nRotation Mixtape Issue

THE BEST OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD SPEAK

M IC DJ W H AT AE TS L

DJ s

A Campus Kingz DJ SWISHA HOUSE MIXTAPE BRAND TURNED RECORD LABEL

ARAB SLIKK 13EIGHT FINESSE DA CICK1 NEW ERA NEWPORT HB SMOOTH SUPERSTAR JAY SMOOTH MONTANA

DJsLiveSet: Lo Down Loretta Brown

MIXTAPE ISSUE

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s The Greatest Mixtape DJ Ever The Get Down 5. Table 26.

Of 28. The #MacAttack?

10. In Ya Box Bitch

12. Prime Minister of R&B 14. The Mixtape King 16. The Mixtape Doctor 18.What Happend To The Movement 20. Fitted Cap Low 22. I Am Mixtapes 24. DJ ICEMAN Rants

30. Cick Mix 32. DJ Arab Mixtapes 34. The Mixtape Assassin 36. The Mixtape Iron Man 39. LEGO To The Record Store 40. #DJLIVESET 43. Mixtape Issues 44-46. Crate Keepers

DJ Newport @djnewporttx DJ HB Smooth @djhbsmooth DJ Finesse @djfinesseafter6

DJ New Era @therealdjnewera DJ Superstar J @djsuperstarjay DJ ICEMAN @DJ_Iceman

U S :

DJ Michael Watts @djmichaelwatts

F O L L O W

DJ 13 Eight @ontimeprinting2

DJ DaCick1 @djdacick1 DJ Arab @djarabmixtapes

DJ Smooth Montana @djsmoothmontana DJ Slikk @djslikk www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

The MIXTAPE has alawys been the corner stone of Hip Hop. Weather it was in the 70s and 80s when the DJs would record thier live club sets or in the 90s when every hood, record store or college DJ had to have thier version of whats hot in Hip-Hop all on “Cassette.” In the early 2000s we found the cassette fading and the mixes going to the compact disc. Now we have 100s of websites dedicated to the Mixtape.

Over the years n’Rotation has brought all styles of DJs and now we’ve finally got to the best of the best. This issue will no doubt put you on a walk down memory lane.

We are happy to feature (in no paticular order) creators of mixtape movements, some of the top 100 mixtape DJs in the world, a DJ that supports the independent artists to the fullest, some Core DJs, a USADJ, and so on. DJ ICEMAN brings his award winning talents and informative rants to the table. And I dare not forget the #DJLIVESET by DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. Please sit back and enjoy our Mixtape Issue.

Terrence Dawson CEO Mprintmedia

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http://bit.ly/NTTRmovie

Please Support Our Project

‘Needle To The Record’ Documentary

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Who doesn’t like a prequel? Hip Hop is forever evolving and has been growing worldwide from the first airing of Yo! MTV Raps in 1988. Fact: Run-DMC hosted the pilot episode of the show which was actually based on the original MTV Europe show that aired in 1987. Yep there was a Yo! MTV Raps Europe version long before DJ Mark the 45 King’s "The 900 Number” had us all doing ‘The Ed Lover Dance’. In 1990 the Yo! brand invaded Brazil. Lets go back to the Bronx.

Thanks to famed director Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby), and producer Shawn Ryan ( Lie to Me, Beverly Hills Cop (TV Movie), The Shield), we get a look into 1970s New York City Hip Hop scene.

Soon we will see more Hip Hop dramas hit the big screne and streaming services. Fox hit struck oil with Lee Daniels ‘Empire,’ and its been renewed for a second season. Before ‘Empire,’ Starz was flexing its muscle with its 50 Cent-produced series ‘Power.’ VH1 joined in on the Hip Hop themed shows. ‘The Breaks,’ is a drama series based on Dan Charnas' best-selling book The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop, which is wildly considered one of the most comprehensive accounts of the history and business of hip-hop.

In a interview, Luhrmann said he’s been working on the concept for the series for 10 years. Foxs ‘Empire’ gives us the modern day version of Hip Hops triumphs, with flashbacks leaps going as far back 14 years. But “The Get Down,” set to be released on Netflix, takes us back to the 1970s in the Bronx.

“The Get Down,” follows the lives and music of 4 South Bronx teens. Its a series full of all the elements that birthed Hip Hop and spotlights the transformation of a city that was broken and oppressed. Get your gear ready for trip to Studio 54 and the city blocks where the B-Boys popped locked and put down cardboard to break-dance.

Netflix ordered 13 episodes of “The Get Down,” and its expected to hit your favorite device in 2016. www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

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FOLL US @n_ROT www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

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LOW S TATION www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR FAVORITE DJS MIXTAPE IS PLAYED

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DJ Let me set the stage for you...I was attending my first VirDiKO mixer, October 2013, and this young man made it a point to come introduce himself as well as his artist, Sly Dat Guy. I was asked to take a picture with them, which was immediately posted to Instagram. To this day, we have regular conversations about anything under the sun; the support and respect continue to grow. I give a double salute to this Campus Kingz DJ... DJ Newport! gave it a quick laugh, he said, "man, I remember sitting in my room recording songs on my tape player when I was around 10, I wanted to create my own music. I wanted all my favorite songs on one mixed tape, so I could play them when ever I wanted. Timing was key, otherwise you had to wait for that 1 song to make its way back in rotation." started making his way behind the tables when he was 15 years old. The music he listened to captivated him in a way that he knew he wanted a career in the music industry. "I knew I wanted to be involved, I just wasn't sure how at the time." was well aware that he could not rap, so that was an immediate 'no' in his process of elimination.

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He was really into DJ Michael Watts, OG Ron C and DJ Screw. However, "Watts was my major influence" Newport boasts. Newport listened and studied him, along with the encouragement of his friends, he went out and purchased his DJ equipment. Mind you, this was the time DJ Drama was going hard with his "Gangsta Grillz" mixtape series. Combining all the elements, DJ Newport had his mind set, he wanted to become a Mixtape DJ. DJ Newport isn't just a Mixtape DJ, he kept honing his craft until he was 'club ready.' I asked what where the challenges in transitioning from a Mixtape DJ to a Club DJ? Newport stated, "being in the clubs, you definitely have to be on your toes, antic ipate the crowd, be able to 180 your set and freestyle, and know that requests and interru ptions will happen. As far as when I do my mixtapes, the playlist is pretty much done (especially if it is an artist mixtape) and the planning is set. Oh, and before I lock my self in the lab, I gotta get a slight buzz going before I get started. There's gotta be some correlation in getting my creative engine flowing with alcohol. That's how my mag ic happens." We both busted out laughing! I told him I completely understood‌ev eryone has their own 'Mojo Juice.'

Of course I had to ask how Newport handles the artis material, he said, "that happens more times th can only speak for himself, however DJ violation of "The DJ Code" to put "The on if it's not there. "You can throw all me...sometimes you just gotta know let's face it, there are too many rapp artists. It's too easy for someone to couldn't have said it better myself, the information highway! feedback to the artists he declin of the corrections that should

ts that come to him with just bad an I care to keep track of." He Newport believes that it is a DJ's stamp of approval" kinds of money at when to walk away. And ers and not enough claim rapper status." I too much pollution on Newport does provide es so they are aware be made.

Being grounded in his Texas ro what artists would he like to a mixtape, he stuck to the Lo noted such as: Pooca Leroy, Sauce Twinz, and Killa surprised to find out that as passionate as he is to Texas music. artists... DJ Newport is definitely one DJ you connecting with, IJS. also affiliated with a coalitions that help in reach that much is a Campus Kingz Coast 2 Coast DJ. On a side note, the Campus Kingz crew responsible for LATEX weekend in Dallas. This is when Grambling takes on the Prairie View Panthers during the Texas State Fair.

