1) Tell us a little bit about yourself.

As you all may know I SIMPLY LOVE FREESTYLE MUSIC, and have supported and promoted it in the New York area for years. I started out as a mixed tape DJ back in 1984 and worked my way up the ladder to a Club DJ. I have produced and have even taken a shot at performing on stage myself back in 91, I was in a Club-hop group called “Organized Rhyme Mob” and I was the lead vocals… That was then this is now! I now simply promote and spend my time bringing Brooklyn NY Freestyle at my Weekly Saturday night venue at Tat2Lounge. We have a freestyle artist perform every week. I do this with the love of my life Elaine “Baby Doll” Ashe, we enjoy doing this together and love to HELP KEEP FREESTYLE ALIVE!

2) How did you get started in the music business?

Being a kid growing up in East Flatbush section of Brooklyn, our neighborhood was diversified by race and religion, and all types of music were played from the BOOM BOXES on the corners, to the ones played from the stoops. I grew to love electronic funk/Freestyle music for its awesome beats and dance vibes it created. I began to want to get into this business seeing how music effects all who are in contact with it! I had a LOVE for the music; it just seemed to be part of who I was then, as much as it is now part of Richie Noodles!

3) What inspired you to become a DJ? Who were the DJ's you looked up to?

That is easy… the girls! Just kidding, although it didn’t hurt being a DJ to get the ladies to notice me! I would have to say that the way music just was a big part of my life, it was everywhere, in the school yard, park and on my street. I just had to find away to be a bigger part of this, and DJing seemed to be my ticket. I have to say Jam Master Jay (RUN DMC) and Cut Creator (LL Cool J) where what really made me step up my game on the tables! These two just knew how to do their thing to get the party jumping… and I wanted to do the same!

4) At the age of 15, you purchased your first turntable and mixer. Can you tell us what they were and why you chose that specific equipment?

I remember making my Dad take me to the Bronx to purchase my first set of Technic 1200’s and my Gemini mixer, I couldn’t get anything else but these because that was the DJs choice of weapons sort of speak… I remember getting the whole set up, my Crown amps, JBL party speakers the mixer and 1200’s in a hot coffin I had to have it all that same day. It was like yesterday in my mind. I remember seeing my Dads face when he saw what it all cost. He was not a happy camper… but that wasn’t as bad as my first batch records I bought the next day… he almost had a baby!

5) When and where was your first major club gig? Do you remember the first record you played that night at the club?

There were many clubs along my journey, but the LIMELIGHT was a thrill to me to play, it was one of the hottest places to be then. I remember putting on “Do it properly” to start off my set that night… Ahhhh the memories!

6) You attended the Institute of Audio Research in NYC. Give us a little background of what you learned there and how it incorporates in what you do today.

I have music in my blood, I wanted to get in the producing and recording end of the business, so I enrolled in the Institute of Audio research in the village to get the skills I need. I loved it; I even started a chapter of “AES” (Audio Engineering Society) in the school and was voted in as chapter President! Being in the studio working with artist just gave me the inspiration to kick up my producing a notch!

7) You've become a Freestyle music Icon by producing and DJing many venues. Is there anything else other than freestyle music you like to spin or produce?

I love House music as a close second to my Freestyle music, dance is up there as well as Electronic Funk and Techno! I am so open minded in the music industry, as wish all felt the same as I do; it would be a DRAMA free air wave!

8) You have become an advocate for Freestyle music, Freestyle Artists, and the Freestyle genre in all. What is your motivation for continuing this when a lot of people are saying that Freestyle is either dead or completely underground?

 I am and always will be a supporter and advocate to freestyle music, it’s my passion and know it will rise again to where it deserves to be… Freestyle is no where near dead, but I have to accept that we are still underground. I know that a seed needs to start underground, and if nurtured it will bloom into a beautiful flower above ground… well THE SUPPORTERS are the water, and FREESTYLE MUSIC the flower!

9) Where would you like to see Freestyle Music 10 years from now?

 I would love to see FREESTYLE music within the next ten years back in the mainstream… I know this is possible if we would work out the old school Freestyle artists as well as the new generation Freestyle artist become one. What I mean is if we would combine these two styles of FREESTYLE and unite, we could regain our status and this would and could be the way back into the mainstream, if we join the two and power is in the numbers!

10) Richie Noodles is synonymous with Freestyle music. What legacy would you want to leave your past, present and future fans?

 Wow… this is hard and easy at the same time! I simply want all in the music industry, past and future as well as all the fans and supporters, TO EMBRACE THE THEORY OF “ONE LOVE” power is in the numbers. We all need to become a family and help each other achieve our goals in this freestyle industry, we need to grow as one and we could have the music we love once again to be played on the air waves so it could inspire those who hear it as it has done for me! I will always live by my words and my oath to KEEP FREESTYLE ALIVE!


11) Do you have any inspirational words that you would like to leave for those that have a dream of success like the one you live?

Answer: It really is simple… follow what you feel, what you LOVE and give it your all! If you follow this with anything you do you can succeed and become what you want! God has a plan with each and every one of us, and your love on life and what you want from life is the map for his plan! Peace!

Richie just launched is own United Freestyle Coalition Virtual Magazine. It has Freestyle interviews, as well as stories about what is going on in the Freestyle and Dance communities! Make sure to check it out and become a member.

http://unitedfreestylecoalitionvirtualmagazine.webs.com/