DJ Culture
R.O.A.D. Podcast – Rashad Smith : The Mystery Beatmaker for Rakim and Uptown Records
This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down for Part 1 of an epic two-part conversation with legendary producer @Rashad_Ringo_Smith — the mastermind behind tracks for @TheNotoriousBIG, @BustaRhymes, @JayZ, @Beyonce, @TheGodRakim, and more. You may not know his name, but you definitely know his sound. Rashad kicks things off by reflecting on his early days as a DJ, his childhood nicknames, and the powerful influence his mother had on his musical journey (00:11). He shares his deep love for jazz and reveals how he flipped the same sample two different ways for Busta Rhymes’ “Woo Hah” and its remix featuring @OlDirtyBastardLegacy (08:55). He breaks down the art of crate digging with iconic producers, the origins of the “pause tape,” and how it became the foundation for early production before DAWs (18:01). Rashad dives deep into the making of “Woo Hah,” seeing the Hype Williams-directed video for the first time, and Spike Lee’s unexpected interest in using the track for Clockers (38:01). From crafting “Don’t Sweat the Technique” to the murky politics of credit in the industry (58:10), Rashad opens up about why he calls himself “The Muted Drum” — a nod to his role as one of the most “unknown, known” producers in hip-hop (1:11:04). He also shares stories from his time at Uptown Records, working with a young @Diddy, and the moment he invented the producer tag (1:31:01), before diving into the rise of Bad Boy Records and the complicated dynamics behind the scenes (1:55:01). The episode wraps with Rashad reflecting on the making of the classic Notorious B.I.G. track “One More Time” (2:10:33). Don’t miss Part 2, where Rashad speaks on more of his iconic tracks and tells unforgettable stories.
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Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – JASON JANI : The Wedding DJ Who Built a Private Event Powerhouse
💰🏆DJcity & Beatsource Gangsta’s Paradise DJ Challenge 🎛️ 🎧
It’s been 30 years since the release of Coolio’s iconic ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ and we’re celebrating with a 🔥DJ challenge and prize pack.
How to Enter:
- Create Your Routine: Make a DJ routine flipping ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ in your most creative way. Keep it to 1-minute or less!
- Keep It Short: Your video should be no longer than 60 seconds.
- Record It: Perform your routine on camera and share it as an Instagram Reel and/or TikTok, using the hashtag #gangstasparadiseDJchallenge. Pro Tip: For the best sound quality, record the audio directly from your mixer or controller and sync it to your video to ensure a clean, pristine sound!
- Tag Us: Don’t forget to tag @beatsourceofficial and @DJcity in your post!
- Submit Your Entry: Fill out the form below to submit your entry.
What Makes a Winning Routine?
We’re looking for a routine that showcases Coolio’s epic track in a creative and interesting way. Cut it up, juggle some beats, use stems, acapellas and instrumentals to create something dynamic and dope! Our panel of judges are looking for creativity, skills, and vibes. Our favorite four entries will be featured on Beatsource, DJcity and Tommy Boy’s Instagram with a poll to let the public decide the top winner.
Contest Timeline:
You have until Midnight, Friday, August 8 to submit your routine. After that, our panel of expert DJs will evaluate the entries and the top four will be featured on Beatsource, DJcity and Tommy Boy’s Instagram with a public poll on August 13. The entry that gets the most votes will take home the prize!
So get your gear, get creative and get gangsta with it. Your chance for this awesome prize pack starts now!
🔗 CLICK HERE TO ENTER ↗️
Related Post: 💰 Win $2,500! Christmas Mashup Challenge for DJs 🎄
R.O.A.D. Podcast – JASON JANI : The Wedding DJ Who Built a Private Event Powerhouse
This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with @JasonJani — DJ, entrepreneur, and founder of @SCEEventGroup — as he shares his journey from New Jersey club nights to redefining private events. Jason recalls how he got his start in 1995, spinning at local spots like Deco Lounge and DJing on the Shore (2:30, 14:30). He talks about learning from setbacks (24:53) and how skills from corporate America helped shape his DJ business (25:48, 27:55). He explains how he broke the mold of the “cheesy wedding DJ” by bringing a nightclub mindset to private events (28:14), using YouTube to market himself (33:20), and building performances that spoke for themselves (35:34). From being recruited for the Watch The Throne tour to getting business advice from Virgil Abloh, Jason shares wild stories from the celebrity circuit and tour life with Ariana Grande (53:25–1:04:03). He breaks down SCE’s revenue model and creative team culture (1:17:30), gives props to @NickSpinelli for going viral (1:25:00), and opens up about leading a business through serious financial challenges and the pandemic (1:45:30–2:12:58). The episode wraps with Jason’s thoughts on DJs limiting themselves and why SCE launched its conference to push the private event scene forward (2:16:44).
