Next Up, The DJ Turned Beat King, Diamond D

HANG THE DJ Interview #33

One of my favorite hip hop albums of all time is Diamond D’s “Stunts, Blunts, & Hip Hop”.   The Source Magazine named it one of the best Hip Hop albums of all time in 1998 and rightfully so.  I have so many favorites off this album.  During this time I rolled pretty tough with a dear friend of mine still to this day, the impeccably talented photographer; Brian Cross (a.k.a. B+ of Mochilla fame).  This album was our SH*T!.  I can’t imagine how many times we must’ve listened to it in his apartment off Normandie.  So many memories.
Diamond D started out as a DJ for Jazzy Jay back in the late 1980s and together with rhyme partner Master Rob, he was one half of the group Ultimate Force. The group signed with Jazzy Jay’s Strong City Records, and Diamond and Rob started recording their debut album, I’m Not Playin’, in 1988 and released the 12-inch single with the same title, which spawned a buzz in the underground. The album was completed in 1990, but it got caught up in label politics, such as the shutdown of Strong City distributor Uni Records, and was shelved until 2007 when it was released through Traffic Entertainment. One of the last songs recorded for the album was a Diamond D solo song in which he actually picked up the mike for the first time. The song was called “The Best-Kept Secret.” 
Whenever I play “Best Kept Secret” you can’t help but shout out random lines and ad-libs like “Diamond D got props like a cop”….and whoever the homegirl is that yells “YO CHILL!”.  If you don’t remember the classic singles and b-sides off this album here’s a little stroll down memory lane…

“Best-Kept Secret”
  • Released: 1992
  • B-side: “A View From the Underground”, “Freestyle (Yo, That’s That Shit)”
“Sally Got a One-Track Mind”
  • Released: 1992
  • B-side: “Check One, Two”
“What U Heard”
  • Released: 1993
  • B-side: “I’m Outta Here”
The times I spent listening and dancing to this record is one of my fondest memories in the transitional stage of hip hop in the early 90’s.  Even though I was born and raised in L.A. I always had a stronger connection to N.Y. hip hop.  It started with Eric B. & Rakim, BDP, Kane, etc. but when the shift starting happening and so many incredible production driven records were dropping around came 1992 and I was introduced to Diamond D.  
Although I LOVED Diamond’s style as an MC his production was really what made me a die hard fan.  His sound is so classic, it really is a perfectly produced record for that time.  The lack of sampling restrictions at the time was such an added bonus on this record.  Everyone from Jeff Beck to Booker T & The M.G.s to to Tower of Power to Kleer to James Taylor to SchoolHouse Rock were sampled and additional production magic was provided by Large Professor, 45 King, Q-Tip, & Showbiz to name a few.  The album was 23 songs strong give or take a few skits/intros, I miss this time in hip hop mainly because whatever your taste or preference you were guaranteed to love at least 80% of the songs on the album.  As I’m writing this “Don’t Let it Go To Your Head” by Jean Carne is playing in the background in my living room, which was sampled for and is the title of  one of my later favorite Brand Nubian songs.  That is actually how I met Diamond for the first time.  Sadat X and I have been friends for around 15 years and back in the day he took me to Diamond’s Studio while I was on one of my many N.Y. trips.  I remember being in his basement in awe of the magic that surrounded me.  A sea of records filled the space, MPC’s, boards, etc. I was in heaven.  I can be known to be more a fan of producers than MC’s and Diamond is one of them for sure.  That being said he has produced some of my favorite hip hop songs for other artists including; “Soul Clap” - Showbiz & A.G., “The Next Level” - The Liks, & “Punks Jump Up” - Brand Nubian.
Here is the LAUNDRY LIST of songs he’s produced in his career according to Wikipedia hopefully its accurate…

