Justin Martin - Ghetto Fabulous

With the recent release of his new album Ghettos & Gardens, we asked some of the people that know him best AKA the Dirty Bird family to tell us a little bit about the man, the myth, the legend.... Justin Martin.

Claude VonStroke - i met Justin through his brother around 2000. Justin and Christian were a bartenders at this tiny bar called the Lion's pub and i would go in there all the time and shoot the shit. Eventually after they had worked there a while we all started getting really into house music and Justin and Chris somehow figured out a way to convince the owner of this tiny bar to install turntables AND pay for their vinyl records!! (and trust me this place was not big enough for any dancing.) So this little tiny DJ booth became one of the first places where you could hear the full original dirtybird line-up as it was being formed. Sets by Justin Martin, Christian (Leroy Peppers), Claude VonStroke, Worthy, and all the SF Djs who hadnt really broken through yet would play on this crappy little set-up. Back then justin was by far the best DJ of all of us (and still might be.) He had a real knack for it and we all aspired to be as good as he was. I'm pretty sure if it wasnt for Justin Martin, none of us would be here today.

J.Phlip - Justin Martin.  I don't even know where to start. He's just the best. One of the best people to walk the face of the earth. In fact, I blame him for the wrinkles by my eyes because of how much he has made me smile and laugh until I cry! Damn you Justin!  My life would not be the same if he didn't exist,  and there are hundreds or even thousands of people who can probably say the same. Even if they have only met him briefly, or listened to his music, or simply danced to one of his sets. Ok ok. I don't want to get to sappy. Justin, your album is magic and I love you! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!@#$%^&*()

Ben Westbeech - Wow what can i say. What a guy, the music he makes is so dope and his character is well, pretty much the same. I have worked in the studio with him and his manner and temperament are charming. We ate Brick Lane bagels together then made an absolute banger while we made Bagel faces and Bongo Phil drummed madly in the background. He is a true hardcore/junglist fan and that's what I love about his music. You can feel and see the passion he has for it as soon as you meet him. And he is always smiling. I also stayed with him in San francisco recently, while he was putting the finishing touches to his album and him and his wonderful girl Patty looked after me so good even though I could see the pressure that he was feeling from having to deliver the album! We went for burger's and beers one day at Turnado at 11am and ended up drinking about 5 pint's of Razor 5's (a strong SF ale!) which then spurred me onto get a tattoo pissed out of my face, thanks Justin. This is breakfast Justin Martin Style. And what a breakfast it was. I gotta lot of love for the guy (who couldn't) and wish him the best with this album. Here's to more bagels and Pizza's, Music and beer. Oh and some Negroni's, our personal favourite (the thinking mans cocktail). peace out...

Catz n Dogz - It's really hard to explain Justin's character because you have to meet him to understand. Basically everywhere he is going people love him straightway. We met Justin first time couple of years ego in Sf when we had our first tour. I think it was at The End Up, since than we become really good friends.
The most fun times are when we travel together because Justin is kinda like a stand up comedian sometimes. It's a funny storry with his album because everybody was telling him to do one but he never really couldn't focus to write more than two song in a year. Instead he did a lot of cool edits that he always plays in his sets.

Eats Everything - I first met Justin in a POW camp in 1944. It was cold, I was hungry, he gave me food and nutrients, and most importantly, love. Years later I was checking out Beatport, heard his music and thought, WOW! In all honesty he is the king of producers and good people in general. His music is amazing, and he is even more amazinger! A few weeks back, myself, Justin, Barclay and my friend Nathan got stuck in a lift in France that was a combo of mine and Justin's doing, that was pretty funny! Justin filmed the whole thing. 

Listen to Justin Martin on Pulse Radio