DJ Culture
Craze Talks Freestyling Sets on ‘R.O.A.D. Podcast’
Craze at Q Nightclub in Seattle. (Credit: Robee Aquino)
Two weeks ago, Reflections of a DJ a.k.a. the R.O.A.D. Podcast had A-Trak and Roctakon on the show to discuss their recent Twitter debate. This week, the show sat down with Craze, who also took part in the argument.
The outspoken turntablist discussed the altercation, among many other topics, such as touring with Kanye West and working with Four Color Zack.
At one point, co-host DJ Crooked asked Craze how he goes about planning his sets. Craze revealed that he didn’t plan his sets until he started working with Zack.
Watch an excerpt below and the full episode here.
Follow the R.O.A.D. Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Twitter, and YouTube.
Related: A-Trak and Roctakon Address Twitter Debate on ‘R.O.A.D. Podcast’
DJ Tina T Talks Competing on ‘Master of the Mix’ on ‘R.O.A.D. Podcast’
DJ Tina T at Backyard Kitchen & Tap in San Diego, CA. (Source: Facebook)
Following their highly anticipated interview with A-Trak and Roctakon, the R.O.A.D. Podcast sat down with veteran DJ Tina T.
Based in Los Angeles, Tina is best known for founding Camp Spin Off, a DJ camp for teens. She also competed on the third season of VH1’s Master of the Mix reality show and DJ competition.
Tina discussed a variety of topics in the interview, including what it was like competing on Master of the Mix.
Watch an excerpt below and the full episode here.
Follow the R.O.A.D. Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Twitter, and YouTube.
Related: A-Trak and Roctakon Address Twitter Debate on ‘R.O.A.D. Podcast’
Idris Elba Talks DJing the Royal Wedding and More
Idris Elba recently sat down with Ellen to talk about how he got the opportunity to DJ the royal wedding. The actor/DJ also discussed his Netflix show Turn Up Charlie, about a middle-aged DJ, and his upcoming performance at the Coachella 2019 festival.
The multitalented Londoner’s vocals can be heard on the song “Boasty” by Wiley, Stefflon Don, & Sean Paul. The dancehall-influenced track was the fourth most-downloaded song of February on DJcity.
Watch the interview above.
Yo Yolie Talks Breaking Into Radio and Las Vegas Scene, Gives Advice to Female DJs
Yo Yolie is a club and radio DJ from the Bay Area who’s now based in Las Vegas. She’s a mixer on San Francisco’s WiLD 94.9 and SiriusXM’s Globalization channel, and rocks crowds from the Bay to Vegas on a regular basis.
DJcity’s MISS DJ BLISS sat down with Yolie to discuss how she broke into radio and the Vegas scene. Yolie also gave advice to female DJs.
Watch above.
Follow Yo Yolie on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Related: NOODLES Talks Being Kehlani’s DJ and Gives Advice to Female DJs
Win a Trip to the Red Bull Music 3Style IX World Finals
Do you know someone who would love to attend the Red Bull Music 3Style IX World Finals in Tapei, Taiwan? Nominate them for a chance to win a paid trip with a guest courtesy of DJcity!
The winner will receive two airline tickets and two hotel rooms at the W Taipei from January 25 to 28. They will also receive VIP access to all world finals events.
Here’s how it works: upload a photo or video of the nominee on Instagram and explain in the caption why they should attend the world finals. You must include the following in your caption: @DJcity’s account, the nominee’s account, and the hashtag #TakeMeToTaiwan. The contest is open worldwide.
Terms and conditions:
Nominee and guest must be at least 18 years old. Only one nomination per account, and multiple nominations for the same person will not increase the chances of winning. Prize is non-transferrable. In the case that the winner is unable to travel on the listed dates, all reasonable attempts will be made to accommodate for travel on other dates. Valid passport is required, and the winner is responsible for satisfying any visa requirements within their country, if applicable. Once airline tickets have been issued, any changes become the responsibility of the ticket holder. No purchase necessary. A purchase will not increase your chances of winning. A subscription to the DJcity Record Pool is not required to enter the contest. If for any reason listed prize is unavailable, a prize of equal or greater value will be awarded as a substitute. Prize is not redeemable for cash. DJcity and its affiliates take no ownership or responsibility for content uploaded by contestant to Instagram, Facebook or any other third party platforms. This contest is not sponsored by the W Hotel.
Related: Watch: Red Bull 3Style World Finals VIII Mini-Documentary
Watch: James Hype Breaks Down His Craig David-Assisted Single ‘No Drama’
In September, U.K. DJ/producer James Hype connected with R&B legend Craig David for a feel-good house single, “No Drama.” The track, which reached No. 8 on DJcity UK’s monthly top 20 chart, has gone on to amass 15 million streams. It has also been named a “Future Dance Anthem” by BBC Radio 1’s MistaJam.
We recently stopped by James’ studio in London to see how he made the track. The Liverpool native explained how the song came together and broke down each layer in Ableton Live. He also discussed his creative process and the role that DJcity has played in his career.
Watch above and download “No Drama” on DJcity.
Follow James Hype on on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.
Watch: DJ EFN on Launching ‘Drink Champs,’ Building a Career off of Mixtapes, and More
DJ EFN, co-host of the Drink Champs podcast with N.O.R.E., has spent decades as an ambassador of hip-hop culture. EFN got his start making mixtapes in Miami in the early ’90s. He then established Crazy Hood Productions, a hip-hop crew and multifaceted entertainment company.