Production

  • 1989: Raheem - “I’m The King”
  • 1990: Lord Finesse & DJ Mike Smooth - Funky Technician (LP):
    “Funky Technician”, “Here I Come”, “Bad Mutha”, “I Keep The Crowd Listening”
  • 1990: Ultimate Force - “I’m Not Playing” (LP)
  • 1999: Showbiz & AG - “I’m Convinced”, previously unreleased
  • 1991: Lord Finesse - Return of the Funky Man (LP):
    “Fuck ’Em”, “Isn’t He Something”, “Praise The Lord”, “That’s How Smooth I Am”, “Praise The Lord (Remix)”
  • 1992: Showbiz and A.G. ”Hard to Kill”, “Soul Clap,” from Runaway Slave
  • 1992: The Ghetto Girlz - Ain’t Takin’ No Shit (LP):
    “Alphabetical Order”, “Bitch Ass Nigger”, “Marked For Death”, “That’s All She Wrote”
  • 1992: Diamond D And The Psychotic Neurotics - “Best Kept Secret (Remix by 45 King & Diamond)”
  • 1992: Brand Nubian - “Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down”, “Punks Jump Up… (Remix)
  • 1992: Busy Bee - Thank God For Busy Bee (LP):
    “Get With Me”, “Home Boyz”, “I Got Thingz Sewed”, “My Personality”
  • 1992: The A.T.E.E.M. - Yeah (Diamond Mix)
  • 1992: R.O.C. - Dedicated to My Girl (Diamond Mix)
  • 1993: Illegal - “CrumbSnatcher” and “Illegal Will Roc” from The Untold Truth
  • 1993: Red Hot Lover Tone - Give It Up (Remix)
  • 1993: Cypress Hill - When The Ship Goes Down (Diamond Mix)<—Unreleased & Revamped says year 1996, not 93(?) (The single was released 1993, the album was compiled in 1996)
  • 1993: Yaggfu Front & Diamond D - Slappin’ Suckas Silly (Remix)
  • 1993: Apache - “Who Freaked Who” and “Get Ya Weight Up” from Apache Ain’t Shit
  • 1993: Fat Joe - Represent (LP):
    “Bad Man”, “Watch The Sound”, “Flow Joe”, “Da Fat Gangsta”, “Shorty Gotta Fat Ass”, “You Must Be Out of Your Mind”and “Get On Up”
  • 1993: Diamond D - “I’m Outta Here (Remix)”
  • 1993: Illegal - “We Getz Buzy (Remix)”
  • 1993: Raazda Rukkuz - “Da Chronic Asthmatics” and “Loco Impact”, 12” Single
  • 1993: Leaders of the New School - “Classic Material (Remix)”
  • 1993: Diamond D ft. Lord Finesse & Sadat X - “You Can’t Front”
  • 1993: Private Investigators - “Who Am I? (God) [Remix]”
  • 1993: Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs - Roxbury 02119 (LP):
    “Streets of the Ghetto”, “Busted”, “Love Comes & Goes”, “I Thought Ya Knew”, “Dat Ain’t Right”
  • 1994: Fu-Schnickens - “”Sneakin’ Up On Ya”, “”Aaahh Ooohhh!” from Nervous Breakdon
  • 1994: A.D.O.R. - The Concrete (LP):
    “Day 2 Day”, “Heart & Soul”, “Keep it Real”, “The Kid is Crazy”, “Day 2 Day (Mecca Mix)”
  • 1994: Shadz of Lingo - A View to a Kill (LP):
    “Different Stylez”, “Don’t Test Da Skills”, “Ill And Get Clowned”, “Think I Give A Fuck”
  • 1994: Red Hot Lover Tone - “#1 Player” and “Bust The Manueva”, from #1 Player
  • 1994: Nefertiti - “Come Down Baby” and “Family Tree” from L.I.F.E.
  • 1994: House of Pain ”Word is Bond”, “Word is Bond (Remix)” from Same As It Ever Was
  • 1994: Justice System - “Dedication to Bambaata (Remix)”
  • 1994: Dana Barros & Cedric Ceballos, ft. A.G. & Brand Nubian - “Ya Don’t Stop”
  • 1994: Outkast - “SouthernPlayalistiCadillacMuzik (Remix)”
  • 1994: Scientifik - “I Got Planz” and “Yeah Daddy”, from Criminal
  • 1994: The Veldt - “Soul in a Jar (Guitar Mix)”
  • 1994: Joi ft. Shadz of Lingo - “Freedom”
  • 1994: Total Devastation - “Wonderful World of Skins (Remix)”
  • 1994: Lucas - “Cityzen (Diamond D Remix)”
  • 1995: The Pharcyde ”Groupie Therapy,” from Labcabincalifornia
  • 1995: KRS-One - “Build Ya Skillz,” “Squash All Beef,” from KRS-One
  • 1995: KRS-One - “Ah Yeah (Diamond Flava)” and “Ah Yeah (Diamond Rhode Mix)”, 12” Single
  • 1995: KRS-One - “What I Know”, unreleased outtake from KRS-One
  • 1995: Big C - “Look Alive”, from D&D Project
  • 1995: Big Red - “Created A Monster” and “How They Want It”, 12” Single
  • 1995: Various Artists - “Freedom (Theme From Panther)”
