Promotional Photo Tim Westwood Tim Westwood (born 1958) is a British rap DJ and presenter of the Radio 1 Rap Show. Fictional character Ali G is partly based on him.
During his career, Westwood has DJed for many radio stations, including the newly formed pirate radio stations Kiss FM (which he co-owned) and LWR, followed by mainstream stations Capital FM, before joining BBC Radio 1. He was the Radio 1 Rap Show's first presenter and has been its only permanent presenter. He also organises live performances for Radio 1.
Westwood is heavily involved in the rap scene and is noted to be one of the early broadcasters and promoters of rap music. He is one of the few white rap DJs. He has strong moral convictions, does not drink or do drugs, and does not play gigs during exam times.
While Westwood plays mainly songs that achieve mainstream success, he has produced or mixed several tracks for more obscure recording artists.
Westwood also presented a series of his own television programme on UKTV channel UK Play, which has since changed its name to Play UK and closed.
Westwood has also released numerous rap compilation albums.
Catchphrases include "Big Things", "I'm the big dog", "Drop a bomb on it" and "Bow down and kiss the ring... and I ain't wearing any jewellery".
Criticisms
Westwood is viewed by some as a narcissist and misogynist who would prefer to be black and American. Some people who dislike hip hop music point to Tim Westwood as a reason to do so. Some hip hop music fans (especially alternative hip hop fans) argue that he has been an unsuccessful proponent of hip hop and that he has allowed it to be seen as violent, sexist, wealth obsessed, lowest common denominator entertainment with no redeeming social value. Westwood has been accused of neglecting alternative hip hop in favour of popular, commercially successful recordings which can be heard on non-rap radio. Specifically, he has been criticised for playing many Def Jam tracks, even non-rap recordings, when he was signed to a sister record label. Opponents claim that he plays recordings that are of little interest to his target audience for personal financial gain.
Discography
- Westwood Volume 1
- Westwood Presents UK Hip-Hop 2002 Vol. 1
External links
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