In 2016, EFN and veteran rapper N.O.R.E. started Drink Champs, a weekly podcast where they host casual interviews with hip-hop’s biggest names. It has become one of the most popular music podcasts in the world.
On this episode of A Moment With, EFN talks about launching Drinks Champs with N.O.R.E., building a career off of mixtapes, his mission to unite people around the world through hip-hop, and more.
Watch above.
Follow DJ EFN on Instagram and Twitter.
Follow DJs Are Not Jukeboxes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.
Mad Skillz: Must-Have Items in My DJ Bag
Veteran rapper and songwriter Mad Skillz has had a versatile career. His debut album, released in 1995, contained underground classics like “The Nod Factor” and “Move Ya Body.”
In 2000, Skillz dropped an album for the legendary indie hip-hop label, Rawkus Records. The project featured the likes of Missy Elliot and CeeLo. By that time, Skillz had also been working as a ghostwriter, penning tracks for stars like Diddy and Will Smith.
Most recently, Skillz has toured the world as DJ Jazzy Jeff‘s MC and also as a solo DJ. Check out his must-have travel items below, and download his latest single “In a Minute” on DJcity.
Portable Phone Charger
“This is a must-have whenever I travel. It’s a no-brainer.”
Backup Hard Drive
“I have a drive that I back up with Carbon Copy Cloner so if I ever have a computer problem I can plug the drive into any computer and still play a set. And not only will I have all my music on the computer I’m playing with, but it will also look exactly like mine.”
Journal Book
“I’m old school in this manner: sometimes I actually like to write things down that come to me. I could put them in my notes on my phone, but there’s just something about seeing them in my actual handwriting. It’s everything from mix ideas, transitions, bookings, and things I have planned.”
“I like to capture moments and not be intrusive at the same time. The GoPro HERO3+ has never let me down for pictures and video.”
“They just work for me. They’re lighter, and they fit in my bag better than the 12 inches. They also stand up to normal wear and tear. I love them.”
Follow Mad Skillz on Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Twitter.
Related: A-Trak: Must-Have Items in My DJ Bag
Nathan Dawe Announces ‘Step Forward’ DJ Competition
UK DJ and producer Nathan Dawe announces his annual DJ Competition “Step Forward”. This competition aims to give a DJ a higher platform to perform on, whilst also giving them some extra tools to be able to push themselves further. Last years competition was won by Alfie Cridland & Caimen Kinder. They both received a support set at Nathan Dawe’s first ever headline show at the O2 Institute in Birmingham. This year it’s bigger!
PRIZES:
– A support set at Nathan Dawe’s Headline #0121 Show at the O2 Academy in Birmingham in front of 3000 people.
– A support set at Nathan Dawe’s Headline Show at the O2 Islington Academy in London.
– A support set at one of the Nathan Dawe live dates at Plus Club in Zante 2019.
– A headline set on the VVIP Yacht Party in Zante 2019 – courtesy of A-List Zante.
– A Year Premium Subscription to Mixcloud – courtesy of Mixcloud.
– 6 Month Subscription to DJcity UK – courtesy of DJcity.
– A one-to-one session with Nathan Dawe, where he will offer his advice, and discuss your future vision.
– A professional promo video and press shot pack to make sure you have the best content to use in your future marketing – courtesy of EV Pro.
HOW TO ENTER:
– Submit a mix, the first track of your mix MUST BE, Nathan Dawe’s – Cheatin’ (Available on iTunes or DJcity).
– Your mix must not exceed 30 minutes in length.
– Your mix must be uploaded to your own account on MIXCLOUD ONLY. Entries on other streaming platforms (ie. Soundcloud will not be counted).
– Your mix must be uploaded to one account only and must be exclusive to the competition.
– Your mix must be titled with the following ONLY – “Step Forward DJ Competition 2018 for Nathan Dawe” – Failure to use the correct title will result in your mix not being found and subsequently you will not be entered into the competition.
– The artwork for your mix MUST be the design we have made for you. This is available on the Mixcloud competition page or by clicking HERE.
– All entries must be uploaded and available online by 05/12/18.
– Your mix can consist of just one specific genre or include many different genres. Be creative.
– The use of your personal DJ Tags/Jingles is perfectly fine, and encouraged.
– Share and Promote your mix as much as possible, be proud.
For more information on the competition go to the official website.
THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON 09/12/18.
Watch: Marley Marl Talks Producing Electronic Music, Current State of Hip-Hop
Hip-hop legend Marley Marl recently down with the Drink Champs show for an extensive conversation.
A key figure in the development of hip-hop, Marley is considered to be the first producer to sample and chop drums. His credits include some of the most iconic tracks from the hip-hop’s golden age, including LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out,” Big Daddy Kane’s “Ain’t No Half Steppin’,” Eric B. & Rakim’s “Eric B. Is President,” Biz Markie’s “Vapors,” and MC Shan’s “The Bridge.”
Most of the interview focused on Marley’s career, but he also spoke about the current state of hip-hop.
On the new generation of hip-hop:
“I look at it is evolution … The people who don’t like what the young kids is doing, you too old. Because when I fell in love with what I was doing, I was about 18 years old, so whoever is 18 years old [is] probably falling in love with what they doing right now and that’s their sh#t.”
On how he started out as an electronic music producer:
“Before I started making hip-hop, I was making electronic music … That’s why I had the edge over everybody, because I was already tech savvy.”
Watch the full convo above.
Related: Watch: Inside DJ Jazzy Jeff’s 2018 PLAYLIST Retreat
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