  • 1995: Tha Alkaholiks ”Let it Out,” “Next Level,” from Coast II Coast
  • 1995: Fat Joe - “Bronx Tales” and “Watch Out”, from Jealous One’s Envy
  • 1995: Urban Thermo Dynamics - “Manifest Destiny”
  • 1996: Fugees ”The Score,” from The Score
  • 1996: Xzibit ”Bird’s Eye View,” from At the Speed of Life
  • 1996: Mondo Grosso - Do You See What I See (Remix)
  • 1996: Ronnie Foster - “Summer Song (Diamond D Mix)”
  • 1996: Sadat X ft. Fat Joe - “Nasty Hoes”, from America is Dying Slowly
  • 1996: Raekwon ft. Ghostface Killah& Jodeci - “Rainy Dayz (Mr. Dalvin Remix)”; co-production, programming & mixing
  • 1996: Ras Kass ”Soul on Ice (Remix)”, from Soul on Ice (12” single)
  • 1996: Broadway A.K.A. Party Arty - “Enjoy Yourself”
  • 1996: Sadat X - “Wild Cowboys”, “Petty People” and “Move On” from Wild Cowboys
  • 1997: Afro Jazz - “Paria v/s Estat”
  • 1997: Organized Konfusion ”Questions,” from The Equinox
  • 1997: Diamond D - “Hiatus (Remix)”, “MC2”, from The Hiatus 12”
  • 1997: D.I.T.C. - “Day One”, 12” Single
  • 1998: A.D.O.R. - “The Rush”, from Shoq Frequency
  • 1998: Busta Rhymes ”What the Fuck You Want!!” from Extinction Level Event (Final World Front)
  • 1998: Brand Nubian - “Foundation”, from Foundaction
  • 1998: D.I.T.C. ft. Brand Nubian - “I Flip Styles”
  • 1998: Queen Latifah - “I Don’t Know”, from Order in the Court
  • 1999: A.G. - “Nowhere to Go”, from The Dirty Version
  • 1999: Busta Rhymes - “The Bus-a-Bus (Remix)”
  • 1999: Diamond D - “When it Pours it Rains”, from Soundbombing 2
  • 1999: Diamond D & Sadat X - “Feel It”, 12” Single
  • 1999: Mos Def ”Hip-Hop,” from Black on Both Sides
  • 1999: Pharoahe Monch ”The Light,” “The Truth,” “The Ass,” from Internal Affairs
  • 1999: Scaramanga - “S.I.R.”, from 7 Eyes, 7 Horns
  • 1999: Too Short ft. Jay-Z - “Here We Go”, from Can’t Stay Away
  • 2000: A.D.O.R. - “Cock’d Back”, from Animal 2000
  • 2000: Freddie Foxxx ”Bumpy, Bring it Home,” from Industry Shakedown
  • 2000: D.I.T.C. ”Day One,” “Foundation,” from D.I.T.C.
  • 2000: Sadat X - “X-Man”, “You Can’t Deny” from State of NY vs. Derek Murphy EP
  • 2000: Unbound Allstars - “Mumia 911”
  • 2001: Busta Rhymes - “Wife in Law” featuring Jaheim
  • 2001: Muro ft. O.C. - “Lyrical Tyrants (Diamond Mix)”
  • 2002: The 45 King - “Double Dare”
  • 2003: Akrobatik- “Feedback,” from Balance
  • 2003: ASD - “Sag Mir Wo Die Party Ist”
  • 2004: Earatik Statik ft. Pacewon - “People Like Us”, from Feelin Earatik
  • 2004: Edo G featuring Pete Rock - “Streets is Callin”, from My Own Worst Enemy
  • 2004: The Omen - “It’s Our World”, from DJ Rhetmatic Mixtape
  • 2005: A.D.O.R. - “The Realness”, from Signature of Ill
  • 2005: Sadat X - “The Great Diamond D”, from Experience & Education
  • 2005: Medina Green - “Green Boogie”, from Mixtape
  • 2006: Cannonball Adderley – “Bohemia in the Dark (Remix)”
  • 2006: Sadat X - “The Post”, from Black October
  • 2007: Sean Price - “Get it Together”, from Master P
  • 2007: Natalie Cole - “Day Dreaming”, from Leaving
  • 2008: Terror Tongue - “Lyrical Threat”, from Unreleased Production 1994
  • 2009: Collective Efforts - “I Get Down”
  • 2009: Freestyle Professors - “Think About It”, from Gryme Tyme
  • 2011: Pharoahe Monch - “Shine”, from “W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)
At the time “Stunts” came out I never imaged I would end up being a DJ professionally.  So the thought of being able to rock with one of my favorite producers on my own night 19 years after “Stunts…” dropped is a dream come true for me career wise.  THIS artwork makes me smile foolishly!…
I have heard of his infamous 45 sets as of late…
and after speaking to him recently on the phone a few times I am anticipating his D.I.T.C. tribute set on June 13th for VERSUS at Insert Coin(s).
Boys & Girls it is my pleasure to introduce you to illustrious DJ turned Beat King, Diamond D.

