14-Year-Old Michelle Rasul Eyes First Female DMC Scratch Title

Dubai DJ Breaks Age and Gender Barriers

Michelle Rasul has already won two national scratch titles, played Tomorrowland, and competed at last year's World Finals in Tokyo, all before turning 15. On November 14 she will be the youngest competitor and the only woman at the DMC World DJ Championships finals in London, where she has a shot at becoming the first female DMC World Scratch Champion.

The craft of scratching—moving a record back and forth under the needle to turn it into a rhythmic instrument—has carried Rasul to the top of the UAE circuit. She will face rivals who are all older than she is at a contest that has spent four decades deciding who the best turntablists in the world are.

Following in the Footsteps of Legends

The championships began in London in 1985, when Roger Johnson became the first UK and World Champion. Its list of winners now includes A-Trak and Craze, among other renowned turntablists. A-Trak took his title in 1997 at 15, only a year older than Rasul is now.

Craze recently commented on social media: "She's a problem and only gonna get better."

Two-Day Competition Features Hall of Fame Inductions

This year's 41st edition runs over two days. Elimination battles take place on November 13 along the Victoria Embankment, and the finals follow at KOKO in Camden from 1-9pm. Competitors are vying across four categories called the Classic, the Open, the Scratch and the Supremacy.

The program also looks back on the competition's history. The Scratch Perverts, a British crew, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame and play together for the first time in more than 20 years. Former champions A-Trak, Craze and JFB will also perform, with JFB working seven turntables at once.

Tickets for the finals and an official after-party at Dingwalls are on sale through the DMC website.