He was born Hideaki Ishi but his name is DJ Krush, and he is one of the most influential DJs on the planet. During his prolific, Wild Style-spawned career, he’s collaborated with the who’s who of hip-hop and produced amazing record after amazing record, in the process created a mystical, introspective style that is all his own.

Before his show this Saturday, January 16 at Yugong Yishan, Krush spoke to Lisa Liang about returning to Beijing, his recent encounter with DJ Shadow and what’s in store for 2010.

What have you been working on recently?
I have been busy touring in the last few years, but I will definitely focus on the production side more this year. Actually, I’m doing some remixes for a band from Japan now.

The last time you were in Beijing was back in 2006. Can you recall what the crowd was like and do you have any expectations this time around?
I had great time when I came three years ago… again, I will keep open mind and play all different kinds and styles of music.

Last year you popped up in San Francisco and met up with DJ Shadow, who was also in Beijing in 2009. Did you guys talk about China? Any chance of a collaboration between the two of you in the near future?
Shadow brought his family backstage when we were in San Francisco. It had been long time and we were really glad we could catch up. Actually, we didn’t have a lot time, so we didn’t have a chance to talk about coming to China. I will definitely do something with Shadow if there is an opportunity.

Among your many albums, do you have a favorite or one that you are particularly satisfied with?
I have put a lot of thought into all of my albums … each one has my heart [in it, so I have to say I’m happy with all of them.

You’ve worked with many artists, musicians and DJs throughout your career. Do you have a favorite collaborator?
That’s a really tough question … I think everyone is unique. But I have to say the collaboration with Shadow was [the one that] most impressed.

How would you define the Japanese approach to hip-hop? How does it differ from hip-hop culture in other parts of the world?
I don’t really think about it in this way. It’s true I was born and grew up in Japan, and what I have been showing in my music is what I know from my life experience, so I’m sure it also shows some of the Japanese feeling.

The film Wild Style made you fall in love with hip-hop. Can you recall how that happened?
It was a brand new world and a huge shock to me. I was really into those new things – I wanted to learn DJing, rapping, break dancing, graffiti … all of them! But I felt the DJ thing more at the end [laughs].

What are three things you want to make happen in 2010?
I just started to think about my plan for this year … first, I want to start producing my new album.

In one sentence, describe your music and/or life philosophy.
I am always looking for my own style, and that style can only be represented by me. My music is often called “trip-hop” or “abstract” by the media, [but] I can only call my music “DJ Krush.”

Catch the legendary DJ Krush at 9pm, Saturday, January 16, at Yugong Yishan. RMB 80/50 (advance).