Where are you from?
THE BRONX, NEW YORK CITY

Where did your name come from?
FROM A NEIGHBORHOOD MC, NAMED DIAMOND D.

How did your record collection start?
AT 10 YEARS OLD, THE FIRST BREAKBEAT I PURCHASED WAS A 12 INCH CALLED SHANGRI-LA ON CRENSHENDO RECORDS



What was your first DJ gig and when?
AT NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTIES

How long have you been djing?
25 YEARS

What would you love to play that you’re not known for?
ELECTRONIC OR DISCO MUSIC

When did you start producing?
1989

What was your first project?
THE ULTIMATE FORCE


What was your first produced song released?
LORD FINESSE LP “THE FUNKY TECHNICIAN”


What is your favorite track you’ve done?
BUSTA RYHMES “DO THE BUS A BUS” REMIX


Who would you like to produce/work with that you haven’t already?
RAKIM AND DR. DRE

What was one of your favorite moments surrounding “Stunts, Blunts, & Hip Hop”?
THE RECORDING OF IT AT JAZZY JAY’S STUDIO. EACH SESSION WAS LIKE A PARTY.


Do you like performing live?
YES

Have you always been actively DJing throughout your career or did you take a hiatus and if so why?
NO, I TOOK A HIATUS AND LEARNED THE ART OF PRODUCTION AND EVENTUALLY BECAME AN MC.

Who are some of your favorite DJs?
FLASH, CASH MONEY, JAZZY JEFF, KID CAPRI, GRAND WIZARD THEODORE, QBERT, AFRIKA ISLAM

What would you say DJs now lack?
THE BALLS TO BREAK NEW RECORDS

What do you like about current technology as a DJ and as a producer?
THE CONVENIENCE OF IT, I CAME FROM THE CASSETTE AND REEL TO REEL ERA.

What do you dislike?
SOMETIMES TECHNOLOGY CAN HINDER THE LEARNING AND RESPECT FOR THE RUDIMENTS OF PRODUCTION AND DJING

If you weren’t producing/DJing what would you be doing?  
OWNING AND OPERATING A RESTAURANT IN VEGAS

What is your hobby or interest when you’re not producing/DJing that people don’t know about?  
TRAVELING AND RACING SETS

How do you deal with requests?  
ONE AT TIME

How do you feel about the current EDM (Electronic Dance Music) takeover in nightlife?  
DISCO IS BACK … LOVE OR LEAVE IT

Do you have any desire to be a big room DJ?  Why or Why not?
YES, THERE IS NOTHING LIKE ROCKING A PARTY FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE

Weirdest moment djing?
DRUNKEN REQUEST  

Best moment djing?
WHEN IT POPS OFF IN THE BOOTH

Worst moment djing?
NONE

What are you most proud of in your career thus far?
MY GRAMMY AWARD I WON IN 1996 FOR THE FUGEES LP “THE SCORE”.


Whats your favorite city/cities to play in?
NYC/LA AND LONDON

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I AM INTO POLITICAL SCIENCE
 
Whats your poison? (drink of choice in the booth)  
WATER

What will you be/or want to be doing 5 years from now?
RUNNING MY RECORD LABEL AND PUTTING OUT NEW ARTISTS



FOLLOW Diamond D on Twitter:
@diamondditc

Next Up,…The “Best Kept Secret” a.k.a WARREN PEACE

“HANG THE DJ” - #12

This interview is special to me because not only am I a fan I am fascinated by his story…

Meet DJ Warren Peace.  Warren is one of my favorite DJ’s and one of my favorite people period…Warren, (full governmental Warren White)…not to be confused with the White guy on the left, (DJ Pizzo fellow XS resident DJ and great guy), 

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are the long time owners of THE HIP HOP SITE. It used to be an actual store that was a favorite amongst DJ’s and artists alike located off of Maryland Parkway in Vegas…(for full story click HERE).

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I met Warren in the early 90’s when he was a college radio DJ on KUNV.  He had a show called “Word Up” (1988 - 1993). I used to listen to his show when I would come to Vegas to visit my Dad…he BLEW me away, his radio show was comparable to Bobbito & Stretch’s renowned College radio in NY.  Not only was he technically talented (all vinyl back then obviously) but I remember having making the “stink face” to almost every mix he’d play, hip hop was so thick and meaty back then.  

