(May 2004)

Introduce yourself, describing how you are involved in the hip hop industry

My name is D.L. (Dennis Lee), and I've been running the hip-hop show at my radio station (KTRU Houston, 91.7fm, Rice University) for the last five years. I've DJ'ed around town on occasion, and was formerly in a turntablist crew (the Phonographerz, now on hiatus).

Describe your market and the hip hop scene in your market

In theory, Houston is the fourth largest market in the nation.  Realistically speaking, it's probably not that big - music doesn't have quite the impact or drive here that it does in a place like NY, LA, SF, or Chicago. It's probably due to Houston's geography - it's the definition of urban sprawl.

The hip-hop scene here can basically be divided into two camps - commercial and underground. The underground scene here in Houston actually is getting more vibrant; there are strong communities for both the underground vibe and the independent dirty south vibe, and surprisingly there is a lot of support between the styles. Houston is finally learning to not hate on itself.

In what ways do you promote yourself in your market?

I don't really. I have the advantage of being the only underground hip-hop show in what might be considered a reasonable time slot (10pm - 1am).  I'm not here to do self-promotion; I'm here to play good music that no one else has really heard in our market. I do try to make connections with local hip-hop artists (DJs/producers/MCs) but that's more for the show than for self-promotion.

Your station was influencial in the changes made to college radio webcasting... what was the experience of being in that spotlight like and how do you feel webcasting helps build college radio?

All of that credit belongs to our general manager, Will Robedee. We've all had our input, but Will really took the ball and ran with it. I think webcasting really can help college radio a lot. It gives college stations, many of which are underpowered (we're not; we're 50,000 watts) a chance to acquire a larger audience. And I think there's really an audience out there looking for what college radio has to offer. We aren't burdened by
operating costs as much as commercial radio, so we're able to play some more esoteric stuff. I've had people call the studio during my show from all around the nation, and gotten emails from around the world.

I think DJs at college radio stations need to pay more attention to the developments in the industry, though. More and more universities are beginning to view the airwaves as a potential asset to be exploited (take us for example; we got shut down briefly over a dispute about athletics a few years ago) rather than as a voice for the students to control.

How would you advise new DJs coming up or at the college level so that they can get the most out of their college show and make a name for themselves in their market?

Ultimately, it boils down to the music. Play the music you love, and it'll show. Don't be afraid to reach out to artists and labels. Often times if I hear an artist is rolling into town that I like, I'll do my best to get a short interview with them. Most of them will do it if the scheduling works out. Build contacts locally - reach out to local artists and venues and network like mad. Most importantly, always maintain a professional attitude. Never let your head get inflated. If you are booked to do a guest spot, show up on time, do your thing, and don't cop an attitude. Conversely, expect everyone else to be professional as well. If you work with a shady promoter who is disorganized and tries to screw you, let people know. If you book a guest dj for your show, and they dick around or don't show up, let them know that is unacceptable. Music is a business like any other - be professional, expect professionalism, and work hard and you stand a half a chance of getting somewhere.

What records are you banging right now and what are your listeners begging you for?

The remix of "What U Sittin On?" by DM & Jemini is pretty hot (the bassline is sick; turn it up!). Lots of good stuff coming out of the Hieroglyphics camp lately (Encore & Casual especially). Oktober's new 12" is hot, the Word Association 12" was hot, the new O.C. 12" is hot.

Album-wise, I'm really digging the Himalayan Project album "Wince At The Sun" and I'm also feeling the various artists comp "You Don't Know The Half" on Halftooth Records.

And of course I gotta rep the Texas stuff - Bavu Blakes out of Austin, VG Skillz (aka V-Zilla) and K-Otix out of Houston, and Hydroponic Sound System out of Dallas.

How can people contact you?

They can email me at dlee@ktru.org, or drop a note on my website (www.falsecognate.org). Or they can use snail mail and send stuff to the station at the address below.

KTRU 91.7fm
Rice University
6100 S. Main St.
Houston, TX 77005
www.falsecognate.org

by Big Lee

(April 2004)

Introduce yourself, describing how you are involved in the hip hop industry.

My name is Jason Guerrero aka J-Tyme.  I did college radio for 5 years (1998-2003) at Western Washington University in Bellingham WA and now I'm on KMIH FM- X104 in Seattle.

Describe your market and the hip hop scene in your market.

The market for hip-hop here is weird.  It's picked up a lot lately though and I can only see it getting better.  There seems to be a lot of things going on and a lot of artists out here are doing their thing.  I've lived in Seattle all my life so I've seen it go through many changes, but it's definitely on the up and up right now.

In what ways do you promote yourself in the market?

I wouldn't say I promote ONLY myself out here.  Recently, a group of DJ's (including myself) have come together and formed a crew called The Seattle Tastemakers.  Our goal is to make a major impact out here.  The good thing about us is that the crew is well-represented in other outlets, not only radio.  We got guys who run the clubs, have internet shows, do parties, mixtapes, etc.....the whole nine.  It's a beautiful thing.

You have been involved in college radio for a long time, in what way have you seen it change?  Has it changed for the better?

When I first started doing college radio, it was picking up steam and then it got really big. For awhile, labels and artists were really checkin for college DJs and counting on them to break their songs/artists.  Suddenly things started to change.  Major trades started cutting out urban college radio and it really suffered.  It sucked.  Records that I knew I could break, I couldn't even get in my hands until months later and that's what frustrated me most.  As a college DJ, I wanted to be the one who broke the record on the air, in the clubs, on a mixape, out in the streets....anywhere.  Don't get me wrong, college radio never went anywhere It was and always be a force, but just like anything else, it went through its ups and downs.  I think it had to, for people to realize how important it is, so I do think it has changed for the better.

If you could advise new DJs at the college level on how to get the most out of their radio show what would you tell them?

Don't restrict yourself on what you play on your show.  Just because a record is commercially successful or sounds too commercial doesn't mean it  sucks.  It wasn't until a few years into doing my show I realized the impact I had at breaking a new record...not only on the underground level, but also mainstream wise. I believe being a well-rounded DJ and playing all types of music is very important.

What are your long term plans?

Honestly, right now, I don't really know.  I do know that I enjoy doing radio and being back on the air mixing and breaking records is a great feeling.  One thing I do want to help accomplish is for people to realize, there's more to Seattle than Starbucks and rain, so with that, plese believe that The Seattle Tastemakers are coming!  You've been warned!

What records are you banging right now?

Redman:  The Saga Continues
Slum Village w/ Kanye West:  Selfish
Ghostface and Missy Elliot:  Tush
Joe Budden:  Body's Hot
Outkast:  Roses

How can people contact you for service, questions, etc.?

Email:  j_tyme73@hotmail.com
2way:  jtyme@my2way.com (This is the best way)

by Big Lee

(March 2004)

Introduce yourself and give a brief description of what you are currently involved with.

My name is Karam "El-K" Debly and I currently live in Toronto, Ontario,
Canada but I'm originally from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Right now, I do a
radio show called "The Madness" on K103 (Montreal, Quebec) and
www.HipHopDX.com hosted by Scott Boogie. Every Wednesday, I do a club night with DJ Tasc at System Soundbar in Toronto. I compile the National Urban Chart for Canadian Music Network. Also, I work with artists and labels promoting their music to radio. Outside of music, I work in Information Technology and Real Estate.