I got a BIG simple. guy who sm broke, I still “Newport" wasn't le packis the y !

ots, I asked him collaborate with on ne Star states most Slim Thug, The Kyleon. I was DJ Newport is when it comes PSA Texas most should be Newport is couple of DJ extending his further. He DJ and a DJs are the State Tigers

LOL while asking where 'Newport' came from. It was quite comHis name was given to him back in high school, he was the only oked Newport Cigarettes and he ALWAYS had them on him. "Even kept 'em in my pocket." So one of his buddies starting calling and it caught on. So when it was time to choose his DJ name, even a question. DJ Newport was born! To complete his who age, his tag line of "In Ya Box Bitch" has a metaphoric value. cigarette and he's in your box as well as he's the CD laying your deck or "box." So "I'm DJ Newport, I'm In Ya Box Bitch I'm in your radio."

DJ Newport has been working on his Screwed & Chopped mixtapes as well as some hot singles he's been releasing on the internet. Newport also has some big things in the works with his artist, be sure to follow and subscribe to his social networks. Salute! www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

ical, yet Hispanic if I was him it .. he in

IT’S JU KE JOINT TIME

Most people get Juke Music and Footwork Music confused. It's still under the same umbrella, but "Juke music is music that ladies can really dance too. What makes it so JUKEY is the

BASS, the KICKS, and the STEADY CLAPS. It takes certain samples to create that Juke element. It's real similar to Baltimore Club Music."

GROWING UP listening to the mixes on Power 92 in Chicago, this young man was aspiring to become a DJ. Staying up late on school nights, he was studying, but not in the traditional school book fashion. His focus, breaking down the different elements of the songs during the late night mix shows. Paying attention to the styles of DJ Roc, DJ Champ, BaddBoy Bill, DJ Demchuck, DJ Nephets, DJ Rell, and DJ Spinn along with picking up the 'Juke' elements was part of his daily routine. The most eligible bachelor in Chicago, the Juke connoisseur, the Prime Minister of R&B...I give you DJ HB Smooth! www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

Juke music is native to Chicago. In the words of HB Smooth, Chicago is the House Music Capital of the World. Things really started to kick off during his senior year in high school. HB Smooth was making appearances on internet radio shows. Then he discovered the magic...he turned his head phones in for a mic! It was over. "Putting my voice on a CD had all my buddies puzzled, they were trying to figure out the mechanics and how in the hell I was able to do that." Keep in mind, this was before mics were really accessible. Matter of fact, I was using the mic that came with the head phone set."

HB Smooth has earned himself the title of being the 47th best Mixtape DJ in the world as well as other DJ awards throughout the country.

DJ HB Smooth was really getting into techno music. His passion for this genre was always there, however, it blossomed when he turned 18. HB Smooth knew that his work was cut out for him, like I said earlier, Juke music is native to Chicago; however, not everyone is "privy" to the elements required to make a track "Juke." He set out to learn and master the art of Juke music. Throughout his senior year of high school and college, HB Smooth was fine tuning his Juke style. While in college, he came across an artist, Craft, who was a rapper. Craft encouraged HB Smooth to expand his musical genres into hip-hop; it made good sense so the two could work together. DJ HB Smooth combined his love for Juke with the inter-workings of hip-hop and pretty much created his own lane.

He was the "Hot Boy"... as in "HB." Back when Datpiff was 'approval only,' HB Smooth uploaded "Street Hustle" which he later changed the name to "Pro Hustle" due to copyright issues, gave HB Smooth his jumpstart and the rest is history. This was pretty much the start of his mixtape career.

HB Smooth took me on a side journey with his mixtapes, we had some good laughs! I won’t tell all his secrets, however, I will share with you DJ HB Smooth's mixtape artwork journey. It was all to familiar, I know y'all have seen them. Let's call it, 'stick figure' artwork (want to make sure we are on the same page.) He goes on to say "my friends would say, man...you need help, get you a graphic designer! I was like, Noooo, I can do this myself." Needless to say, he finally gave in. HB Smooth doesn't move if his artwork isn't on point.

"Presentation is the key to what's inside, you want people to pick it up, have an interest to listen. Folks listen with their eyes before they ever give their ears an opportunity to hear it." Let me tell you, HB Smooth hit the nail on the head with that one!

Marketing 101, the cover be it a magazine, a CD, or a book sells the product. Entice your audience and give them what they want, create that action to get them engaged!

DJ HB Smooth is not only a Mixtape DJ, he tours, he's on the radio, and he's in the clubs. I asked him was it challenging switching between the different types of DJing and this is how HB Smooth broke it down. "A Mixtape DJ is the least stressful. You get a playlist, the artists you want and make sure it's on point. I won't work with artists that won't work for themselves.

Switching over to the clubs is a bit different, the key is crowd control. You also have the ability to see the crowds reaction and you have that energy behind you."

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Given the violence that is overpowering the black communities, DJ HB Smooth feels that unfortunately it seems to be a staple in hip-hop. He does think that the artists need to be more vocal, they have a lot of impact on the communities and with their reach, they touch a lot of people. "Some artists could be scared to be that voice. I wish they would join forces and make the difference I know they can.

They need to give a Public Service Announcement."

OUR

CANADIAN MIXTAPE CONNECT DJ FINESSE‌

Horns honking, highway traffic, nor road noise was going to interfere with my interview. I opened my Mac, dialed the number, hit speaker phone and then record in Garage Band. Mac's mobile office was in full swing. I rang the 778 number and began.

Let's venture back to the early 90's.. house parties and mixtapes were common household names. In Vancouver, Canada "DJ Finesse" was right there with them. However, Finesse entered the DJ realm not so conventionally. He was a bit ornery to say the least, "After being grounded for getting suspended from school and pretty much house arrest, I was locked in my basement with my tv and phone taken away. So with nothing to occupy my time I decided to pick up an old Rob Base and DJ Easy Rock record and start scratching it on my old, wobbley turntable table. As time went on I got another wobbley turntable and a crappy Radio Shack mixer for around $50 and started practicing."

Finesse was catching on rather quickly. When I asked him who were some of the DJs that inspired him along his journey, I understood why he took off like he did. DJs: Jazzy Jeff, Rectangle, Mixmaster Mike, Cash Money, Craze, Pump, Aladin, Funkmaster Flex, Premier, and Wayne B. Using his time wisely, Finesse went on to say, "I started making mixes with my Dad's old funk records and mashing them up with whatever new music I had." When he started "rocking them in my walkman at school" it was over. His friends wanted copies and their friends wanted copies, next thing you know Finesse had started his mixtape game.

"As the word spread, I was getting requests to make personal mixtapes for people on a regular basis...that was 10 bucks a tape." DJ Finesse was in business!

Finesse realized that people wanted good music and HE was going to be the one to provide it to them. "Not just the regular shit you hear on the radio; but mixed, scratched, and twisted so that you hear something completely different than what you would get on the radio." This new found confidence and business was just what Finesse needed to take it live. Still in high school, he was 'The DJ'... house parties, school functions and he was making a good living. "It was guaranteed that any party I was spinning at was going to be HOT!" The next move was only natural, the club! DJ Finesse started playing in the clubs, even though he was underage. This young man was on fiya! DJ Finesse was such a beast on the tables, he entered the DMC World DJ Competition arena.

