America’s Best DJ spin-off? Z-Trip vs. Pauly D

By Deanna Rilling

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 | 5:43 p.m.

The DJ Times America's Best DJ Awards once again will be held in Vegas, so mark your calendars to celebrate the winner Oct. 2 at The Palms. Vegas already has last year's winner, master turntabilist Z-Trip, holding down a regular residency, but a few other faces familiar to Vegas are nominated this year and clamoring for votes.

Vegas natives The Crystal Method are in the top 100, as is resident DJ Vice from Tao and Lavo, plus Kaskade from Encore Beach Club (fourth place in '09) and Jazzy Jeff, who frequently spins guest spots at Rain. Also nominated is Skribble, who has his Freak Show on Saturday nights at Studio 54 and placed 10th in last year's poll. Qbert repeatedly earns high ranking as one of America's Best DJs and will begin his residency June 23 at Crown Nightclub, and Scotty Boy will once again try to earn the top spot (he's been holding solid at number 5 the past two years). If you're wondering why Z-Trip isn't on the list for 2010, DJ Times editor Jim Tremayne says its because DJs can't win the title two years in a row.

None of that should come as much of a surprise. However, there is one nominee/newbie Vegas resident DJ who's had veteran DJs and some clubbers raising their eyebrows: Pauly D, who rose to popularity via MTV's Jersey Shore.

Many are questioning his first time nom, including Z-Trip, who gave his input via Twitter last week: "I personally don't feel he's done the work needed to be included on the list. I only hope people see (and vote [for]) DJ's [sic] who've actually been doing it [for] YEARS in public and/or have put in the work to earn the title." Z-Trip added, "Now, if we are talking hair? Dude IS Americas [sic] best, hands down!" and added that he hopes the best DJ wins (follow him on Twitter @ZTrip for his complete thoughts).

Think you know who truly deserves the gold-plated mixer in 2010? See the complete list of nominees and support the best DJs at americasbestdj.net/bestdj/ because ultimately, the fans get the final word via their votes.