Hot Press congratulates Messiah J & The Expert's DJ Flip who picked up the title of World Scratching Champion at the biggest turntablism frolic the planet has to offer.

The Dubliner was representing Ireland at the World ITF DJ Championships which was held in Munich at the weekend. The various titles at stake included Scratching, Beat juggling, Team as well as the coveted Overall categeory, Advancement Class.

Having battled it out against 40 DJs from 15 different nations, Flip stole the show in the scratching category, picking up the title from last year's defender (and 2002 Overall champion), DJ Emerge (USA).

In what is the equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize for turntablists, DJ Flip's achievement is a first for any Irish DJ and plots Ireland onto the world hip-hop map.

If you haven't yet experienced the quality hip-hop that this country has to offer – and missed the Choice Cuts crew battling DJ Q-Bert at the Village last Saturday – then this weekend provides the perfect introduction.

DJ Flip plays late this Saturday December 13 at The Shelter Club (Vicar St.) both solo DJing and as part of the five-piece hip-hop hurricane that is Messiah J & The Expert. It's sure to be one mighty big celebration...