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Finesse teamed up with DJ Style, and they became known as Style & Finesse After 6. Given all things that DJ Finesse ventured into, the sweat equity he put into building his brand definitely paid off. DJ Finesse, The Mixtape King, is internationally known and recognized. I asked the question, "how did you elevate yourself to such a great platform?" Finesse most humbly replied, "Everywhere I go, I am known for my mixtapes. It doesn't matter if I'm in Canada, the Sates, or Germany. My mixtape reach is global. Know what I mean?" Yes, I do and it's obvious that others do to being that DJ Finesse holds the 23rd ranking for the Top 100 Mixtape DJs in the world!

So what's his trick? How does Finesse begin to create his masterpieces? I was dying to know the answer! He chuckled a bit, and said "when I begin to create, first and foremost I have to feel it. I don't just wake up and decide to make a mix. It's well planned and thought out.

The energy and mood has to be right!

Lastly, I have to be alone...completely.

No phone, no interruptions...just me and the music. You will notice that none of my mixtapes have my voice on it, I don't like how I sound, I let my hands do all the talking. This is my passion, I do it because I love music."

DJ Finesse said without any hesitation and practically before I could finish my question of what artist would he like to get in the lab with... 50 Cent was given.

That would be the first artist mixtape he would have created. All Finesse's mixtapes are various artists period. He gets approached all the time to host, however he has yet to do so.

Given all the police violence and brutality that is a great current event issue, the hip-hop culture is definitely effected. When I questioned this hot topic, this is what DJ Finesse had to say.

"The hip-hop community is doing a good job representing and being a strong voice for the communities. Let's be honest, because of the types of music and culture we (as black people) come from, we are usually the number 1 victims of this violence.

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We are front and center in this line of fire. With the recent police shootings, it's the black people that have suffered, who have lost loved ones. And I hate to say it, but generally speaking, what type of music do we listen to? Hiphop and R&B. It kinda goes hand in hand. I think it's time for another come back track like 'All In The Same Gang' or 'Self Destruction.'

It's needed.

DJ 13EIGHT THE MIXTAPE DOCTOR

THIS MUSIC DOCTOR COVERS ALL YOUR PROJECTS NEEDS This Tuesday afternoon was no different than any other “New Music Tuesday,” full of hustling and bustling. So in order to hear DJ 13Eight for his interview, I headed to the recording booth on the first floor. This was the ideal spot!

He hails from Houston, Texas, and is rated by many as the Definition Of Party. The Mixtape Dr. for many years. With countless mixtapes, many of which focus on getting the Indy artist's music out. It's none other than The Mixtape Dr. himself... DJ 13Eight!

I was looking forward to getting inside The Mixtape Dr's head. Not only have we done business together, he's also a close friend.

Needless to say, I was hoping for some interesting facts, 13Eight did not disappoint.

The floor was now open for discussion (as soon as Terrence could get the MeerKat streaming, lol.)

13Eight began his music career in the Golden Ages of Hip-Hop, the 80's of course, however his came to fruition in 1988/89. He got involved with a talent agency out of Houston to start getting his name out and begin networking. 13Eight even took his talent to the mic and starting rapping before he touched the tables. "Most folks don't even know that about me," he laughed. "I was signed with Derrick "Sac" Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs record label, Real Talk Entertainment, before it got shut down."

After he tried his hand in the rap game, he started spinning records and quickly developed a love for the tables.

13Eight's first gig was at Ryan Middle School, he easily remembers, "I was DJing with a realist mixer, 2 built drive turntables, and milk crates full of vinyl.

My set up came straight from Radio Shack! Damn, (while steadily laughing) I know you remember those old record players with the clear plastic top, enclosed, you know what I’m talking about,”...I knew right where he was coming from. So we took a few to reminisce and a had a couple of great belly laughs!

One of the main reasons "why I wanted to be a DJ is because your input to some people means something." When a DJ commands the crowd, either live or in person, digitally by way of downloads, or physically by way of hard copies, there is always a choice. DJs have to know, especially mixtape DJs, how to keep the interest of their already established fanbase plus how to attract new fans while steadily keeping their interest so a new track from an aspiring artist can get slipped in there... Goal: get fans current and new to create a buzz... Get the crowd going from 'Hey DJ, what you playin? to That's my jam!'

Folks continually laugh about it, but hey, it is what it is.

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DJ 13EIGHT THE MIXTAPE DOCTOR DJ 13Eight really prides himself in being able to give back, to each and every artist. When I say give back, he will listen to every single piece of material that an artist submits. Not once, but 8 times and I listen to it loud.

I want to hear EVERYTHING! The key to his lock: elements! "I sit back with my pen and paper and begin to listen. I break down all the elements, I love being able to provide my feedback and it be welcomed so they can correct what ever needs tweaking. I really support the Independent Artists!"

Coming full circle, we get back to the nuts and bolts. "You know, I enjoy music, all types of music." Passion plays a crucial role with mixtape DJs. They speak to us through their hands, being able to blend music together and add your own personal style is an art; it's not mastered by many. 13Eight is a wax junkie at heart. He said, "I still have my records, I still listen to them, they ain't goin' nowhere. Hell, as fast as y'all (fellow DJs) can pull up a song on the computer, I can pull it out the crate." For those of you that have had the pleasure of experiencing that crackle from the needle in the groove, I'm sure y'all raise your hands in 'Amen' with me. As far as convenience, the lap tops have definitely served their purpose.

One laptop and a hard drive ain't shit...that fits in a backpack. No more arriving 3 extra hours early just to unload! More effective time management... that's what I'm talking about. Just let’s me know, "I still love that vinyl!"

Some of DJ 13Eight's influences are amongst the legends... "Jam Master Jay, Jazzy Jeff,Funk Master Flex, and them. Hell, I can't forget about Joe Cooley and HIS scratch! Joe Cooley is one of the best DJs ever. Man him and Rodney O...that was (is) music!" Yes, 'Cooley High' is echoing in my head. The line up 13Eight gave, "these men aren't just DJs, they are entertainers.

They entertained the crowd...and these are DJs. People lined up and continue to line up when these DJs take the stage. That's THAT music! You just gotta go back. They were just...

Awesome!"

13Eight, where did your DJ alias originate? "Well, what had happened was..." began his story, I knew I was in for a whopper on this one. "I made some bad choices as a young man (18 years old) and went away for a little vacation." 13 years, 8 months, and an F on his report card gave him his name.

"When I got out, everyone called me 13-8 and it stuck. Given the road blocks that 13Eight was challenged with, he is now a successful DJ and business owner. It's a beautiful thing when both your passion and career come together. In addition to DJing, 13Eight owns "On Time Printing." They provide: graphics, CD duplication, personalized clothing (shirts, hats, sneakers), flyers/inserts/posters as well as his Mixtape Clinic Studio.

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When it comes times for the Mixtape Dr. to enter the lab, he is in nothing but freestyle mode.

13Eight "turns on the equipment, I'm feelin' it, I start mixing and I record it." No preconceived notions, purely instinctual. Despite the common challenges that DJs face today, an artist with sub-par material is not a foreign topic. First, 13Eight wanted to clarify "I'm not perfect by any means and I feel like I have an ear for music.

When an artist's comes to me, I do provide that feedback, my opinion at least."

As a DJ, you have to play good music to keep your crowd going.

"I feel it is our duty as a DJ and an artist to give that back. We have to let the people judge, because DJs aren't going to like every song, ultimately it doesn't matter if we 'like' it or not...is this what the crowd is asking for?"

After all, DJs love to break records! DJ 13Eight just finished his latest mixtape project, Slim Polk Chronicles (which I love it) for "It'z Polk Mane" outta Arlington, TX.