As a college DJ, especially back then, he received all the hottness fresh off the press breaking brand new joints each week to a Vegas audience that had no idea their city was going to turn into the Nightclub Mecca it is now. During these pre-Bottle service years there were just a a few nightclubs on the strip and hip hop hadn’t even begun to take over the world as it has over the last 10 years.

His Twitter Bio reads: ”Warren Peace = hip-hop dude, turned house dude, turned XS Las Vegas head resident DJ , turned business man, turned daddy!” .  Warren has come a LONG way.  

Aside being an incredible DJ, he is one of the most solid dudes I’ve ever met, genuine to the bone.  We are still dear friends to this day and he has been nothing but supportive. When I first moved to Vegas he and Dave Fogg wanted me to manage them, I was definitely flattered, Warren is a true talent, I probably could’ve made a ton of money managing those two knuckleheads.  

As the story goes, Dave Fogg and Warren used to DJ together at RA, a nightclub tucked away in the awkward Luxor Hotel.  They, along with MC Mr. Bob (now a top radio personality on Hot 97.5 KLUC), blew up Vegas nightlife at the time introducing club goers to the Top 40/Mash-up music format via DJing and production. Dave was the music director at RA at the time and left to open up what is now Tryst at the Wynn, with new owner Victor Drais.  RA closed, times and trends were changing and Warren, one of the best DJ’s in Las Vegas, couldn’t catch a break anywhere. After a short lived residency with Victor, Warren was lost between that large gap that separated “urban” clubs and mainstream clubs at the time. At the time Warren was known as a “hip hop” DJ…this was when nightlife was taking that left off of the hip hop/rock/mash-up freeway onto the House/EDM super highway.

I had just moved to Vegas and was baffled to find out that Warren was DJing at the Stratosphere of all places doing some random all 80’s night at a spot called Polyester. Warren knew he needed to do something to not only re-invent himself but re-introduce himself to the new regime of nightlife owners that had no idea of his versatility.  His plan?, joining forces with his long time friend and fellow DJ, Dave Fogg, to create the first House mix show for KLUC called “Vibrate Radio”.

Shortly after Dave became the music director for Tryst and pushed for Warren to get another shot in the newly renovated big room that was the toast of the town at the time. So he did a “test” set one night,…The rest, as they say, is….

What is most important about this story and interview is; Warren and Dave really created the format for XS when it opened, almost a decade after RA closed they once again were trailblazing music formatting in Las Vegas.  Not too shabby of an accomplishment…from these two…here is Dave and Warren in the RA days….

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and now…

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Ironically enough Warren is now the lead resident DJ at XS, Deadmau5 requests him to open for him when he headlines XS.  Its such an interesting story and what I enjoy most is that Warren is now so highly revered by those who not only pigeon holed him but blatantly overlooked him.  A couple of weeks ago I was driving up Tropicana right by the airport I saw a much deserved (and long overdue) XS headliner billboard with Warren’s name in lights, I had the biggest smile on my face.  

This is what Warren makes people do when he plays at XS with his fancy computer key pad and alien computer attachments.

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His hat list is as follows; DJ, Dad, Husband, owner of “Just Chill” Snowcones, a snow cone truck he launched this past summer, co-owner of HipHopSite.com, and along with DJ Kevin Scott co-owner of Direct Music Service, a boutique record pool that services DJs with the best in everything from EDM to Reggae and everything in-between.

Boys & girls it is truly my pleasure to introduce you to the “Best Kept Secret” a.k.a “Your Favorite DJ in Las Vegas’ Favorite DJ”, WARREN PEACE.


How did you start?
 
“I started playing records when I was 5 years old.  For Christmas, I received a fisher price turntable and ran through my Dads record collection.  I would go to the grocery store with my mom because the record store was next door. Instead of asking for candy or gum in the checkout line I would ask my mom to buy me a record next door, from that point on I was hooked.   Soon after I would either tape Soul Train or the radio for all my favorite songs, if I really liked a song, I would go to the grocery store with my mom and beg her to buy me the 45. One day when on vacation in NC I heard “Planet Rock” on the urban radio station.  I had never heard anything like it.  I was completely blown away and knew whatever I did it life I had to be around this sound ALL THE TIME!
After many summer vacations and my cousins in NYC sending me tapes of Mr. Magic and Red Alert, it became clear that I had to be a DJ.  I did my first party when I was 13.  I did my first bar when I was 19. From that point it was bar, nightclub, house party, frat party, bar mitzvah REPEAT…  I’ve never looked back!”
 
What was your first gig and when? Were their any memorable moments that night good or bad?
 
