Puerto Rican and hip-hop cause it’s in my blood. My parents also forced me to play the violin and piano from as long as I can remember; so literally in my case it really wasn’t my choice, my parents would have grounded me (Asian kid problems).