WHAT HAPPEN TO THE MOVEMENT?!

The sad reality is that hip-hop is perpetuating an image it doesn’t realize is detrimental to the same ‘gawds’ who preach it. All art forms evolve but can we say hip-hop has evolved for the better? Are we in a better space of reaching millions? The world is laughing at us and we refer to them as hate We went from Fight the Power to abusing the rights we got from dying from the injustices suffered. We went from manipulating the language to delivering heartfelt messages to manipulating youth minds and pushing the ratchet images to our timelines. Yes, you can rap, but what is your talent doing? Will your bars enrich the next person’s life? Selling dope should be the past tense in your rhymes, alcohol abuse, violence, philandering and degrading women, was not a part of the hip-hop movement.

It has become a norm for rappers to disgrace the culture…A BIG SMH! Tupac’s “Brenda’s Got A Baby,” was insightful, not degrading! Now more than ever has the beautiful image of a woman been diminished and ratchet has become accepted more than it ever needed to be.

“Self Destruction,” was the eye-opener for my generation, but it seems like the lesson was lost over a period of 1 hit wonder singles that said NOTHING uplifting. Its ok to have fun, but where’s

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the concious rhemed songs? We’re ‘All In The Same Gang,’ only during riots, WTF?! Im saying SOME of your lyrics not only taint the image of the culture, where’s Hip-Hop going, Mr. Record Industry?

We can pinpoint the rotten apples but the genre as a whole needs standards. We need to stamp out what is bad and unacceptable. Hip-hop used to show where we came from but I’m scared of it’s showing where we’re going. The music is a vicarious view of society and if we are proud of being ratchet – are we saying that we are proud of what our society is seen as?

THE PHEONIX

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Ranked 79th of the top 100 Mixtape DJs in the world, "Rookie Of The Year" by Salute The DJs Awards 2013/14.

"Best Mixtape DJ" 2013 Nominated: “Best Event DJ” “Best Mixtape DJ" 2011 "Best Slept on DJ" 2013/14 Southern Entertainment Award

DJ NEW ERA fitted cap low movement What started with a Wu Tang Clan CD has now developed into a thriving business. This aspiring artist started to collect music at the young age of 10 and now catalogs over one million CDs. Like most DJs starting out, he was using the bare necessities... a Radio Shack mixer and Windows Media Player - "no mix, no blend...just a pause then the next song." This DJ was preparing himself to take the Alabama music scene by storm, I give you DJ New Era. Influenced by the accomplishments and the paths taken by DJ Drama and DJ Holiday, DJ New Era took notes and strived to become a well educated and successful man as DJ Drama in hopes and dreams to one day be that inspiration to others.

New Era kept receiving the same advice from both Drama and Holiday "finish school, follow your dream, stay passionate, and stay humble."

He lived by those words, watched how to move, who to network with, etc. DJ New Era started his DJ path by way of the mixtape. He worked and worked at his mixtapes until he was comfortable with himself to step foot in the club. He knew mixtapes would help him get into the club, the key... DJ New Era's name on the mixtape. He strived to become familiar first, the take off was inevitable. New Era took his time studying and mastering the craft: blending, mixing, scratching, how to talk on the mic, what music to play, how to read the crowd.

DJ New Era studied some of the best DJs that ever stepped foot behind the tables...DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, DJ Premier...these men helped put the D in Disc Jockey. All these combined with the voice, the MCing abilities of DJs Drama and Holiday....DJ New Era was submersed in talent, he was destined for greatness. After all, what is a DJ if he can't scratch? What is a MC who can't rap?... DJ New Era discovered this 'secret' formula and was determined to create his own recipe from the basic elements.

DJ New Era is a Commission DJ as well as the AL and radio host for Fitted Cap Low Radio aire www.nRotationTheDJmag.com on mobile radio app.

“ ‘you got a lot of hats bro’ then it hit... I was a new guy on the DJ scene bringing a new vision... It's a 'New Era'. DJ New Era it is.”

I was interested in his Fitted Cap Low brand, and how is it related to DJ New Era? There was a slight pause, I figured this was going to be a great story! New Era began, "I have an extensive collection of fitted caps and snap backs. This is before I had the name of DJ New Era... A buddy had said "how about DJ Fitted Cap?" I was like, Nooo man, that is whack. He kept pushing it saying "you got a lot of hats bro" then it hit... I was a new guy on the DJ scene bringing a new vision... It's a 'New Era'. DJ New Era it is." Not too long after that, DJ Holiday was in Huntsville for a mixtape release party, with CDs in hand, New Era was on a mission. Sure, his CDs were left on the table, but he did leave there with contacts. "I'm telling you, relationships are key. It's all based on who you know and how valuable your network is." With that being said, he continued to reach out to DJ Holiday's manager and stay relevant on their radar and good thing New Era didn't get discouraged. "DJ Holiday made me some DJ drops... 'DJ New Era, the Fitted Cap Movement.' He remembered me! So to make a long story short, DJ Holiday branded me." When New Era hears, 'that's that Fitted Cap Low guy,' he replies, "yeah, that's me." Even if there is another DJ New Era, "I'm Fitted Cap Low, that's how I'm distinguished from the other guys."

New Era bases his brand around hip-hop. As a DJ, he seeks music that can actually create a name for itself and stay around a long time. New Era goes on to say, "as an artist, you want to create something that will make people want to remember you. I choose to work with artists that want to win. We push together. Help me, help you." For New Era, DJing to him is "about being a blessing to someone who looks up to you. I want to be the reason they didn't give up. I support the artists, they will tell you. I believe if you bless those, you will be blessed." Don't get discouraged when the favor is not returned, it's just a part of the vicious/virtuous circle. You gotta keep that mind set, stay positive!

So what's the next step in New Era's career? His future plans and goals consists of moving around more and venturing into the techno/edm realm.

New Era explains, "I don't want to feel like I'm handicapping myself by not expanding into different genres." He also writes his quarterly goals down to assist in keeping him on track. He knows it's getting easier, but the fight is still strong. It's DJ New Era's drive, determination, and motivation that keeps him in front of the curve.

the Mix Show DJ for 95.7 Jamz FM, Cap Low Radio aired on bile radio app.

www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

DJ SUPERSTAR JAY

Let me start by saying social media has empowered us to be able to touch the world.

This DJ is currently in the top 5 for being the best Mixtape DJ in the world! I give you a BIG BOSS SALUTE, SALUTE THE DJ‼ I reached out to this Superstar via Instagram and we were soon on the phone.

You can tune into him on Shade 45. Living in the heart of it all, New York City, this DJ ain't new to this, he's true to this. Starting out in mainstream radio, he began building relationships with all the labels and the artists. He was doing parties and such.

As far as he was concerned, the biggest thing out at the time was Funk Master Flex.

He graduated from school, he decided to take his mixtapes to the streets of NY. It was an uphill battle..." The first one did good, the second- not so much, the third would do good, and so on." Superstar Jay adds. He realized he was onto something, so his sights were set on being the best Mixtape DJ.

filmed and aired live, which at the time was unheard of.

"Everything was a fight. I had to fight to get respected with my mixtapes. Had to work very hard to make myself known in radio. One of my fellow DJs, DJ Self, invited me to do a 3 minute set during his show on Shade 45. Three minutes worked up to an hour. We cool!