How did you get into hip hop and more specifically hip hop on radio?
My uncle was an embarrassingly die hard disco fan. He played a record for me that was "new music black people are making in the States" - in his words. It took me a while to figure out what I had heard (Sugarhill Gang - Rapper's Delight), back then I didn't know what it was called and where to find it. It wasn't until the late 80s RUN DMC, EPMD, Beastie Boys and Fat Boys era came about that I started buying rap music.

I was playing in clubs and an old friend invited me to come by his overnight radio show. I showed up with a crate and he showed me how to work the boards. I was in the studio for about an hour and realised I hadn't seen him around. I went to the other room and found him sleeping on a couch. So I did the rest of the show. I enjoyed that so much that I got my own show 6 months later.

Describe your market and the type of activities in your market that you are involved in.
Man, I'd like to talk about Canada. It's such a large country geographically that it makes connecting with people challenging sometimes. There are some things already in place, but in many ways there's a lot of work to do. I'm working with others to bridge some of the gaps in the scene and get more people working together.

What do you do in your market to promote yourself and your show?
In Montreal, the radio show has built up a following and we have a great time slot so it really sells itself. It's all word of mouth at this point. On the net, we have links to the show from the homepage and that's driving traffic to our page.

As far as promoting myself, I make an effort to network with people and make deals where it's mutually beneficial. You'll never catch me without my business cards in my pocket.

Your radio show airs in an English speaking market and a non-English speaking market (I believe - if not you have done both - please correct this). Outside of the obvious differences what kind of situation is this to work with?

Our show is 100% English, except for when I play Orishas (Cuban hip hop). French hip hop has it's own scene that we're not really a part of.

Do you feel that your show is well received in the market? If it is, why is that, if not, why is that?
Yes. We have a good timeslot and we keep the playlist well-balanced to be inclusive. It's not that I put that much effort into it, I like to mix it up. The only drawback to being on K103 in Montreal is that the signal doesn't cover certain parts of the city.

On the net, we get listeners from all over the world. I have an audience that loves to hear classic records so I make it a point to mix in older records every once in a while. I usually end up burning those shows to CD for people.

What records are you really feeling right now?
Kanye West's album, Royce 5'9" "Hip Hop", Graph "I Don't Care", Dilated Peoples "This Way". I'm not like other people in my circle who concern themselves with the state of Hip Hop so I also like club-oriented records like Lil' Jon. Having said that, I hope that the success of Kanye's album brings more variety to the mainstream.

What artists can we look forward to from your market?
C.L.A.S. (Toronto) is about to come out big. Citizen Kane (Toronto) has a new album coming out soon. AMP Army (Vancouver?) just did a new joint that's really hot. Roy Robinson (Toronto, I think - R&B). Jugga and The Corps (Ottawa).

How can people contact you?
el.k@rogers.com

 

by Big Lee

(February 2004)

Up next on the profile column are the Chan Brothers representing Vancouver and CJSF radio.

Introduce yourself and give a brief description of what you are currently involved with.
We are Matt and Trever Chan.  We do a hip hop radio show called Straight No Chaser on CJSF 90.1fm at Simon Fraser University from 8-10pm Fridays.  Matt is also the assistant music director at CJSF.  The Chan Brothers also record under the name No Luck Club.  Our album is currently in stores and was released by Ill Boogie Records. 

How did you get into hip hop and more specifically hip hop on radio?
We've always been listening to hip hop since we were younger (around '86?).  We got involved with college radio back in highschool when we started to volunteer at CJSF.  We continued to volunteer at the station once we enrolled at the university.  Eventually we got our own hip hop show in '92.

Describe your market and the type of activities in your market that you are involved in.
The scene in Vancouver is still pretty young however it is growing.  There are a lot of local underground artists that are working on material as well as playing at local events.  In the last year and a half Vancouver recieved a commerical hip hop station (The Beat 94.5 fm) which has affected the night club scene.  There has been a definite increase in the number of hip hop nights around town...unfortunately the the music reflects what's being played on the urban station (jiggy crap). 

What do you do in your market to promote yourself and your show?
Actually not a whole lot...just word of mouth I guess.  It's not really important to us if we have a huge number of listeners.  We're just content with doing a radio show where we get to play what we want.  If people want to listen that's great however if they don't like what we're playing they can go listen to The Beat.

Do you feel that your show is well received in the market? If it is, why is that, if not, why is that?
I think so.  I think the reason why people like our show or why they would tune in would be because they are frustrated with listening to all the crappy music that is getting played on commercial radio.  I think our radio show is a nice alternative to what is currently available.

What are your thoughts on the current state of hip hop?
It's not good.  Things need to change...everything from the way it's produced to the way it's perceived.  

What records are you really feeling right now?
Kid Koala.  People Under The Stairs.  Electric Company.  Kev Brown.  D-Styles.  Styles of Beyond.  Ugly Duckling.  J-Live.  Fourtet.

How can people contact you?
Email is the best way: chanbros@direct.ca

by Big Lee

(January 2004)

Introduce  yourself and give a brief description of what other endeavors you are currently involved with.
 
What up I'm Semp Rok.. not "Rock". I'm  B-Boy not a cluster of minerals from the earth. Currently I'm holding it on down for my city, Miami on WRGP 88.1 FM. I've been in the college radio scene since Summer 98' and on the air since Fall 99'. I've held positions from Promotions Director, to Music Director (Temp), Urban Director, and more recently Programming Director. I'm that guy that probably has too much on his plate, but its my will to live and reason to keep building. I'm currently the owner of Public Wizard Marketing & Promotions, GM of Badgramma Records and co-owner of Http://www.theHipHopPost.com. yet I still manage to handle school and my 9-5 in the Real-Estate industry.


How did you get into hip hop and more specifically hip hop on radio?
For me the passion for Hip-hop started when I went to a local event called Hood Stock which was sponsored by a local private radio station. I never thought I'd get into DJing or on-air radio until my homeboy Anonyms1 put me down. I still thank him till this day. He is my friend, but also my mentor in this. Without him reaching out to me you probably would have never known who I was right now in this scene. We had the top rated radio program in south florida by our listeners. Still till this day I get calls and questions asking when Anonyms1 and I are getting back to do the Bringing it Back on Wax show. Yet all good thing must come to and end and fortunately I was able to hold it down ever since with a new show called, The Late Night BBQ. I still wanted an outlet for music that didn't have a chance for burn. The same music I felt was superior to what was being played on commercial radio. It was a hard start but I was blessed to link with the people I did and ones I consider my home team: Ruin, DJ Omega, Trees & Paper, and DJ Sharpsound. We've been running strong since 2001 and now this show has become a tradition Hip-Hop show that is passed down over the years.

Describe your market and the type of activities in your market that you are involved in.
For some time I was in charge of the music during the industry nights we had out here hosted by Crazy Hood. It was a positive environment where producers, emcees, industry people and listeners got to build. Unfortunately one crowd messed it up for the rest as a fight broke out and we had to bounce from that spot. Since then i support the local shows we have usually at Art Galleries, SoHo Lounge, The Marlin Hotel, and other random spots around Miami that host vibing events. We definitely have a mixture of cultures and flavor out here in Miami. You can hit the jiggy spots, get blown up and go rave, lay out at the beach, but my thing is the lounge vibe or watching the breakers do their thing at the Dolla Jams and practices.  That only happens when I have time though. Most of the time you'll catch me in the office or having meetings. I'm always dealing with the local scene working on new projects for them. One I'm most hyped on is  DVD that's in the works.

