Swamp began mastering his DJ skills more than 15 years ago. In 1996, his rookie year, he took the title of USA DMC CHAMPION. Being true to his nature in an arena that was predominantly influenced by a very hip hop-esque culture, Swamp stepped up to the decks looking like some kind of junky punk. He was well received by the audience despite his counter-culture appearance because he exhibited skills that defied perception and already possessed a stage presence that many of his contemporaries still lacked.