MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- The 'Young Marines' he instructs refer to him as 'sir.' His coworkers call him 'corporal.' His given name is Kevin. But in high school, he picked up a name that more distinctly describes him -- 'Turbo.'
Kevin Williams, a supply administration clerk by military occupational specialty, received the label 'Turbo' mainly because of an impressively fast car he drove in high school. The name stuck, and now more accurately describes Williams' style and persona as a fast-moving disc jockey.
Williams, a Jamaican-born Marine, said he has enjoyed spinning records, writing poems and making beats ever since he was 14 years old. But he didn't realize he had real musical talent until 1990 when he went to live with his father in Queens, N.Y.
"Musical talent definitely runs in my family," Williams explained. "My first musical performance [as a DJ] was a sweet sixteen birthday party for a family friend when I was about 14 or 15 years old. When I got behind the turntables, I represented (meaning he put on a stellar performance). After that, I started getting calls to do more [parties] around the neighborhood.
"One big thing back then was DJing crews taking their equipment to the park to 'battle' other neighboring performers.
"During these battles, people from all around [the neighborhood] flock to see the street entertainers perform. Whichever crew got the crowd dancing, bopping their heads and roaring the loudest was deemed the neighborhood winner. I've seen quite a few guys [and girls] from back then take their musical genius to another level and have made it big," he added.
Williams' rarely stayed in one place for long. He moved from Queens [in 1992] to live with his mother in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
There, his DJ skills improved and he began to establish himself at large parties and popular clubs. Throughout the next four years, he bounced back-and-forth, living with his mother and father, before he graduated high school and began to search for a real challenge.
"With my natural passions, I sought something that would satisfy my hunger for excellence," Williams said. "I looked at the military and the choice was clear," he said, "Marine!"
Four months later, the 18-year-old graduate was in route to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C. According to Williams, Marine Corps recruit training was just what he was searching for. But he wasn't about to leave his music behind.
Following recruit training, Williams went to his MOS school and overseas to Japan -- once again, playing the club scenes.
The five-year Marine said he has been writing poetry, playing with beats, and entertaining people ever since.
"Basically, I created a unique style for myself by trying different things as a youngster," Williams pointed out. "Now that I'm polished, I try to be more creative, coming up with sounds that are fresh and new."
Williams said he also writes rhymes that relate to his [life] reality. As for the beats he continues to create, Williams said they vary.
He caters to lovers of hip hop, reggae, rhythm and blues, slow jams and 'old school' mix sounds, and the 23-year-old D.J. takes his hobby very seriously.
"When I arrived here eight months ago, I went to the Enlisted Club to find out who the club DJ was," Williams revealed. "I was surprised to find out that there's very little activity going on in our club. I would like to jazz things up here and let everyone know that I can get the party bumping. This is my call for support. Albany, are you with me?"
Williams flashes his business card that states: 100 percent guaranteed. Any questions?