What do you do in your market to promote yourself and your show?
Mostly word of mouth. I've built a foundation out of people who truly feel what we are doing. At first I would go all out trying to get the name out there and busting my ass in hard work. Now I just bust my ass and let the referrals come in. That's mostly my way of nature. One because I don't have the funds to pay for crazy advertisement and second cause I'd rather build with people who really want it. One thing I don't like to do is waste my time or anyone else's.


Do you feel that your show is well received in the market? If it is, why is that, if not, why is that?
Well we have our solid listeners that tune in every week an support no matter what, yet sometimes while doing radio we have had a sense of discouragement and its usually when we don't provide a dope show. It takes more then a dope mix, a lively host and watts to be well received. You gotta have a solid programming. When we don't put in the extra leg work of creativity I don't believe we blast the crowd. I'd love to say we do, but Miami is a hard market, especially for the music we provide. They actually want the same 5 tracks being played in their ears everyday, and if it not the top 10 rappers, you better pull some tracks. Yet we do have a dope scene and our core listeners whom we do the show for specifically anyways. Thats my reason to get on every week whether it 500 or 500,000 listeners. We get a lot of support on the official site for Hip-hop in Miami Http://www.The305.com . That always helps.

What are your thoughts on the current state of hip hop?
Its gotten better as of recent, or maybe its just that the people I build with aren't so anal and ignorant. I am all for this culture and keep acknowledging the purity of the elements, but some people want to make this a religion which restricts our creative ability, something we never were down to begin with. I admit about 80% of the music out there is crap in my opinion, but I don't waste time speaking about whats whack. I wanna know the Hot $h*t! I also think that may people don't think with reason when it comes to music. They try to play opinion as fact and want to fight it to the death, when we all know thats its not causing any progression. I'm glad that mixtapes are everywhere again. I've missed them.


What records are you really feeling right now?
Immortal Technique- Industrial Revolution
Dilated Peoples- Poisonous
MayDay!-Quicksand
Ghostface- Run

How can people contact you?
Semp Rok
(786) 277-7367
Sempent@aol.com
Http://www.PublicWizardinc.com

by Big Lee

(December 2003)

This week I had the opportunity to grill Patrick Judabong, better known to the DJ community as DJ Buddhabong.  DJ Buddhabong is definitely holding it down on the west coast with the website www.solofhiphop.com.  If you haven't had the opportunity to check out the show online it is something that I definitely suggest you do as Buddhabong is definitely making it happen.

Please introduce yourself, what are you currently involved with and how did you get into hip hop?
My name is Patrick Judabong aka DJ Buddhabong hailing from West Covina, California and I am the show producer and DJ for SOL of HIPHOP Radio – www.solofhiphop.com. Currently I am involved with a new mixtape that’s about to hit stores with in the next week called “Word on the street is.. Volume 2”.  In addition I DJ at various clubs in and around Los Angeles and have been promoting new talent/ hiphop/ urban acts independently for about 7+ years now (just finished promoting Aceyalone, Iomos Marad, and the D-Styles Album). I work for wetinkprinting.com and Beat Junkies inc.  I got into hiphop when I heard Run DMC’s – “It’s like that”  - at that moment I was hooked and started to surround/educate myself with the culture.

Describe your radio show and musical interests.  What do you feel makes a solid college radio show? And, what do you do to differentiate your show from that of others?
SOL of HIPHOP Radio started 3yrs ago at the beginning of the TIR (Titan Internet Radio) Radio Stations start – the musical genre is Underground hiphop, reggae, breaks, soul, funk, and old school. I feel that a college radio show should be well rounded with the music, thought provoking interviews and complimentary djs and on air personalities.
We differentiate our show by combining great music, on campus promotions, never before heard interviews and strong djs and on air personalities.

What is your biggest highlight as a DJ?
My biggest highlight as a DJ would be DJing with the various prolific DJs that shape our community by taking this game the next level at various events/ showcases locally and also in different cities in the US. DJs like TOC (tables of content), Beat Junkies, TGC, dp massive, supersperms, if2, and Top Rawmen to name a few.

Please describe your market and the things that you do in your market to promote yourself?  Many times I hear from people that the campus does not support their radio shows.  Do you feel that the student body and moreso the surrounding community has been supportive of what you are doing?
My market is Los Angeles (CSUF – Cal State Fullerton University).  To promote the show in the market I do on campus promotions such as posting bills in class rooms, dorms, hallways, and offices. Additionally, I make fliers and pass them out at local colleges, clubs, and events. It also helps to DJ events with our banner which we use as visuals to promote our show. 

What is your outlook on college radio in the next 5 years, that is what do you think college radio can do to reinvent itself in order to remain on top of its game?
My outlook on college radio is that if students and college radio stations don’t help get the word out on each station then, college radio will die out as we know it. I think that if people would push college radio through internet, local shows/ showcases, events, clubs, benefits, etc It would really help get the awareness out. More artists should rely on college radio, if more artists would recognize college radio interviews, call ins, appearances and what not it might have an impact on their sales and branding.  Then I think this would bring college radio into the light even more than it is now. A lot of artist broke out because of college radio – some should give back.

What artists are you really feeling right now?
Currently: Anything from Stones Throw, MF Doom, Sol Uprising, Visionaries, Kev Brown, Little Brother,  Raw Produce, Dwele, and Dilated People just to name a few…

How can people contact you if they want to get in touch?
Patrick Judabong – DJ Buddhabong
SOL of HIPHOP Radio – Fridays 4-7PM PST
www.solofhiphop.com
solofhiphop@yahoo.com

 

 by Big Lee
 

(October 2003)

SHAREEF ABDULLAH

This week I had the opportunity to bounce some questions off WRFL's Shareef Abdullah. Shareef has been doing his thing for the last six years in the Lexington, Kentucky market. When we spoke about how college radio can reinvent itself I think Shareef nailed it right on the head. He's got some strong ideas and is really working hard to make a difference. Feel free to hit him up at the contact information below.

Please introduce yourself, what are you currently involved with and how did you get into hip hop?
My government and dj name is Shareef Abdullah I’m the hip hop director at WRFL 88.1 fm on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington. I have been at WRFL for six years hosting and producing the hip hop show called the “Black Fist” formerly known as the “B-boy Science.” The show airs every Wednesday night 9pm-12am eastern standard time and its main objective is to feature the best in underground hip hop weather it be old or new. Also, we try to balance things by interjecting social or political commentary that strives to uplift and educate. What I’m currently involved in now is raising my two month old daughter and providing for my family. Those duties take precedent over anything in my life.

I got into hip hop by Listening to RUN DMC, LL Cool J and Whodini at an early age attracted me to hip hop. Recognizing the profound effect these rappers had on the people in my neighborhood, I just knew hip hop was the voice of the people.

Describe your radio show and musical interests. What do you feel makes a solid college radio show? And, what do you do to differentiate your show from that of others?
Personally, I feel there is no other radio show that can compete with the “The Black Fist.” I know that is a bold statement because there are a lot of dope shows out there, but I feel that the “The Black Fist” has been ahead of its time since its inception. The reason being, like I mentioned before, we try to offer the public information and insight that no other radio show would touch, such as an honest analysis on the state of the black community or the war against Islam. Whatever is relevant we will touch on it, without sugar-coating the message. Also, we feature at least 10-15 exclusives a week along with interviews and other added attractions. So, we have a good balance of all the right elements to keep thelisteners attention for three straight hours, something I think a lot of hip hop shows lack.