When it came to parties, I had -

“I never named my name…This kid just came out of nowhere and said, ‘You talk like a superstar, you need to call yourself, Superstar Jay!” to throw my own parties to display my talent. No one

DJ Superstar Jay was a personality on an Internet radio out of Europe. He was probably one of the first personalities that was being www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

would hire me, they already had their own DJ. So by me throwing my own parties and their crowds dwindling because they were at mine, they really had no choice when they discovered how hot I was." Said Superstar Jay. We both had a quick laugh. Talk about the real methodology behind 'Cornelius Vanderbilt' at its finest!

DJ Superstar Jay had some big influences that played a role in him developing his style. The DJs that were from his neighborhood, DJ Ike Love, DJ Clue, Kid Capri. "I took a piece of everything that I learned and put myself in training camp so to speak, to be the best. I was a student in the game, and still am, if you're always looking to grow and better yourself, you can always learn something new everyday. Some days you just have to look harder than others."

Superstar Jay will not tell anyone about any mixtape he is going to do. He studies it.

"I learned from my mistakes, you can't tell everybody your ideas. Sometimes the idea won't happen or someone might take it. With mixtapes, I sit and listen to the music, see how it goes, and put it together right. I pay attention to the feelings of the songs and create the emotions."

Holding such a high rank in the world of Mixtape DJs, the material that DJ Superstar Jay is subjected to is probably surreal. The first thing he will advise an artist is, " if you have not built yourself to be hot, if I'm not even aware of you after I've done my research, it will be real hard for me to do something with you. You have to prove yourself. Nowadays everybody wants to be a rapper or a DJ, anyone can build a website, everybody has a bag of tricks. What separates you from everybody else? Show me you are worthy for us to do a project together, know your value."

Can I get an 'AMEN!' Artists, that was another public service announcement you should take note to.

DJ Superstar Jay would love to get in the lab and start from scratch on a mixtape with 50 Cent.

He's already hosted one for him, now he would like the whole project. He would also love to break a new, upcoming artist! NYC is definitely back on the comeback with their music.

Some other awards DJ Superstar Jay can add to his wall of fame are: MTV DJ of The Year, UMA (Underground Music Awards) DJ of The Year, Global Spin Awards, Essence Magazine's Top 20 in Urban Music just to name a few. Superstar Jay always embracing the up and coming, he feels it's his duty to pass his knowledge on to the youth. "The key to success is to remain humble."

"I Am Mixtapes" came about because make him standout. With roughly the streets, he decided to do a such a success, my people began branding took off, it stuck. DJ

-MTV DJ of The Year Global Spin Award

Superstar Jay needed to brand himself. To 120 mixtapes already out, he was heat in mixtape title "I Am Mixtapes" it was to ask where is Volume 2... The Superstar Jay, I Am Mixtapes!

UMA (Underground Music Awards) DJ of The Year

Voted Rookie of the Year

TOP 5 MIXTAPE DJS IN THE WORLD

www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

DJ ICEMAN is by far an undisputed DJ. We are happy to be connecting with this award winning phenom. His rants are informative and impactful.

His mixxing…well his Youtube views don’t fall below 10,000, and his Facebook videos are not to shabby either. We will let DJ ICEMAN speak for himself…

Accolades and Accomplishments: Upstairs Records Digital DJ Of The Year award 08, 09 and 2010 The Soul Controllers Controllerist Of The Year 2012 and 2014 **25360 DJ of the year for 2010,2011,2013,2014,and 2015 **25360 award for writer/blogger of the year 2014 Hustle Up Magazine DJ of the year 2014, Seattle Sound Music Award DJ Of The Year Nominee 2014 Online Mixtape club "Best Blend DJ" 2015 2 Time DMC Online ChampionShip Competitor

**The 25360 is the the Tacoma/Olympia [South Puget Sound Area]-based Journal, Guide & Connection focusing on lifestyle, culture, music, knowledge, business and philosophy from the Hip-Hop perspective at the epicenter of Tacoma/Olympia... With everlasting respect and recognition for our regional Hip-Hop communities in Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, BC and our global Hip-Hop Community and beyond. www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

Booking: Terrence Dawson 214.448.0491 www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

COVER FEATURE

DJ MICHAEL WATTS

After speaking with several DJs in this issue, I noticed a common denominator in the DJ influences... I kept hearing a friend of mine's name come up. So needless to say, I had to make a call. He was honored and more than willing to be featured in the Mixtape Issue. Not only was I thrilled he agreed, we decided to give him the cover. Known primarily for his chopped and screwed remixes, DJ Michael Watts has successfully turned his mixtape distribution into a record label empire, a big southern known brand...Swisha House.

However, Watts did not get to VIP status overnight, a lot of hard work, determination, and perseverance was a necessity.

In the words of Michael Watts, "I'm a pretty simple dude. I love my family and I love music."

This man is a music mogul. He still does his mixtapes, he has Swisha House, and he works at 2 radio stations in Houston, TX. You can find him on 97.9 The Box and Boom 92 Classic Hip-Hop. Michael "5000" Watts came from commercial radio. He uses his real name as his DJ name as well. When he entered the world of terrestrial radio, they tried to get him to change his name. His response was, "No, I'm not going to change my name. This is what I'm known as. This is what I'm building myself as and I'm not changing my name." Since DJ Michael Watts was not going to budge on his name, the radio station suggested adding a little flair to his name. So with that being said, Michael "5000" Watts was created.

DJ Michael Watts started making mix tapes for his buddies in school to earn him some lunch money. This was the beginning of his big southern brand, he just hadn't seen it yet. Watts tried his hand at various gigs before deciding on his mixtape journey. “I was listening to one of my mix tapes and I thought there are a lot of people living off this in the music industry and it isn’t even as good as mine,” Watts remembers. “I was on a lunch break at the time and I never returned to the job. I said I’m going to make the music thing work.”

"Watts instantly took control of his own market, Houston, and then proceeded to conquer the entire Lone Star state. He quickly moved on to become a household name on the streets of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Next he spread his signature sound – the Swisha House remix – to Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. The rest of the nation has officially adopted the sound of a genre in itself, chopped and screwed music. DJ Michael Watts is also the 20th best Mixtape DJ in The World! Also to his accomplishments, Watts adds being the first DJ to have a screwed and chopped major label CD when he remixed Eightball & MJG’s Space Age 4 Eva in 2001. He followed this feat with the release of David Banner’s Mississippi: The Album. “I got Michael Watts for the chopped and screwed album because I am a fan of his work,” proclaims David Banner. “He is the number one DJ for chopped and screwed and he’s part of the reason that a person can not only buy a chopped and screwed album in Houston, but in Germany. It’s that big and he’s that big.” www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

COVER FEATURE

Michael Watts didn't have the luxury of that hands on mentoring like a lot of DJs have now. With him being in the game for a minute, he was inspired by Jam Master J, Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Screw.

Michael Watts didn't set out to be known for his chopped and screwed remixes, truthfully it was by happenstance. "Back in the day, The Screw Tapes were hot out here in Houston, but really just on the south side. I'm from the north side, at the time, Houston was very much divided.

Think of it like the 'Bloods and Crips," the sides didn't really get along. The guys on the north side loved the music, but wanted something in the music to represent them. I was finally persuaded to make us a version of The Screw Tapes and it sold better than any mixtape I have ever done. Since I'm in the business of making money, I stuck to it."

When DJ Michael Watts gets into his creative space, he has to be in complete peace. Matter of fact, when you're running around Swisha House, they'll tell you. There are only a select few people that he has allowed to hang around him while creating mixes. "I don't just jump into the studio and do it. For me, it's like an art.

Somebody painting a picture."

Michael Watts' advice for artists with bad material, "I tell them their shit is whack and I don't like it. I feel it's only right to tell the people that this is not what's up. At the end of the day, it's hurting them. If they are putting money behind them, they need to be told the truth."