I’ve had so many first gigs!! I’ll just pick one.  During my day job at Costco “Serving Hot Dogs” I had hooked up with this funny loud obnoxious kid, I later named Mr. Bob.  When he was working the front door at Costco it was ALWAYS entertaining.  I told him I was going to sneak him in the clubs and he was going to be my Hype man.  His reply was “N*gga you crazy!!”.  I had snuck him into a few gigs and he started “Carrying my crates”. I had made a big name for myself in Radio and was “somebody” on the west coast so I was asked to DJ the Source MAGIC Party in Vegas.  A Very big deal! -  All of the big names in hip-hop would be there.  During rehearsal I told Mr. BOB that he would be doing all the announcements and he would be my hype man that night.  I’ll never forget how big his eyes got and his reply “What do I do!!”  I said “Just be Bob…. and yell” HANDS UP!!”  And “IS THE EAST COAST IN THE HOUSE!!” The party was a huge success The Source was very happy, Bob’s cherry was busted and I got to meet Foxy Brown!”
 
 How long have you been djing?
 
“I’ve been Djing for over 30 years… yep 30 years youngsta!” 

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What genre are you “known” for?
 
“I’m known for many Genres it depends what years you are referring to.  From early on I was known for urban and hip-hop. Later on me, Dave Fogg, and Chris Mirykel formed the Inhumanz.

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We did rock and rap mashups and made the monster “50 cent vs. NIN Nails – 50 inch Nails”.  We later expanded the Inhumanz added Pizzo and Dj Destroyer.  We put out many more singles and an album. (click on the link to view and listen to the album)…

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I am currently known for the “XS sound” which is primarily arena house and electronic music.  The one thing I am most proud of is at my peak in every genre I could hold my own against ANYONE.”…(you can watch Warren in Lazer Tag action at XS going on after AfroJack here, pretty aggressive kids)
 
What do you/would you love to play you don’t get booked for or that you’re not known for?
 
“Lately I’ve been itching to do a Classic Rock/old funk party.  I did a wedding in Wells, NV…

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a few years back where I played 70s rock, disco and funk for a bunch of cowboys and small town folk.  It was one the best parties I have ever done - Top 5 in my book. No one would leave the venue. I had rednecks asking me to stay and play for a few hours more…(this is Steve from Wells, Nevada…he wasn’t at the wedding but I googled some images of Wells, Nevada and this was the first one to come up, its awesome, you get the picture)…

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I still get calls to DJ weddings up in Wells, NV.  I’ve wanted to do a 80s Urban party. Not the hits, not new wave.  Stuff like Guy, the old Foster and McElroy, O’Bryan some electro funk etc.”
 
Whats a couple of your new favorite artists or songs in the genre(s) your known for and especially genre(s) that you aren’t know for but really dig?

“Since I’m at XS it’s hard to say what my genre is because I play mostly house but also play hip-hop, rock etc.  I really like all genres accept country.  My favorite artists right now in the house genre are Hard Rock Sofa and Swanky tunes.  Favorite artists I really dig outside my genre are all the big names in Classical music - Beethoven, Mozart, Bach Tchaikovsky etc.  I find myself listening to allot of Classical music lately.  It clears the taste buds.” 

If you weren’t djing what would you be doing?
 
“I would own an electrical engineering firm with my dad and brothers.  I went to school to become and Electrical Engineer, my dad is a Civil engineer and my brothers are Mechanical and Civil.”
 
What is your hobby or interest when you’re not djing that people don’t know about? 
 
“I like to work out and love Hot Yoga.  I also love to raid 99 cent stores.”
 
 Whats in your dj bag (aside needles, headphones, vinyl, and slipmats)

“Earplugs and a phone charger”
 
How do you deal with requests? (if you have any pictures of napkin requests pls shoot me one)
 
l love requests!! They are a perfect gauge of what you are doing wrong, right and if you have a dumb crowd.
 
Top three re-occuring request situations? (i.e. “can you play something I can dance to”?)

“Can you play something with a beat? 
Hey man you Black how come you aint playing no Hip-Hop!! C’mon son!!
Hey brother why you playing this white boy shit!”
 
Why do you think people think the dj booth is also a coatcheck?

”Once you realize that most people in the club listen to the radio and don’t know 0.1 % of the music you know, and the only reason they are here is so they can show off their fake”___”.  It is at that point you will know to expect anything and it’s your job to ENTERTAIN! So start dancing, scratching or djing your ass off, but please stop crying about stupid stuff from stupid people.” 
 
Who’s the “character” in the club that annoys you the most? i.e. club promoter, birthday girl, makin’ it rain dude, Jamie Foxx on the mic doin his “stump the dj” bit, etc.