What is your biggest highlight as a DJ?
The biggest highlight for me as a DJ, was acquiring the hip hop director position at WRFL. One of my biggest goals in life was to bring true hip hop back to the people, so when I was blessed to take over the hip hop programming at WRFL, I knew I had the perfect opportunity to accomplish this. I still remember that day I was called up for an interview and given the position. That was a historic moment in Kentucky.


Please describe your market and the things that you do in your market to promote yourself? Many times I hear from people that the campus does not support their radio shows. Do you feel that the UK body has been supportive of what you are doing?
The market in KY is still backwards to a large degree, down south crunk and hip pop music still dominant most heads on and off campus. But, since the beginning of my show, underground hip hop has grown despite the massive ignorance. To promote the show, I record episodes of “the Black Fist” and distribute them at local shows and through independent record stores. I think the support we get from the masses in KY is lukewarm, but we are a very important outlet for a lot of other people who love true hip hop, so that is what keeps us motivated and focused.


As a veteran of this radio game what are the positive and negative changes that you have witnessed over the years?
Point blank I think the internet and technology has severely ruined the worth of college radio and the underground hip hop scene. In these days and times, the average joe with a computer has the ability to gain an endless amount of exclusive material. This effect almost makes the local college radio dj obsolete. By the time you get dope records and play them on your show most of the heads have heard them already and care less about
supporting the show. This works the same when people make decisions about purchasing new cd’s or records. Why spend $15 on a dope LP when you can download it off Kazza or get a burned copy from your homeboy? These are the times we are living in. On the positive end I think despite the setbacks college radio has experienced over the last few years, dj’s and promoters are finding alternate ways to keep this thing moving steadily by take more initiative resulting in the preservation of college radio. Without these efforts this thing would have been over a couple of years ago.

What is your outlook on college radio in the next 5 years, that is what do you think college radio can do to reinvent itself in order to remain on top of its game?
I believe the only thing that is going to save college radio is for the dj’s to play more of a role in the promotion and marketing of the artists. Just playing records and compiling charts every week is not enough. The dj’s are going to have to aggressively attack the market in the area by ensuring that every head in their locality are aware of their show and the artists they support. That is only natural! If you have dope records why not expose them to every person you come in contact with? That is what hip hop is all about, disseminating information on those without knowledge. That is the key to survival for college radio. No doubt!

What artists are you really feeling right now?
Right now I’m feeling artists who have that uncompromising hunger in their joints. Currently, I’m feeling the Iomos Marad LP, Kevin Brown from A Touch of Jazz, Oktober, Jean Grae EP, Tragedy Khadafi LP, Immortal Technique, Oh No, Jake One, Encore, etc. those are just a few, I got a bunch of others on my list as well.

How can people contact you if they want to get in touch?
Contact me at shareefh25@msn.com or on the “Black Fist” every Wednesday
night 9pm-12am at http://wrfl.uky.edu:9000
 

 by Big Lee
 

(October 2003)

DJ FLASH

After a short hiatus this we had the opportunity to speak with Alex Takasaki, known better in Kitchener, Ontario as DJ Flash.  You'll see in the following profile that DJ Flash represents everything that is right about the college DJ from continuous hard work to building ties with the community.  We break down his thoughts on college radio, the difference between hip hop in the U.S. and Canada and provide information for you all to contact him.

Please introduce yourself, what are you currently involved with and how did you get into hip hop?
What's up y'all my name is DJ Flash from 88.3 CJIQ FM (Conestoga College) in Kitchener Ontario, I also do parties and clubs as a part of the DJ Crew "The Bounce Squad"  Right now we are involved in many things.  First and foremost is the radio show, The Lockdown Show airs each Saturday Night from 8-12 PM.  We specialize in breaking records.  If you live in our area, you will definetly hear the hottest music on our show. The main focus of the show is new music and new artists that are trying to make moves.  Each week our show gives listeners current music industry news, an artist spotlight, and a Canadian Countdown, as well as playing our "Underground Pick of The Week" and "Old School Pick of the week". One of the things we like to do is to involve many local and Canadian artists as much as possible on our show, we have the means to help aspiring local artists as well as new US acts so we do our best to spotlight these artists.  Aside from the Radio, we are currently resident DJ's at Loose Change Louies, The Bomber (University Of Waterloo), and have guest appearances at many other local nightclubs.  Currently we have a couple events coming up in the near future including a fashion show and an MC battle.  The Last thing we are involved in are mix cd's.  It is often the best way to promote new artists as well as yourself , so we take advantage of this by releasing various promotional cd's every month. 

I Got into hip hop as a teenager, some of my favorite groups back in the day was, Black Moon, Lords Of The Underground, Jeru, Nas, Wu Tang..Every time i listened to the tapes I felt like this was something that i needed to be involved in.  I Can't rhyme worth a lick, so I decided to pick up DJing.  Ever since then, my love for all aspects of hip hop has grown deeper by the day, the music has made me the person I am today, I don't know what I would be doing without HIP HOP...


Describe your radio show and musical interests. What do you feel makes a solid college radio show? And, what do you do to differentiate your show from that of others?
My musical interests vary broadly, from Hip Hop, to Reggae, to R&B to even House and Booty Music.  Basically we play whatever we think is hot, whether it is a track from Aesop Rock, or Jay Z.  If a record is banging, then we will play it.  A solid college radio show has got to have flava, something different then the commercial stations.  It should be tight production wise, because there is nothing worse than a poorly run show.  In addition, I think that live DJ's spinning on the air is important, but not essential, there must be local flavor represented in the show, and the community must be able to relate to what you are playing and saying on air.  We try to make our show as unique as possible, from the different artist spotlights each week, not being afraid to play different records, reporting local hip hop news, we do our show for the community and try to educate the community.


What is your biggest highlight as a DJ?
I was djing for this group called the Whythouse, and we opened up for De La Soul, they are hip hop icons, and they was real cool peoples. It was an honor.  Also everytime I play a record on the air and my partnerers are feelin it or the record gets lots of calls about it, I realize again that this is what we do it for, to break records.  It makes me feel real good about what we are doing...


Please describe your market and the things that you do in your market to promote yourself?
It's a funny market.  My market is a university city, nuff kids always going to clubs, so we try to stay present in the clubs at all times.  We promote the radio show and give out the mix tapes which is the best way to stay connected to the streets, and the people that support us...


How would you describe the difference between the Canadian and US hip hop scene if a difference exists?
Canada is going through a phase right now.  Things are starting to build up towards us being equal to the US.  Canada has mad talent and it's real different.  People are doin hip hop in Canada right now for the love of it and not necessarily for the money.  We are still many years behind in hip hop, but we are catching up, you will start to hear more about the cats comin outta here like Kardinal, Bishop, AMP, Consise.  We have a crazy amount of Ill Producers as well.


What is your outlook on college radio in the next 5 years, that is what do you think college radio can do to reinvent itself in order to remain on top of its game?
College radio is important but unless there is a movement for real hip hop the future doesn't look that great.  Barely any of the major record lables reconize college radio right now when it comes to servicing, and they are the key.  College radio has the capability of breaking records like crazy, especially in spots where the commercial radio is wack or there is no commerical radio presence.  It all comes down to the college cats going back to work, proving that we are important in this game, and that we have the capability of breaking records, releasing mix cd's, and proving that we are still important to any hip hop community.


