In this
day and age, creativity and innovation are rare commodities. Yet these
particular elements are exactly what have made the Aphilliates own DJ Drama
one of the nations premier DJs and what have led him to the type of success that
has eluded many in his field. Drama has not only made a name for himself
as a mix tape and tour DJ, he has also changed the mix tape game in the South
and Southeast, helping the region move in on a market once cornered by New York
City. That may sound like a heavy burden to carry, but the 25-year-old, who
began his career in his native Philadelphia in the early 90s, balances being an
award-winning DJ, father, writer, and lecturer with ease.How did you become a DJ?
I’ve always been into music and when I was young my dad had a very big record collection. When I was in high school in ’92 I saw the movie Juice and Tupac’s character was a DJ and that inspired me to pick it up as a craft. I got my mom to buy me a turntable then I got myself a tape deck and mixer. I would take my lunch money and buy records with it.
Did you ever want to rap or produce instead?
I dabbled in production and I still do but I’m not really a hands on producer. I was never really interested in being a rapper though; I always wanted to be in the background.
You grew up in Philadelphia then moved to Atlanta, how do you feel that so many artists are finding success from ATL?
It feels great, there’s a lot of talent and artistry over there. They deserve it.
How did you hook up with T.I.?
I met him through his manager in 2000 when he got his record deal. I was doing my thing with the mix tapes but not moving many. I got a phone call one day and they asked me to check him out. Our business relationship kept moving from there and now we’re here.
What is your favourite part about touring?
Probably the travelling and the actual shows, there’s nothing like that high and energy from being on stage whether it’s 500 or 30,000 people.
What do you enjoy doing more, tours or mix tapes?
I definitely enjoy every aspect of being a DJ but mix tapes are what really push my name forward. Tours keep me on the road and I get to show my talent in every city. If I had to give one of them up I would have to say it would be touring because mix tapes are what makes me.
Why does the Gangsta Grillz mix tape appeal to so many hip hop heads?
The mix tapes are the streets. Before most records come out it’s the mix tape DJ’s that play them first, we help people get ahead of the game. When I was growing up I listened to mix tapes and I heard songs before anybody else.
Do you think there are too many mix tapes out at the moment?
Hip hop in general is saturated as a whole. You have too many rappers and too many mix tapes but that’s what happens when something becomes a worldwide phenomenon.
What have been the advantages to you being signed to Atlantic?
They’re a great machine. I already knew most of the staff before I was signed and they’re excellent. They have a lot of history in the business and have a great game. It’s a good place for me to be.
What have you got planned for your next move?
I’m working on my Gangsta Grillz album which should have a December release. I just got my label deal with Asylum that will be putting out Willie The Kid. I’m also gonna keep banging out the mix tapes.
www.myspace.com/djdrama
By Rashmi Shastri - Sep 2006