When asked by an artist "what can they do to get him to play their music?" His response, "Nothing, I ain't playing that shit." To keep it real, "you gotta have some integrity behind what you are doing."

“Every veteran in the game should have the same mentality. It's our duty to lead. We have to teach, and show the youth. It takes people like us to show and lead them. They will listen to us. We need to take our positions and roles as adults and citizens of America to inspire people to do what's right.”

Michael Watts has already completed a mixtape, even a bootleg, for the artists he admired. But when asked about "The Gray Tapes", he was happy I brought that subject up. He does a Gray Mix, Monday - Friday on Boom 92 from 6p - 7p. It's all classic hip-hop.

“Every veteran in the game should have the same mentality. It's our duty to lead. We have to teach, show the youth. It takes people like us to show and lead them. They will listen to us. We need to take our positions and roles as adults and citizens of America to inspire people to do what's right. That's why all this fucked up shit is happening right now, there's not enough positive mentors to look up to. If we don't change things, this shit ain't gonna get nothing but worse. We need to be able to discipline these kids, if they don't respect their parents, they ain't gonna respect anybody. I hope the message behind the NWA Movie is what I'm expecting. It's needed. I'm willing to bet Cube and Dre have something serious to say." www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

LM Leslie Mac

With over 150,000 views on Google, I'm sure Leslie Mac will be high up on their search radar. So I'm assuming that this photo shoot would be on cruise control, with the camera taking pictures with ease. So who is this unique female with colorful tattoos covering both of her arms? "Coming from the event world, you have to be different but approachable," she says as she talks to the makeup artist who prepares her for her photo shoot.

She is truly unique. If you scroll through her Instagram, you will see celebrities from old school Hip Hop such as Slick Ricky The Ruler, to Dej Loaf. She's been known as the DJs #1 fan. If she's not in the streets with Southern Fried Marketings CEO BC, she's checking the Virdiko web site for the newest and hottest music out. You may be familiar with her blog writings in the #MacAttack, or you might have notice her filming DJs at every event she attends (she's everywhere), or covering shows that she streams live via Meerkat App on her @alme214 profile, she speaks music. www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

#MacAttack

I asked Leslie Mac what other hats does she wear, and all she could talk about is, her GoFundMe project, "Needle To The Record" documentary. "This is for the DJs and about DJs. It gives DJs a voice." For the record, she brought her own props...crates of records. "That's all me," she points to the crates holding her classic and up to date vinyl. "People use to ask, 'what are you doing with all of those records, if I wasn't a DJ?' I tell them, I like music and vinyl holds the essence of music.

As I said...Leslie Mac wears a lot of hats and today she was all over the net, the studio and I counted 3 times that the Mac Attack blogger said, "Excuse me guys, I have to take this one."

Truly a boss on the move, she calls everything, every venue appearance "A Leslie Mac Event," hence her social media handles @ALME214. The 214 of course shows she hails from the Triple D...Dallas.

To get a closer look into who Leslie Mac is, I suggest you continue reading this, the n'Rotation issues and her weekly blog, bit.ly/MACattack. www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

DJ DAC

“I always gotta have on black & Yellow‌T, hat, socks, or sneakers. It's a must, cause if I don't have that on, it's gonna be an off night! I'd rather have turn tables than a controller and I'm goin' in."

I was first introduced to DJ DaCick 1 (pronounced: DA - SICK ONE) during the VirDiKO Music Mixer, the Monday after South

By Southwest. He along with a handful of other DJs were taking their respective turns during the "VirDiKO DJs Scratch Challenge." I knew he was a member of the USA DJs, so I tracked down my friend and CEO of the USA DJs, Poncho to learn about this member of their squad. After our introduction, I knew I wanted this talented DJ in The Mixtape Issue. We spoke back and forth, arranged the date, and DaCick 1 was on his way to be a one of our DJ features.

DJ DaCick 1 can be found blessing the tables in various venues in Killeen, TX, Guest DJing all over the States, adhearing to his DJ tour schedule, or even competing in London at the DMC! This young man has been pounding the pavement for the last 10 years building his brand and look at his successes paying off. So how did DJ DaCick 1 break into this industry? His journey started with breakdancing. DaCick 1 always wanted to be that ultimate hip-hop figure. Hip-hop included breakdancing, rapping, DJing, and graffiti art. He didn't get serious with DJing until 2004/2005 while in college. It was here that DaCick 1 made a bet that would forever change his life. "There was a whole bunch of us in the studio... I made a bet with this dude I could drop 1 mixtape a month." Talk about coming out the gate strong! DaCick 1 got his first set of turntables when he was a sophomore in college. DaCick1 attributes DJ KTone, a Core DJ, mentored him into the DJ game.

DaCick 1has six influences.

When it comes to honing his style, (remember, he is from Texas) DJ Michael Watts,

OG Ron C, and DJ Screw. On the trick side, it's Roc Raida, DJ Scratch, and DJ Jazzy Jeff. www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

ICK 1

Ranked#92 Top 100 mixtape DJs in the world Hottest Mixtape DJ of the Year (2009) SEA Independent Label of the Year (2011) DJ of the Year (Central Texas) Nominee: Mixtape Rookie of the Year (2008) 4x Nominee - Slept On DJ of the Year (2009, 11-13) Best Internet DJ of the Year (2010) Nominee

DJ DaCick 1also has an alias that pays tribute to DJ Screw...

"DJ SCREWge McDuck and it helps keep his name alive."

Every time he drops a 'Screw' tape, it is always labeled DJ DaCick 1 AKA DJ SCREWge McDuck.

Mixtape DJs are approached by artists all the time for hosting and mixing. When DaCick1 was asked what happens when the artist approaches him with bad material? "I'm gonna violate some DJ codes on this one, if the money is right...hey, I'll do it, I ain't even gonna count. If the money isn't right, I will provide feedback to that artist. If I ain't feelin' it, I ain't feelin' it. I won't do it. Real talk, I will NOT put my name on nothing that's trash.

REAL TALK!" With all the mixtapes under the belt of DJ DaCick 1, there is one artist that he would like to get in the lab with.

Without any hesitation, his reply was "I would love to do a Jada Kiss mixtape, I wouldn't care if it's a best of and he just hosted it. I'd love to work with Jada Kiss. My second choice, Chamillionaire. If I had a dream to be able to work with anyone, they would be my picks."

Did I mention mixtape DJs love to break records?!?!

Well, DaCick 1 is putting his stamp on on "Good Life Music, they got next. Issa is probably the hottest thing out. Good Life got that hot camp and that push behind them from a big team. Cool Amerika and in Killeen there's a rapper CFoe who I put the stamp on for real."

DJ DaCick 1 has a great point of view on the violence that is going on and it's correlation with hip-hop. "Ooo, I'm pro and con on this.

Because it always gets worse before it gets better. Really I was waiting on an After the Police records to come out, before a Self Destruction came out, I don't know why all these rappers are sitting back. We got all these underground artists that are making a conscious, wake up music and the mainstream would rather speak on dollars.

After the NWA movie drops this summer, somebody will leak the After the Police record! It just sucks that everybody is waiting instead of being proactive."

Man, let me tell ya…I almost messed around and missed this interview. Had it scheduled, thinking I was just a little fashionably late (had to get my setup just right).

I called and was greeted with “I was expecting your call an hour ago”…. WHAT?!?! Yes, totally my bad. He is Eastern and I am Central. After we laughed that off, we were able to get down to business.