What artists are you really feeling right now?
Right now I'm feelin the Kool G Rap Record, Peedie Crack records, Aesop Rock and Camp Lo record, and anything old school


How can people contact you if they want to get in touch?
If artists are interested in submitting records for radio or mix tape they should hit me up djflash05@hotmail.com.  Thanks to Lee, and Rap Network for helping me out, this was a real positive experience.  I gotta shout out DJ Dru, Keem, Double D, LB, Quanta, LSP, 3rd Degree, Q It Up, Macabee Media, Ear2Much and all the peeps..Holla

 

-Edited by Big Lee
 

(September 2003)

DJ ID

This week, like just about every week, I had the opportunity to talk to my homie from the Bay area ID. ID is a non-stop hustler that is one of the realist people that you will ever meet. I used to think ID was exaggerating how ill the Bay Area is and then I went to Gavin and stayed with him and Tek. One of the coolest people I have ever met and someone I consider to be a friend watch for my man to constantly make moves in this game.

1. How did you get started in the hip hop industry and what are you currently doing today?
I was dj'n in high school from 93-96 and I was always wanting the new hot shit first. My boy Mellow Vibe had service from every fuckin label and it killed me how he had these joints so goddamn early. Mellow Vibe put me up on game and told me that if I had a radio show and built realtionships with the various label reps I could get service so I could have the hottest mixtapes out in my area! I met my Dj Mark 7 from Santa Rosa and we started "Stepn 2 The Am" on KMXN 1150 AM and KTOB 1490 AM in 1996. The show was like a cult classic, almost like a hip hop howard stern show. However, I still didn't get no love on service. That is when i met Justin Bartek from KSUN. Justin put me on to all the shit I needed to know and then when Nasty Nes took over at HITS he went out of his way to make sure all his HITS reportes were taken care of. Then throug meeting various promoters I got in touch with J Grand and 007, and as these Big Dogs were making bigger moves they kindly passed the torch to me. They taught me how to walk in the game, and showed me the dedication it took to earn a place in this "game". This has lead me to working for Beni B at ABB Records who gave me the greatest opportunity ever in putting out records (Little Brother, Arcee, Saj Supreme) and now currently I am working at Hieroglyphics. I have my own label distributed threw Hiero called Refill Records (Z man "Dope or Dog Food" in stores jan 2004) and will be going on my first US tour with Hiero / Little Brother / Encore / Z Man.


2. Describe your market and how hip hop influences the area that you live in.
The Yay Area: It was fuckin crackin in the mid 90's but for somereason it just isn't as potent as it once was. The streets have always dictated what is hot (E-40, Federation, JT The Bigga Figga, Done Deal Fam Andre Nickatina, and so many other that dont get thier props) but I cant forget the underground that everyone has built off of (Hieroglyphics, Quannum, ABB Living Legends, Zion I, Goapele). As far as radio goes, Clear Channel owns the airwaves so you know how that is. We do have GREAT community radio scene, but unfortunately it just isnt as powerfull as the big dogs.
I've got to mention Davey D / Beatsauce / Everyone at KZSU...the Bay spreads A LOT of love.

3. Do you feel that college radio is still a force when it comes to breaking new music?
It will ALWAYS be a force. Especially as hip pop is dominating our everyday lives. There are so many different styles of hip hop, and the major media outlets will only allow exposure to those in which they feel they will profit from. I do not know if college radio will ever be as effective as it was in the mid 90's especially with more from pirate radio, and as the technology becomes more accepted sattelite radio will be the the strongest force in independent music.

4. What can college radio and the DJs involved do to constantly reinvent itself in order to not fall behind mixshows, satelite radio, internet radio, etc?
Dont hate a record because it is "mainstream". Make your show / tape / cd / club as FRESH as possible. Promote yourself as well; self promotion is a good thing!

5. What is your current outlook on the state of hip hop?
Very promising, I'm on the fuck a' backpack it's underground right now. So if I ain't poppin my collar im a backpacker? Fuck nah! The Roots / Common Talib / Mos Def have paved away for the accpetance of groups like Little Brother / Goapele but not many more. Look for that to change a bit more. It all moves in cycles.

6. You have been involved with the rise of Little Brother please describe that process. Did you find it to be rewarding and do they have enough of a draw to maintain this recent rise?
A little over a year ago when the album was done and they played it for me I told myself fuck it, if all this hip hop shit drys up and I go back to baggin groceries I know that I played my part in giving hip hop a classic lp. These dudes are stars they will have a sitcom on the WB! If you have heard what I have heard you would know, their story hasn't even started and mark my words EVERYTHING I fuck with will be unique,
entertaining, and raw as fuck. Encore, dudes gonna turn some heads. Z Man, people are NOT ready. Saj Supreme, if you dont like him he may shoot you, so please play his shit. Lastly, my homie Spitfire from Compton just remember where you heard Spits name first.

7. From a label stand point what advice would you give to independent labels - especially these days when many of them struggle to sell copies of their music?
15 songs recorded dont make an album. You have to record 50 record 60, then put out only the cream of the crop. Dont get in the game as a "business move". Open up a bread and water restauraunt you will have better luck. If you have the drive enough to do it you will soon find out there is no such thing as a day off so never stop husslin!

8. What are your long term plans?
Be happy, work hard, love women, and stay myself. I am lucky to have been surrounded by some of the realest people in the game including Tek, Mark7, Grizz, Dub, Sonny D, Nasty Nes, ESP Fam, Papa D!, ABB, Hiero, and every dj who "keeps it real". Oh, and by the way:
Hieroglyphics "Full Circle" October 7th
Z Man "Dope or Dog Food" in stores Jan 2004
Encore "Layover" in stores Feb 2004

9. How can people contact you...
Whereever its crackin imma be there so look low. But if that don't work you can reach me at 510 444 5351 or email iD77@aol.com. Oh and one more thing on the way out. If you want to be serviced records an e mail saying your a dj wont get you on. Try a phone call, try sending me your radio show on cd. You gotta pay some dues cause fuck, hella people hit me up but only a few get serviced. My advice is this, build relationships, that's over half of the game

 

-Big Lee
 

(September 1, 2003)

DJ B-Mello

This week I had the opportunity to sit down with my man from Seattle, DJ B-Mello at KEXP.  B-Mello has been doing it out there for about as long as anyone has been doing it anywhere.  One of the coolest people in this game, B-Mello took time to answer the following questions.

