Rich Pangilinan never planned on becoming one of the top DJs in New York City. His goal was to produce and mix music for a label. But with a dance CD climbing the charts and a successful gig on the radio, Pangilinan is in the spotlight.
Better known as The Riddler, Pangilinan is part of 103.5 FM WKTU’s Friday night "RSL" live mix show with Louie DeVito and DJ Skribble, which broadcasts from Jersey City’s Newport section. His album Dance Mix NYC, Vol. 2 on Tommy Boy Records has become the soundtrack to most dance clubs in the tri-state area, with tracks like "Need to be naked" by Amber, "Wish I didn’t miss you," by Angie Stone, "Addicted to bass," by Puretone, and "Hard to say I’m sorry," by Aquagen. In the spring Pangilinan will release a follow up third volume with Tommy Boy.
"I’ve had to guess what songs will be hot in the spring and summer for this new album," he said. "Dance music has always been around. It is fun positive music."
Born in Chicago, Pangilinan was raised in Texas. As a child, he played the piano, and in high school he took up the trumpet. In the late ’80s he discovered the turntables. He worked hard for the next couple of years mastering the art of mixing songs, producing beats, and playing to please the crowds at clubs. The turntables were liberating, Pangilinan said. It allowed him to express his thoughts and reach people.
He hosted several radio mix shows during his early days in San Antonio and Houston. In 1995 he moved to New York City to work for Tommy Boy Records. He was responsible for creative input and musical productions. Tommy Boy led him to WHTZ Z100, where he was an on-air mixer for a few years. In 2000 he joined Z100’s sister station, WKTU, where he changed his stage name from DJ Rich to The Riddler.
"The programming director told me, ‘We’re going to change your name to The Riddler and The Riddler is going to be a star,’ " he said. "I couldn’t argue with him."
The Riddler suits him well, he said. Pangilinan does more than just sit in a booth and spin records. He scouts talent, promotes shows, produces records and makes appearances.
"I love the name," he said. "It goes hand in hand with my personality. Since I’m involved in so many projects I feel sometimes like I’m an enigma."
In 2001, Pangilinan won "Best Radio Mix Show DJ" at the Winter Music Conference (WMC), based in Florida.
His credits also include remixing popular songs by Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Luther Vandross. He produced Jocelyn Enriques’s album, and he makes weekly guest appearances at clubs in New York City and the Garden State.
Hoboken’s River Street and Jersey City’s Sandbar are among his favorite hotspots in Hudson County, and he also plays at clubs like Abyss, Temptations, Soundgarden and Joey’s.
"The clubs in Jersey have become so good that they rival those in the city," said Pangilinan, a Clifton resident. When he performs at a club, Pangilinan wants to be a part of the party. He walks around before he works the turntables, to get a feeling for the crowd’s vibe. This technique has helped transform Pangilinan into an ambassador for current dance music.
"DJs have become celebrities because a lot of artists are inaccessible to the public. DJs are very accessible, and the public appreciates that," he said.
Besides his radio commitments, he works for MCA Records in their marketing and promotions department.
All success aside, Pangilinan admits he continues to learn from his colleagues, club-goers, and accomplished musicians. He also mentors up-and-comers whenever he has the opportunity.
"I am very thankful for the life that has been given to me. Dance music has given me so many opportunities to prosper that I feel obligated to return the favor," he said.
Radio personality Vic Latino is one of Pangilinan’s biggest supporters. In addition to working together during the week at WKTU, they make club appearances and have released albums with Tommy Boy.
"Riddler definitely exemplifies the current dance scene. He not only remixes songs for major artists, he also brings excitement to KTU," Latino said. "He has helped take my show to the next level."
Pangilinan mixes at WKTU Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on "Vic Latino’s House Party," Friday nights at 11 p.m. with "RSL" live, and the Saturday night "Hit Factory." Visit www.djriddler.com, www.ktu.com, or www.tommyboy.com for more information. q