01Profile
A Didi Hu Photo
Didi Hu
Editor / Creative — Shanghai
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Didi Hu. I am from China, and have been based in Shanghai for the last 10 years.
What do you do?
Editor, Creative.
Describe your style in three words?
Authentic, Chill, Comfortable.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Kamasi Washington at Blue Note Shanghai. Stones Throw 20th-anniversary showcase at The Shelter, Shanghai, or Lauryn Hill at B&B Berlin.
If you could put any three bands in history on a lineup?
Lootpack, Roy Ayers, Erykah Badu.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Grime, Reggae, Skateboarding, Street Art... From aesthetics, values, to lifestyle, these has inspired me a lot.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Ras G, one of the most wonderful beatmakers from LA, a true artist. He's back to anotha planet now. If I have a chance, I really want to know more about his philosophy, life, Africa roots and inspiration from Sun Ra...
Where is your favourite independent venue?
The Shelter in Shanghai, but it’s closed now. For me, the club represented the golden age of Shanghai underground music scene, artists like Shortkut, DJ Premier and Kode 9 all performed here. People spent a lot of time here and connected with each other, a real shelter for music lovers.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
J Dilla. He had too much soul and passion for the music, devoted his life to his love.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I have too many favourite songs and albums so I don’t remember. Probably 'Fall in Love' by Slum Village, or 'Electric Relaxation' by ATCQ.
A song that defines the teenage you?
When I was a teenager, I listened to a lot of different kinds of music, from David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, Jimi Hendrix, Eminem to Billie Holiday... Counterculture and curiosity defines young me.
One record you would keep forever?
'Shades of Blue' by Madlib, that’s also the first vinyl I bought. I love all projects from him, Madvillain, Quasimoto, Yesterdays New Quintet, Beat Konducta... He reimagines the limits of Hip-Hop production.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Everything is everything. What is meant to be will be." - Lauryn Hill
Best song to turn up loud?
'Fakin Jax' by INI and Pete Rock, classic joint.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘ひきしお’ by ⼤橋純子.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'90s Hip-Hop gets me moving.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
All songs by D’Angelo. 'Remind Me' by Patrice Rushen. 'Dreaming About You' by The Blackbyrds.
Any new bands you’re are into at the moment?
Half A Blunt, an underground Hip-Hop crew from China.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Didi Hu. I am from China, and have been based in Shanghai for the last 10 years.
What do you do?
Editor, Creative.
Describe your style in three words?
Authentic, Chill, Comfortable.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Kamasi Washington at Blue Note Shanghai. Stones Throw 20th-anniversary showcase at The Shelter, Shanghai, or Lauryn Hill at B&B Berlin.
If you could put any three bands in history on a lineup?
Lootpack, Roy Ayers, Erykah Badu.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hip-Hop, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Grime, Reggae, Skateboarding, Street Art... From aesthetics, values, to lifestyle, these has inspired me a lot.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Ras G, one of the most wonderful beatmakers from LA, a true artist. He's back to anotha planet now. If I have a chance, I really want to know more about his philosophy, life, Africa roots and inspiration from Sun Ra...
Where is your favourite independent venue?
The Shelter in Shanghai, but it’s closed now. For me, the club represented the golden age of Shanghai underground music scene, artists like Shortkut, DJ Premier and Kode 9 all performed here. People spent a lot of time here and connected with each other, a real shelter for music lovers.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
J Dilla. He had too much soul and passion for the music, devoted his life to his love.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I have too many favourite songs and albums so I don’t remember. Probably 'Fall in Love' by Slum Village, or 'Electric Relaxation' by ATCQ.
A song that defines the teenage you?
When I was a teenager, I listened to a lot of different kinds of music, from David Bowie, The Velvet Underground, Jimi Hendrix, Eminem to Billie Holiday... Counterculture and curiosity defines young me.
One record you would keep forever?
'Shades of Blue' by Madlib, that’s also the first vinyl I bought. I love all projects from him, Madvillain, Quasimoto, Yesterdays New Quintet, Beat Konducta... He reimagines the limits of Hip-Hop production.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Everything is everything. What is meant to be will be." - Lauryn Hill
Best song to turn up loud?
'Fakin Jax' by INI and Pete Rock, classic joint.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
‘ひきしお’ by ⼤橋純子.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'90s Hip-Hop gets me moving.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
All songs by D’Angelo. 'Remind Me' by Patrice Rushen. 'Dreaming About You' by The Blackbyrds.
Any new bands you’re are into at the moment?
Half A Blunt, an underground Hip-Hop crew from China.