 

Please give a brief introduction of how you got into hip hop and the aspects that you are currently involved with. 
I'm DJ B-Mello aka The Westcoast #1 Tapemaster and I'm reppin Seattle, Block Burners, and NRC.  I got into hip hop way back in the day and was rhyming at first.  I lived in North Carolina and basically got exposed through early Sugar Hill and Enjoy records that were sent to a station that my friend's brother worked at.  These records didn't fit the station's format so they were given to me since they knew I liked rap.  I was also introduced to the music by older kids playing their boxes at the basketball court.  I had moved from a city in South Carolina to a small town in North Carolina in late '79 and seemed to have everyone amazed that I knew all the lyrics to "Rapper's Delight".   I became fascinated with b-boying in '81 and when I moved to Japan in '82 I really got into that aspect of the culture.  My step dad was in the military and a lot of the younger Marines would have tapes from NY.  I was a fiend for new radio tapes from Red Alert, Mr. Magic & Marley Marl, and the Awesome 2 (Special K & Teddy Ted).  After hearing the deejays over a couple years I decided that my place was behind the turntables and I've been there ever since which is going on 20 years.  Nowadays I'm an all around deejay spinning everything from shows/concerts, radio, clubs/parties, etc, but I really made a name putting out mixtapes in the 90s.  As far as the industry side of things besides radio I've written for a lot of magazines, organized and promoted numerous concerts and events,  and have worked for a lot of labels doing independent street and radio promotions over the past 10 years.  In '93 my partner Trae was the Tommy Boy rep and we started a company called Point Blank Promotions that broke a lot of artists on the street level in the early days of street promotions and helped set the blue print for today's promoters. Trae is keeping busy handling the day to day workload that comes with running Point Blank while my main focus right now is spinning and taking my deejay career to the next level.  I'm also gearing up to push the Block Burner crew's music worldwide once it drops.

Describe your market from a hip hop perspective.  Does college radio have an influence on what occurs in the market?  If yes, why is that?  That is, does your show influence because it has been there for a while and therefore influences more than a new shows or does college radio in general influence?  If no, why do you feel that is?
My market is really weird as far as hip hop goes.  There's a big underground scene that doesn't get much exposure outside of the market and there's also a few other hip hop scenes all going on simultaneous.  It's really trendy and I can remember visiting Seattle in 1985 and seeing how big of a "new york" type scene there was and then when I finally moved here in 1991 it was totally different and was a straight up "west coast" scene other than the underground.  There are a lot of misconceptions about Seattle to this day.  I have lived here for 12 years and can count on 3 fingers the times I've seen Sir Mixalot and only once was at a hip hop event (the commercial radio stations BDAY party), but I couldn't count the times I've been asked about Mix while in NY or LA.  I have nothing against him and actually bought his records and thought that was what Seattle was all about.   My station KEXP (formerly KCMU)  is known for breaking records in my market.  We have a Top40/R station, but nothing really urban so my show differs from other markets because I have to fill in the gaps and might play commercial bangers along side of underground joints.  I got my start in radio on "Rap Attack" with Nasty Nes and Mike Cee in 1992 doing mixes and I learned a lot as far as not being biased and playing all kinds of hip hop.  I try and remember that when I program nowadays.  My show "Streetsounds" influences a lot.  The hip hop shows have been on 90.3fm in the same time slot since the 80s so true heads know where to tune in to hear the new joints, get info on shows, etc..  I've had tons of young adults tell me they grew up listening to me on Rap Attack and Streetsounds.

People say college radio has lost it's value, is this a comment that you believe and secondly if it is true what are things that can be done to bring the value back?
The landscape of college radio has changed over the years.  Originally it was the main avenue of breaking records.  Somewhere along the way in the late 90s with the popularity of all the commercial mixshows and new stations and programming I think that record companies realized that it was easier and more cost effective to bypass college radio which had previously exposed all of the talent that were now "popular".  I also think that the major trade magazines like Gavin, Hits, and Urban Network realized that there wasn't much money in college radio and decided to abandon it.  I personally feel it's really important and am so glad that there's RapAttackLives.com, RapNetwork.com, and InsomniacMagazine.com that believe in college radio and it's value in exposing and breaking new artists.  Our station was the first to stream uncompressed audio in three formats on the internet and I think a lot of other radio stations need to look into other ways to gain listenership as well to keep the value there.

How do you market yourself in your market and what advice would you give to others trying to come up in their markets?
I try to be at as many events as possible, keep my name and face out there whether it's on flyers, in articles in weeklys and magazines, being shouted out, on mixtapes, and even on local tv shows, etc... Basically grinding.  There's always 50+ hungry deejays ready to take your spot.

I would say build with somebody that you look up to in another market or someone that is ahead of you in the game.  You can learn tons from people with experience.  I learned that a long time ago and that relates to anything.  I thought I knew everything at first, but there was a lot to learn.  Networking is key and being approachable.  I also learned from working with a lot of recording artists that you can make or break yourself by the way you interact with fans or people that admire you or your work.  Be humble and never dis your fans.  Take the time to say what up, sign an autograph, chit chat, etc..

Who should we be watching for in your market and the surrounding area?
First and foremost REDSKIN, YOUNG LUT, and the BLOCK BURNERS.   After that I would say Vitamin D, Jake One, Bean One, Boom Bap Project, Byrdie, Bad Luck, Onry Ozzborne, Knucklehead, Oldominion, Split 50, Diggz Diamond, Maniac B, Knockout Kingz, SportnLife, Candidt, and 151.  I know I'm leaving some people out.  In the surrounding areas (NW) I would say Lifesavas, Cool Nutz, Sinista Pushaman, Concise, Checkmate, Rascalz, and Swollen Members.  I know I'm leaving cats out again.  Also TJ Hooker who's from Portland, but is in LA now.

The top 5 records that hooked B-Mello on hip hop:

Afrika Bambaata - Planet Rock
Run DMC - Sucker MCs
Eric B & Rakim - Eric B Is President
Group Home - Supa Star
Dilated Peoples - Work The Angles

B-Mello can be reached at djbmello30@aol.com
 

-Big Lee
 

(August 25, 2003)

DJ Graffiti

This week we are spotlighting one of the busiest men in our business, DJ Graffiti at WCBN in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  For more information on DJ Graffiti and all the things he has his hands in you can visit www. DJGraffiti.com

1. Please give a brief introduction of yourself, including how you got into hip-hop and how long you have been DJing.

I got into hip-hop because of my older relatives.  Whenever I went over relatives houses there was always an older relative banging hip-hop upstairs shaking half the house.  One day I was up in my Godbrother’s room and I asked him to throw me some of the tapes he wasn’t listening to anymore.  He gave me a Sweet Tee & Jazzy Joyce tape, and that was the first Hip-hop tape I owned, except for the dub tapes that I made off the radio.  From that my love for Hip-hop grew and I started buying more tapes and once my parents got cable when I was in middle school and I was able to watch Rap City and Yo MTV Raps I was addicted.

I have been DJing now for about 8 years.  I started my freshman year in College at U of Michigan.

Currently I’m an attorney, but I don’t practice law, I got my law degree to further my business career.  I own Rapture Enterprises LLC a marketing company that specializes in providing marketing vehicles to major corporations.  Basically, I started my company because I saw a lot of corporations trying to market to the Hip-hop audience and whenever they did it without the input of someone who was actually a part of Hip-hop culture it always came off fake or insincere.  But, when the company created a partnership with someone who was respected in Hip-hop—like the original Sprite commercials with Grand Puba—the advertising always seemed more welcomed.  So, me being already involved in Hip-hop and having a strong business/legal background I’m able to promote things to the Hip-hop community but not in a way that brings the community down. 

2. Describe your market from a hip-hop perspective.  Does college radio have an influence on what occurs in the market?  If yes, why is that?  If no, why do you feel that is?

I’m in Ann Arbor, MI and I have been living here for 7 years (through undergrad at the Business School and Law School).  College radio has been a staple in the market I’m in for quite some time.  I know that personally because a cat who is still holding it down here, our station WCBN’s Hip-hop Director Chill Will has contributed to the growth of many of Michigan’s artists.  I didn’t grow up here in the market but I’ve heard many artists that did tell about how they would listen to Chill Will’s the Prop Shop show every week religiously and once they got their skills up they would go down to his show to freestyle.  Currently Chill Will’s show is from 9-12pm on Saturday nights and the show I’m currently on “The Underground Reciprocals” airs right after Will’s from 12-3am.