To be honest, I was a bit on the fence about this interview…my research led me social media bios but that was it! Shit, I knew I was shooting from the hip on this one. Not to worry - that usually turns out to be some of my best work. ;) So without further ado…

“I am a REAL hip-hop head!” Let him tell it, “Most people think I’m younger than what I am, however I grew up in the era called hip-hop…there are a lot of people who talk about it, but I actually lived it.” I’m sure that can take y'all back… The Golden Age of Hip-Hop Music: The 80’s. Listening to such legends as DJ Red Alert and Chuck Chillout. The streets were filled with performers. Those classic sounds we won’t ever forget. Ladies and Gentleman, it is an honor to #SaluteTheDJ, DJ Arab.

Growing up in in the heart of it all, Harlem, not to mention his Puerto Rican roots; Arab was surrounded by music day in and day out. From as early as he can remember, the sounds of music filled his home. Coming from a musically inclined family, I’m betting music was in his blood. DJ Arab’s father was a member in a Latin band and his brother was a DJ in New York too…it was just a matter of time. “The inspiration came while I was listening to DJ Red Alert. I knew then, I wanted to become a DJ!” Mom encouraged him, Arab would get her stereo turntable and borrow the neighbors so he could put them together and spin all the family events and this my friends is the beginning of DJ Arab. A couple of chuckles later, I discovered he even tried his hand in the rap game, “I learned real quick, I’m not a rapper” Arab divulged. “The rest is history.”

DJ Arab is definitely one who paid his dues carrying the crates, but is also thankful that technology has stepped in and given his back a break. The DJs that actually carried the crates, have a true appreciation for the laptop to step in. However, when you put that needle on the record and hear the crackle of vinyl… that’s a sound you can’t forget.

That’s music! Arab goes on to say, “as much as I love vinyl, if you don’t move with technology you will be left behind.” Changing with the times is inevitable, not only is hand-to-hand combat a necessity, so is social media. We have the means to touch the world, but the internet is so cluttered with bullshit, so much falls through the cracks.

Your network is just as valuable if not more so than your net worth.

DJ Arab holds the title of #33 of the Top 100 Mixtape DJs in the world! He is the second most requested DJ on AudioMack. With such great accomplishments under his belt, Arab is also an active member of the Stack Or Starv DJs, Mixtape Trappers, Mixtape Mobb, and GoodTime’s Hot 100 DJs. Hear me now, believe me later…Build genuine relationships with these DJs. They are the key.

In addition to being one of the best mixtape DJs in the world, DJ Arab is a Scratch DJ, a Club DJ, and a Ghost DJ (one who DJs for the DJ). Being a mixtape DJ allows Arab to do what he does best…break new artists. “I love breakin’ new artists!,” Arab says. Being that this is the Mixtape Issue, I asked the tough question about being approached with bad material from an artist, Arab makes it perfectly clear that he does not compromise on quality. “If the project is lacking, I will turn them down and I have turned down many.

However, I will provide them with the needed feedback so they can correct the issues and try again.”

www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

DJ Arab DJ Arab is in the middle of working many projects to be on the look for: Soundcheck Live, a radio show, a clothing line, not to mention the mixtapes that are coming down the pipe. In the words of DJ Arab “Create your own lane, Be You!” Find your niche and run with it.

It was a pleasure to interview DJ Arab, he’s got a friend for life! Like I said earlier, in this crazy industry you gotta nurture your relationships. A wise man once told me “This game is 10% talent and 90% networking. Know what you’re workin’ with!”

“I am a REAL hip-hop head! I grew up in the era called hip-hop…there are a lot of people who talk about it , but I actually lived it .” I’m sure that can take y'all back… The Golden Age of Hip-Hop Music: The 80’s. Listening to such legends as DJ Red Alert and Chuck Chillout . The streets were filled with performers. Those classic sounds we won’t ever forget . Ladies and Gentleman, it is an honor to #SaluteTheDJ, DJ Arab. www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

DJ SMOOTH It all started when he was a kid...growing up in the streets of Harlem and being Puerto Rican, music has been deeply rooted into his veins. He picked up his love of music from his uncle. His uncle was actually a DJ and he really got into it. This is the man that bought him his first set of turn tables. This young, vibrant DJ was then introduced to Freestyle music which carried over into Spanish music...it was real big at the time in the Spanish communities. These moves opened the doors to hiphop and RnB as well as him bumping into a guy by the name of Tech Nice, he showed him the "real ropes of being a DJ, a turntablist, doing music, knowing the industry, the meaning of music, and the history of hip. I fell in love..."

"I started out under the name DJ K Smooth and had dropped a lot of mixtapes under that name. Because of some copy right issues, I ended up having to change my name to ‘DJ Smooth Montana.’ I'm still doing what I do."

DJ Smooth Montana currently resides in Connecticut with his family and doing what he loves to do...create music. Smooth Montana continues to follow his roots, he still does his music, mixtapes, and produces. During his spare time (I know..ha ha) DJ Smooth Montana will make appearances and guest DJ sets on radio shows.

DJ Smooth Montana goes onto to say, "Hip-hop is where I come from.

I live and breathe hip-hop. Ya know, hip-hop is in my blood. I grew up doing this." Some of Smooth Montana's influences, especially the ones he worked with on 125th Street in Harlem were significant! He watched and learned from Kid Capri, Ron G with his 4 turntables, and S&S. DJ Smooth Montana studied the different mixing and scratching techniques of these DJs and applied them into his own style.

Smooth Montana remembered back to the first mixtape he ever dropped, it was 1993. He was in the streets, selling out the trunk, and creating his brand.

Smooth Montana mentioned he misses going to the record companies getting his package of records and meeting with the A&Rs,

www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

MONTANA everything's digital now. "Music just isn't shopped the same way," "DJing has very much changed. Now you have computer DJs (the ones that copy and paste music) turntabalists (such as myself) that really put the effort into my music. I have real intros, and the music now a day, often takes the fun out of it for us. We bring the craft, we speak with our hands... The rappers grab that mic and go in. Our hands work for us, that's our craft, our magic." I asked Smooth Montana if he misses doing 16 bars on a record. He replied, "MAAANN, those were the days! I remember us taking our turntables up to Riverside Park and plug into the light poles and be jamming til the cops would shut us down. I miss those days! Those were the days!" If you all could have heard the passion that was being conveyed through the phone. It was moving.

"Growing up in Harlem, that's all we knew...music. I took the elements that were instilled in me growing up and added them to hip-hop, reggaetone, and RnB. I mixed them all up and created my own style. The rest is history."

Smooth Montana's mixtapes have their own feel to them, you can feel his creativity come through them. When he gets into his "zone", he tries to think outside the box. DJ Smooth Montana finds his focus and chooses music that will highlight and accentuate the artist he is working on. "Finding that perfect song, your mind just starts working. DJ Arab is like my brother, we work so well together. When we collab on a mixtapes, we all bring something different to the table." Just like painting on canvas, each stroke is precise and needed to complete the finished product and Smooth Montana is the brains. "S/O DJ Arab!"

The Mixtape Assassin was given to him when he was younger.

Smooth Montana was a battler, doing the chops, crab scratches, and getting a fancy with it. His fans would tell him that he kills his mixtapes, all 90 minutes of them. Thus "The Mixtape Assassin" it was.

"Music is music and if it's respected you as a DJ will work with any artist. DJs break records, that's what we do. I love great music!"

"Hip-hop is where I come from.

I live and breathe hip-hop. Ya know, hip-hop is in my blood. I grew up doing this.�

DJ Smooth Montana

www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

Pacing back and forth, headphones on playing back our interview with iPad in hand.