“The person that annoys me the most is the “I’m too cool person”, I’m too cool to dance, I’m too cool to be nice to a lady, I’m too cool to smile… etc  I really hate that dude and someone tell him to get off his phone in the middle of the dance floor.”

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Your story about people asking you to play “hip hop”…when you’re playing hip hop?  
 
“I get the reverse.  Since I’m black it’s expected of me to play hip-hop so I get the “Oh he’ll play hip-hop soon look” or “of course he’s going to play hip-hop look at him”. So it’s actually cool because people “know” I’m going to play hip-hop and tend to stay until I do.  BOOM GOTCHA!!!”
 
Worst gig you ever had?
 
“I was djing a high school dance and set up 2 hours late.  While I was setting up kids were yelling at me, girls were crying, the principal was shouting at me.  Some parents threatened to sue.  NO one would help me set up.  It was really bad.”
 
Weirdest moment djing?
 
“One of my weirdest Djing moments was when I did my first gig on ScratchLive without ANY back up wax.  I was pretty scared and if something were to happen I had no backup!”
 
Best moment djing?
 
 ”I’ve had a ton of “best moments” but recently it was Djing the closing set for the Electric Daisy Carnival official after party with Laidback Luke at XS.  I had been following laidback Luke for years and considered him one of my mentors.  I knew it would be hard to follow him, keep people there and stay on his pace.  Not only did I do it well, Luke tweeted about it and gave me compliments.  I was a very happy dude!”
 
Worst moment djing?

“I’ve had a few of these also.  I was djing my kids school carnival and I played the clean version of “Party like a Rock Star”  3 parents came up to me and scolded me, saying it wasn’t appropriate and immediately took their kids from the carnival and told the Principal I was playing obscene stuff.  I didn’t feel like a cool dad.”

Tips - biggest and smallest or any short story about getting tipped?  

“Biggest tip $1000 for an obscure trance song.  Smallest $2 for Mac Dre or Too short or somebody…”

The Good, Bad & the Ugly of the current club format/scene right now? (pertaining to whatever scene your in, i.e. big room, underground, lounge, cool kid whatever)

”The good:  Technology!  I can now go to the club with a USB stick or laptop and play for hours.  With Serato Scratch live, Ableton, traktor you now have an incredible amount of creativity at your finger tips.  DJs if you are using any DJ software just to play records, the same way you were with vinyl you are really missing the boat!  I DJ with an Alienware PC (not a MAC fanboy… sorry), use 3 midi controllers and run 3 programs simultaneously.  My Milkshake is better than yours…..

The bad:
#1 DJs getting hired on Image and the type of NIKES they are wearing
#2 booking agencies pushing mediocre talent, and then calling them the greatest thing since Wi-Fi.  Just because Dr. Dre makes incredible beats doesn’t mean Beats by Dre are incredible!!  Please read that again and let it soak in!…TALENT AND CREATIVITY STILL HAVE A PLACE IN THE DJ WORLD - GO FIND SOME!”

Least favorite thing the dj opening before you or going on after you does?

“The opening DJ can play whatever he or she wants.  Just gets the crowd moving!  If you are so untalented that you have play all the hits go ahead do it.  It’s not always about what you play; sometimes it’s how you play it.”

What would people be surprised to know about you?

“I use to be a dancer for RBX?  I like to create my own path and not follow?”

Who are some of your favorite DJ’s that you think people should know about who people might not know about on a mainstream level 

”Laidback Luke - Classic example of sometimes it’s how you play the music, not what is being played

Dave Fogg - I’ve never met anyone with more overall knowledge of music.  I would put his knowledge against ANYONE!

Funkmaster Flex and Kid Capri - Taught me how to play hip-hop (not mix) and how attitude presence and confidence can win over the room

Melo D - First person I ever heard flip R&B records hip-hop style on the radio.  I use to record his shows on LA radio and listen to them all the time. His timing is amazing.”

Whats on your ryder?

“101 green M&Ms”

Whats your poison? (drink of choice in the booth)

“Tequila straight! and ALOT OF WATER!”

What will you be/or want to be doing 5 years from now?

“In 5 years, (maybe 6) I will be done Djing.  I’ll be living off my businesses and investments.  I’ll own a summer home in Hawaii. And I might be producing… hint… hint…”

Follow Warren on twitter: HERE

For all things Warren:  http://warrenpeacelv.com

Next up,…DJ NEVA

“HANG THE DJ”

Not only is DJ NEVA a talented DJ but he’s also is part-owner of one of Vegas’ best street wear boutiques, KNYEW.  He’s a long time resident DJ for The Light Group in Las Vegas.  I have had the pleasure of knowing NEVA for around four years now and he is just one of those people who you constantly want to be around because he does nothing but laugh all day long.  I’ve never seen this dude break a smile.  