3. People say college radio has lost it's value, is this a comment that you believe and secondly if it is true what are things that can be done to bring the value back?
I entered the college radio game about 4 years ago.  I believe I came in right when everything was going down as far as Gavin, Billboard etc, so I’m probably not the best person to speak on the loss in value.  When I started was when everyone began to turn their backs on college radio.  Lucky me!  I do think it will be difficult to bring the value back because mainstream America has finally accepted that Hip-hop is not just a trend.   Rap music is the most popular music in America.  Rap artists sell more records than anyone else.  College Radio can’t just stand on the fact that it allows people to hear underground music that they can’t hear elsewhere, because if enough people decide they are going to switch the dial then the commercial stations will just start putting underground music into the rotation and the artists that were once considered “underground” will be hated on by their fans because they sold out and got commercial.


4. What are some ways that you have successfully marketed yourself in your market?

I market myself by staying visible.  I was the editor/webmaster of what was once Michigan’s most visited Hip-hop website and from that I built a fairly substantial email list of a few thousand heads in my area.  That allows me to instantly update people on what I’m doing.  I also market myself by putting out a marketing campaign every once in a while just to remind people.  When the Detroit Electronic Music Festival occurred this past May I secured some booth space and just put on a production having freestyle battles, some artist performances and a lot of local DJs come out to perform.  I sold my CDs, T-shirts and gave away stickers and flyers promoting myself and my website.  To make a long story short, I take full advantage of opportunities that allow me to promote myself generally and advertise what I’m currently doing.


5. What advice would you give to others trying to hold down their market?

1.   Make sure you create an avenue for people other than your peeps to give you feedback on what you’re doing.  Most of your close friends are into the same things you are and are probably going to end up being “yes men”

2.   Once you know what you are putting out there is solid, yell from the rooftops to let people know whenever you release something or are doing something new.  The best product without promotions is just going to sit there.

3.   Try to bring something different to the game than everyone else.  If you have something that will set you apart from everyone else people will look to you to get it… even if your skills are about the same as everyone else’s and to tell you the truth even if your skill is non-existent.

6. What do you feel sets you aside from others that may or may not have the same or similar skill?

In my market the thing that sets me apart is that I get more new underground music than anyone in the area.  I don’t know anyone else in the Metro Detroit area that gets as much love from Underground Hip-hop promoters and Record Labels that I get.  The closest one I know is my boy Benny Ben in Lansing, but he’s pretty far from the Greater Detroit area.  So, I’m able to break a lot of dope new music in my market before anyone else.  Another edge that I have also comes from record promoters.  They make it possible for me to network with national Hip-hop artists.  Before someone comes to town I’ll generally ask the label promoter to put me in touch with the tour manager.  If they don’t have time for an interview, I still try to  make time to kick it with them if only for 10 minutes and get some contact info and throw them a mixtape to let them know how I put it down here in my market.  From that usually comes them making sure I get new material & exclusives that other people don’t get their hands on.

Another thing that sets me apart is my business/marketing background.  Whenever I do something I try to do it as thoroughly as possible.  I want the things I do to leave a big impact.  For instance in the mix-tape game, now I won’t put one out unless I release a real CD (no burned copies).  I also do a marketing campaign with each CD.  So, even if other DJs might have put dropped 5 CDs to every 1 that I release, they only put out 100 copies burned off their computers and no one knows the CD even dropped.  I usually give away 300 promo Mix CDs to my Tastemaker’s list of industry folks, magazine and newspaper reporters.

7. Who should we be watching for in your market and the surrounding area?

-                                  Athletic Mic League

-                                  Lawless Element

-                                  DJ Virus (One of the best Turntablists in MI)
 

-Big Lee
 

(August 11, 2003)

Nick Nack

This week's featured DJ is Nick Nack of Austin's KAZI.  I had a chance to catch up to Nick and get the skinny on the state of college radio, Crowd Control Records, and the city of Austin

JJ:  Give me a brief introduction...How did you get into hip hop?  What are you currently doing?  How long have you been spinning?

NN:  A friend of mine introduced me to the world of hip hop in the late 1980s, circa Public Enemy "It Takes a Nation of Millions". Shortly after becoming a fan, the influence of cats like DJ Aladdin and Premiere pushed me into becoming a deejay. While attending the University of Texas, I started doing radio. These days I can be found performing as the turntablist in the jazz band BLAZE, performing at various nightclubs in downtown Austin (Plush, Mercury, 219 and Pangos), as well as producing my own music for Crowd Control Records.  I have been spinning since around 1990.

JJ:  Describe your market from a hip hop perspective.  Does college radio have an influence on what occurs in the market?  If yes, why is that? That is, does your show influence because it has been there for a while and therefore influences more than a new shows or does college radio in general influence? If no, why do you feel that is?

NN:  Almost every city is influenced mainly through BET, MTV and the major radio stations. Austin is no exception to that rule. However, recently I have noticed that there is a large group of people that are not just sheeple and they yearn for something more. It is my duty to bring that to those people. I believe that college radio and more importantly certain deejays have the power to influence ANY market. I like to think I am one of those deejays (although I am certainly not the only one out here). I know that on tons of occasions, I have played a record before anyone else out here has and all of the sudden, everyone is playing it.  I know there is influence when I see other deejays asking me, "Yo, what was that record you just played!?", or even better....when an audience member asks that.

JJ:  People say college radio has lost it's value, is this a comment that you believe and secondly if it is true what are things that can be done to bring the value back?

NN:  Whoever says that doesn't want college radio to be worth anything. Where else can you hear BRAND new music? I have NEVER ONCE heard a new record broken on anything above 92 on our FM dial. Commercial radio is just that...they are trying to sell advertising and are seeking out popularity.
They HAVE to play the same thing 20 times per day. This is how they establish consistency. All that is good for money, but what happened to the music in the mean time? You can't deny that college radio is
valuable. I know I wouldn't be where I am at today if it wasn't for college radio.

JJ:  These days where commercial stations are popping up in every city do you feel that it has taken away from the importance of college radio? College used to be that outlet for people to hear hip hop.

NN:  Naw, I think the commercial stations, just make the college stations and other deejays that play original shit look better. I don't mean to hate on commercial radio, b/c several of my friends deejay on those stations out here. Hell, I have even done it a few times. There will always be one REALLY
important thing that college radio has over commercial radio. It ain't about the money with college radio. They can play damn near anything they want. There will always be a need for that. Especially here in
eccentric ass Austin, TX.

JJ:  How do you market yourself in your market?

NN:  Flyers, live gigs, mixCDs, website (www.crowdcontrolrecords.com and www.bsideblends.com), 12inch vinyl, etc...  You have to constantly be in the public eye, otherwise you are old news.

JJ:  What advice would you give to others trying to hold down their market?

NN:  Don't worry about commercial radio. They are always going to have more of a market share and more money. Try to focus on what they can't do. Be good at those things. example, break new records, mix live, involve the local scene, have freestyles, have turntablist sessions, do unique shit. These commercial stations are run by people who know VERY little about our hip hop culture. Take advantage of that.

JJ:  What do you feel sets you aside from others that may or may not have the same or similar skill?