The words began to flow... I was speaking with Kentucky Raised, HUGE fan of Texas music (PSA to the Texas artists) The Mixtape Iron Man, DJ Slikk.

As we began our interview, DJ Slikk took me back to where it all began. I had a flashback that reminded me of a classic hip-hop moment like we were playing out a scene of ABCs old school Hip Hop infused comedy, "Fresh Off The Boat." He stated "I started DJing when I was in 8th grade. I was always around music and I always had music." I'm sure most of us remembers how fast word goes around back in those days.

"One day a school friend of mine said he wanted me to DJ his house party because I had all the great music. One thing turned into another and DJ Slikk had emerged.

During Our conversation, DJ Slikk is most humbling...I did ask him to pat himself on the back and share his accolades with us. For starters, DJ Slikk is ranked #27 for the top 100 Mixtape DJs in the world. Which is a great honor in itself. In addition to that achievement, Slikk has been awarded 2 Southern Entertainment Awards (SEA) and several KYMP (Kentucky Music Pool) Awards. It seems like the DJs don't ever get the bragging rights they deserve, that's where n'Rotation comes Into play.

We provide and encourage the DJs to use our platform!

"Man, one of my biggest influences is DJ Michael Watts."

I've been a HUGE fan of Texas music forever, I would love to do a DSR (Dirty South Rydaz) MIXTAPE!

Between his kids and my dogs we had quite an entertaining moment. We both laughed and know that's just life. DJ Slikk is an active member of KYMP DJs as well as the Core DJs. He welcomes the camaraderie of his extended DJ Families. Music is what brings and keeps them together, it's a major part of their core foundation. I asked Slikk if he had ever been approached with bad material and if so how did he handle it...

He laughed and said "haven't we all?!?!

I provide quality feedback to the artists, especially if it is not ready yet. That's my duty as a DJ. Usually after we discuss price, that will deter the ones that are on the fence. Because 9 times outta 10, I am outta their league."

THE

M I X TA P E www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

When DJ Slikk transforms into mixtape mode, it cannot be raining. He will not create his masterpieces... "I lost one too many projects" and ended up learning the hard way. "I always keep my ear to the streets, I feel a responsibility to our local Kentucky artists to do what I can to share their great music to the masses. Creating mixtapes have me that opportunity. I will get 5 or 6 records and build around that." The key is to give the fans what's hot and train their ears to listen to the great songs by great Kentucky artists.

Sounds like a well oiled machine, after all DJs love to break records. That's definitely a bragging right conversation. DJ Slikk has completed thousands of mixtape projects. Slikk says, "throw back Thursday comes around and folks tag me in various mixtapes that I've done, and I'm like dang...I forgot about that one. I believe that mixtapes hold their value. The trend is changing, we as DJ's have to conform to the changing technology. The public wants to be able to get 1 hot record from all the artists they love." I see how important and the great value that Mixtape DJs hold. The fans trust and respect the mixtape DJs to put that record together for them.

DJ Slikk "only has 2 bad habits: Reeboks and Hennessy." He is a sneaker head, however he doesn't follow the Jordan trend. In fact, Slikk has never owned a pair of Jordan's. "I'm in a different lane from most. I started wearing Reeboks back in high school, even when they weren't so popular, I always rocked em.

They (Reebok) have definitely stepped up their game, keeping up with the trends and such."

" The key is to give the fans what's hot‌I see how important and the great value that Mixtape DJs hold. The fans trust and respect the mixtape DJs to put that record together for them.�

Being in a different lane is right, DJ Slikk took what seemed to just be a logical branding move for him into a money maker for him. He was tired of performing and people constantly asking him where he's from; he said "everybody wore something that repped them ie: Dallas, NY, Atlanta, LA, etc. Hell, we (Kentucky) don't even have a professional sports team, only college. So I decided to have a few KY Raised shirts pressed up for me and the team and next thing I know, everyone wants one." Currently, they have 30 states covered and soon expanding to encompass the entire United States.

Slikk became the "Mixtape Iron Man" during college. He was creating a mixtape series and wanted to do a cartoon character for the artwork. His graphic designer threw out the idea of a comic book character. DJ Slikk wasn't too keen on Captain American, he needed someone who was blue and white, Slikk was a Phi Beta Sigma. Needed blue and white. So his graphic designer said "how about Iron Man? Let's just change him to to blue and grey instead." They called the series the"Iron Man Mixtapes" and it stuck. "Might I add, this was way before the movie came out."

IRON MAN www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

A MESSAGE FOR THE MASSES !

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This won’t apply to all DJs, and thats a shame. Where were you on Saturday April, 18 2015? If you can’t recall, thats OK, but next year you should block off the third Saturday in April for Record Store Day! This is the day set aside to show support and celebrate independently-owned record stores. The Record store is the last frontier to purchase Vinyl Records and CDs, and some stores will carry unopened and used cassette tapes.

The digital era has decreased the traffic to the record store but true Vinyl Heads know that the Serato will never give you the feel of a record grooves nor the sound of the crackle that screams “Authenticity!”

This year MC Lyte released her album on ‘Record Store Day,' appropriately titled “Legend.” This album features appearances from Kenny Latimore, Common, Faith Evans, and many more.

This release to a physical record store defies the industries digital distribution on “New Music Tuesday.” This type of release could be the new standard. This will show how artist are taking control of how their art is being distributed, and how they are supporting the Independent Stores that sells thier music directly to the fan, hand-to-hand. Don’t wait all year for next April though.

Get out there and buy history in the physical form.

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Place: Gas Monkey Live Dallas, Texas. To a packed house Erykah Badu is physically on stage, but not to sing but, she has channeled her alter ego DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. This artist turned DJ has been on the scene years before Lil Wayne or Wiz Khalifa decided to take on the challenge of getting behind the Ones & Twos.

During a Red Bull Music Academy Badu said the name came from a character in the movie Cooley High. But we all know theres a eclectic soul inside of her, and from her #DJLiveSet we can see she's not afraid to drop tracks like Debra Laws - “Very Special” and finds a way to make it fit in with Fetty Wap's “Trap Queen.”

Needless to say DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown rocked the crowed for well over an hour and Erykah Badu made an appearance from time to time accompanying hits like, “Window Seat,” and “Love of My Life.” The Live Set was a trip for the New School and the Old School alike.

So the next time you hear, “DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown will be on the Ones and Twos,” don't hesitate to get to the venue and be prepared to rock out with the universal sounds of Control FreaQ record labels DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown!

#DJLiveSet www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

John Williams, PKA “Jigsawe” is the hot commodity that comes to us by way of The Gateway To The West. That would be St. Louis, MO to our geographically challenged. ;) Growing up as the “family entertainer,” Jigsawe quickly learned to use his gift of music to connect to the ladies. Yes, he puts “The Woo On You.” Jigsawe’s passion for music, renewed relationship with God, and determination have guided him in the right direction to keep reaching for the stars. Currently working on his EP, expect a great project real soon.

Jigsawe: different styles, pieces, and genres wrapped into one person.

Twitter: @jigsawe FaceBook: Rapper Jigsawe www.nRotationTheDJmag.com

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Click artwork to listen.

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HOPSIN | “CROWN ME" |

KILLER MIKE | "RIC FLAIR" |

Scotty ATL SCOTTY ATL | “CLOUD IX (GO UP)“ |

ELIJAH BLAKE feat.

DEJ LOAF

ELIJAH BLAKE feat DEJ LOAF | “I JUST WANNA" |

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JUST PRESS PLAY

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CONTENT & SUPPORT

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S U IO V E UE R R P ISS VE CO