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Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – BOBBITO: B-Ball, Hip-Hop & Sneakers -Where the Love Still Lives?
R.O.A.D. Podcast – BOBBITO: B-Ball, Hip-Hop & Sneakers -Where the Love Still Lives?
This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with the legendary @KoolBobbLove a.k.a. Bobbito Garcia — DJ, author, and cultural icon. At 00:55, Bobbito breaks down the inspiration behind his new book “Bobbito’s Book of B-Ball Bong Bong!”, touching on caregiving, basketball, and his writing process. He and @DJcrooked reminisce about growing up in the same building (11:45), and at (18:45), he shares his thoughts on Rap vs. Hip-Hop, giving today’s scene a “under 5” rating. At (22:55), he reflects on his lifelong love for Hip-Hop, sneakers, basketball, and DJing. He opens up about stepping back from performing live (37:55) and honors his father’s legacy and roots in Puerto Rican pro basketball (49:01). Crooked reflects on Bobbito always staying ahead of the curve (57:01) before Bobbito closes with the Road Podcast 10 at 1:05:01.
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Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – Brad LeBeau: From the Early Days of Disco to a Record Promo Dynasty
R.O.A.D. Podcast – Brad LeBeau: From the Early Days of Disco to a Record Promo Dynasty
This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with legendary music marketer, DJ, and founder of @promotion1983, Brad LeBeau, for an unfiltered conversation on the evolution of dance music, the hustle behind hit records, and the personal cost of chasing legacy in the industry. With his company “PRO MOTION” celebrating 42 years at the forefront of record promotion, Brad reflects on the moments that defined his journey. Brad opens up about his early DJ days, sharing how his father’s advice shaped his outlook (4:42), and how substance use became a short-lived fix for performance anxiety (08:33). He reflects on his time at Discoteca magazine and witnessing the birth of disco in America (21:01), before diving into his first major solo promotion: @Afrika_Bambaataa_Official and Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock” (23:01). He breaks down his philosophy on record promotion, working with @DianaRoss in 2017 (49:11), and his brief but dramatic collaboration with @LouieVega on an official Diana Ross remix—and their eventual falling out (1:13:34). Brad shares his thoughts on streaming vs. selling singles (1:34:01), the devaluation of music through price drops, theft, and convenience (1:45:15), and his continued love for the craft despite industry changes. He also recounts working with Gloria Estefan and the little-known backstory of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” (2:13:01). The episode wraps with a deep dive into DJ edit culture, the economics of remixes, and the growing disconnect between record labels and working DJs (2:23:01).
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Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – SNIPS: Living Proof — Connecting Brooklyn & UK Hip-Hop
R.O.A.D. Podcast – SNIPS: Living Proof — Connecting Brooklyn & UK Hip-Hop
This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with UK DJ and producer @snipsmusic, founder of London’s legendary “Living Proof” party. Snips breaks down how he got his name (01:41), his early love for house music, and the influence of UK genres like Lovers Rock, Jungle, and Drum & Bass. He shares wild stories from the London scene — including the time they accidentally booked a fake MF DOOM — and reflects on the rise and fall of “Living Proof” (12:30). The crew delves into the evolution of UK hip-hop, the legacy of @timwestwoodtv, and iconic UK shows featuring @jayz and @bustarhymes (24:10). Snips also discusses the beauty of vinyl culture (34:01) and the politics of equipment snobbery — from USB sticks to Serato (52:19). Things heat up during a fiery debate on NY hip-hop elitism, @souljaboy, and the future of DJ tech (1:19:30). Later, Snips critiques NYC’s current house scene, the optics of “diversity” in nightlife, and why he focused on building a community in Brooklyn (1:31:04). The episode wraps with sharp takes on @50cent, @jarule, the divide between mainstream and underground rap, and one last rant about his Twitter beef with @Nelly (2:03:10).
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