NN:  My work ethic. I come from an immigrant background and was taught to hustle from a young age. I try to keep things fresh and new too. Just when you think that you have me figured out, I go and do something totally different.

JJ:  Who should we be watching for in your market and the surrounding area?

NN:  Myself (I am also an artist you know ;), Bavu Blakes, Soundscape, Enfoe, BLAZE, Hydroponic Sound System, Rerog, Rehash Media, D Madness, K-Otix, HeadKrack...there are too many to mention. Just visit www.crowdcontrolrecords.com (that's what it's there for!)

JJ:  We've been doing a top 5 each week... for instance top 5 records of all time, top 5 artists in your market, top 5 records right now... top 5 records to sample... Maybe we could do the 5 records that hooked you on hip hop?

NN:  Ahha. That's a good one.  Here is my top 5 records that got me hooked: (they aren't all from when I first started listening though...some of these just further hooked me ;)

1. Public Enemy "It Takes a Nation of Millions"
2. Slick Rick "The Great Adventures..."
3. Tribe Called Quest "Peoples Instinctive Travels..."
4. Odd Squad "Fadanuff fa Erybody"
5. Low Profile "We're in this Together"

Honarable mention: Gangstarr "Step in the Arena"

JJ:  Good picks.  Well, thanks for taking the time to talk to me.

NN:  Thank you.  PEACE!!!
 

-Double-J
 

(July 28, 2003)

Musiklee Inzane

This week’s Record Breaker profile features Toronto’s own Musiklee Inzane.  Musiklee co-founded the long running “Real Frequency Show” in 1990 on CHRY.  Since that time the show has gone through a variety of co-hosts and time slots and has recently left CHRY and moved to the coveted time slot at CKLN where it continues to be a staple in the Toronto hip hop scene.  Together with his co-hosts Arcee and DJ P-Plus the “Real Frequency Show” now sits in the original slot of the first hip hop show in Toronto and from where it all started Musiklee Inzane and company continue to break new music.  As Musiklee Inzane says “The Toronto Hip Hop market is bubbling over, there is so much talent here. So far most you have heard of, Saukrates, Kardinal Offishall, Choclair. They’re just the tip of the iceberg.  There’s a lot more out here you haven’t heard yet.”

Musiklee Inzane and the “Real Frequency Show” through hard work definitely have an influence on hip hop in the Toronto market.  Although Musiklee said it is hard to gauge the impact of the show he says he constantly gets questions about the music he plays and the local record stores see a direct correlation from the records he plays to those that are purchased in the stores.  In addition to the show, Musiklee Inzane has also worked with the Much Music’s (the MTV of Canada) Rap City and has put out several records on his BluePrint label.  The Real Frequency crew has been able to be successful because they have found their niche in the local market.  While Musiklee agrees that college radio may have lost some of its value he says it is because some of the people that do it “try to compete with or be commercial radio.”  In finding the value of college radio I think that Musiklee Inzane says it correctly in that “People have to learn how to think different and not separate music into categories.  The attitude of if it doesn’t sound like this then it not good, has to stop. If you don’t provide the alternative how will anyone know? This is where the importance of college lies.”

Musiklee Inzane and the “Real Frequency Show” have really set a name for themselves in Toronto and beyond.  For more information what they are doing you can check out their amazing new website at www.therealfrequency.com where you can even test your hip hop knowledge through their trivia games.  One of the coolest and also busiest people that I’ve met in this game, Musiklee Inzane feels that in order to reach a level of success you must first “Be original, play what you feel is good. That’s what this whole thing is based on, an outlet to hear different ideas and music.” 

There is lots going in the Toronto market and Musiklee Inzane is right in the middle of it.  In addition to the “Real Frequency Show” there are a few others making some noise including Brassmunk, IRS, Arcee, Theology, Mr. Roam, Saukrates (which Musiklee Inzane says the new joint is Bangin), Reign, and C.L.A.S.

The Top 5 records that hooked Musiklee Inzane on Hip Hop

    1.    UTFO - Roxanne, Roxanne

    2.    Africa Bammbatta – Planet Rock

    3.    Art of Noise – Beat Box

    4.    Eric B & Rakim – Check out My Melody

    5.    Mc Shan – The Bridge

by Lee L’Heureux 

(July 21, 2003)

Edgie Kokoski (WUNH)

We know that college radio is on the front line of breaking new music and one station in particular has been breaking hip hop records at college radio for well over 10 years.  The Mothership Connection is a weekly hip hop show that runs on WUNH at the University of New Hampshire.  The show began in the early 1990’s and has even had such hosts as 7 Heads’ own Doug Nyce.  The show is currently hosted by radio veteran Edgie Kokoski who has held down the Mothership Connection for the last five years and continues the philosophy of breaking new music that started with the development of the show in the early ‘90s.  Edgie describes the New Hampshire, Mass, Maine market as being particularly loyal to local artists as he says, “All local artists are shown immediate love, and Boston artists especially are cherished in this area.  We are not snobbish, anything dope will fly out here.”  Edgie is in a particularly powerful position as the Durham/Portsmouth, New Hampshire market offers very little in terms of outlets for hip hop.  As Edgie says, there is not another show like his in the market so fans of independent and quality music tune into the Mothership Connection in order “to hear something new and to stay one step ahead of the game.”

It is difficult to put into words the legacy of hip hop at WUNH.  Edgie inherited a radio show that has been on the same day and in the same time slot for more than ten years.  It is because of this longevity and the hard work put in by the hosts over the years (the aforementioned Doug Nyce, B2, KC, and even Edgie’s brother Goose Love as well as Edgie and others) that has helped to develop a strong, loyal, and generational fan base for WUNH.  Edgie believes it is the work of the early hosts that really stamped WUNH as a staple in to the minds of hip hop fans.  “I give those cats a lot of respect for building the foundation that I am standing on.  In college radio, all you have is your integrity, and once that is gone, you might as well pack up and hit the commercial station.  My listeners tune in because they trust me.”   Since taking over the reigns of the show Edgie has done nothing to let down the early hosts.  He is one of the most humble people in this radio game and always puts the music before himself.  As he says, “People turn in to hear hip hop, not me.  Above all, I market my show as being the most pure and uncompromising hip hop program in my area.  My shine is a far distant second.”

Edgie is not the only one holding things down in the Portsmouth market.  As he says true underground fans should watch out for an MC by the name of Vex-Bliss from the group Indigenous Womb.  Edgie characterizes his music as “one of the most intellectual and lyrically dexterous works that I have seen.”  In addition, on the production tip there is a guy in the Portsmouth area by the name of D.C. that is now doing work for Detonator Records and produced the debut 12” from Termanology. 

As mentioned, Edgie is one of the most sincere people in this entire industry.  According to every promoter he is exceptionally on point with providing feedback on new records and even more importantly writes the funniest email each week.  If you have a record Edgie is definitely someone that needs to be on your A list.  Please feel free to reach out to him at hiphop@wunh.unh.edu.

Edgie’s top 5 records that hooked him on hip hop:

1. Dr. Dre "The Chronic" LP

2. KRS-ONE "Loves Gonna Get You"

3. 2Pac "Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z." LP

4. Eric B.  & Rakim "Juice (Know The Ledge)"

5. Naughty By Nature "Uptown Anthem"

Honorable Mention:

 Public Enemy "Black Steel In The Hour of Chaos"

Ice Cube "The Predator" LP

by Lee L’Heureux 

(June 30, 2003)