KNYEW sponsors a night at LAVO nightclub (at the Palazzo, Las Vegas) called “Old School Wednesdays” that have become one of my favorite spots to go to on in Vegas. One of NEVAs partners in the store, DJ Crooked, is the resident DJ.  They’ve had everyone from Grandmaster Flash to Slick Rick to Nice & Smooth.  If you’re in town on a Wednesday and you’re a hip hop head LAVO is the spot you wanna be at.

NEVA is an old school head from NY who, like few others, have organically stayed relevant as a DJ, and holds down residencies at some of Vegas’ biggest nightclubs.

Its my pleasure to introduce to you,…DJ NEVA a.k.a “The Black Panda”!! (lol)…

How did you start?  

“Growing up in the Bronx I was surrounded by music. Every weekend DJ’s would come in my neighborhood park, bring their equipment out and play all night long. Also my mother use to book DJ’s like AJ Scratch & Lovebug Starski to spin at my project community center monthly parties. It wasnt until I was 19 when I asked my Grandfather if he could give me $1000.00 to buy equipment. He actually gave me the money. As soon as I got that check I cashed it and I spent the whole day buying equipment piece by piece by myself.”


What was your first gig and when? Were their any memorable moments that night good or bad?

“I’ll never forget this. It was in 1992 and the spot was Houlihan’s Restaurants on 34th Street & 5th Ave. They had a club downstairs in the restaurant and this promoter I was cool with threw this upscale R&B party. I was spinning with this DJ named Darryl James. He use to do this weekend mix show on 107.5 WBLS. So I was already nervous because of that. So that nigh Darryl James started it off. The crowd was hype and everyone was feeling it. He was spinning all R&B. So me being a hip hop head and this being my first gig I really didn’t know what to do. So finally its time for me to get on. The first record I drop was Schoolly D “PSK”. The energy just dropped. I was so embarassed. Then I dropped Superlover Cee & Casanova Rudd “Do The James”. That didn’t help. After that I dropped Stetsasonic  “Go Stetsta”. That just made things worse. I started hearing hissing and some booing. Finally one of my boy’s came up to me and told me to play some new music. So I dropped Mary J’s “Real Love”. The crowd went nuts. After that the rest of the night was great!!”


How long have you been DJing?

“21 years.”


What genre are you “known” for?

“Hip Hop/R&B”

What do you/would you love to play you don’t get booked for or that you’re not known for?

“Alternative/Dance, 80’s New Wave & Disco”


Whats a couple of your new favorite artists or songs in the genre(s) your known for and especially genre(s) that you aren’t know for but really dig?

“This guy named Action Bronson. I wanna say he’s from Queens. He sounds like a cross between Ghostface & Big Pun. He’s nasty.  This chick named Kreashawn. She’s from Oakland. She’s straight up hood but she’s really dope. Then there’s New Young Pony Club. They have that new wave 80’s sound that I grew up listening to.”


If you weren’t Djing what would you be doing? 

“Maybe still doing building maintnence in the PJ’s.”

What is your hobby or interest when you’re not djing that people don’t know about? 

“Im the co-owner and co-founder of Knyew clothing boutique. When I’m not spinning I’m slinging tee shirts.”

Whats in your dj bag (aside needles, headphones, vinyl, and slipmats)

“My mix CD & Knyew stickers”

How do you deal with requests? 

“I just smile and say yes. Even if I don’t play it (which is usually) and they keep coming up to me I continue to smile and say it’s coming up.”


Why do you think people think the DJ booth is a coatcheck? 

“Because there is alot of space in the booth and it’s the safest place in the club.”


Who’s the “character” in the club that annoys you the most? i.e. club promoter, birthday girl, makin’ it rain dude, Jamie Foxx on the mic doin his “stump the dj” bit, etc.

“The one that asks for a shout out and the one that ask for the birthday song (In The Club) for their friends birthday. After all these years you would think they would know the name of that damn song by now.”


Your story about people asking you to play “hip hop”,…when you’re playing hip hop?  

“While I was playing Biggie’s Hypnotize I had this chick come up to me and asked when I was gonna start playing hip hop. I looked at her like she was crazy and told her this is hip hop. She told me she wanted to hear some new hip hop like Black Eyed Peas & Britney Spears.  I seriously wanted to slap the shit outta her.”


Worst gig you ever had? 

“It was my 2nd gig. It was New Years Eve and I had to bring all my equipment to this bar in the Bronx. There was like 10 people in the spot. To make matters worse the promoter tried to give me $50.00 for the night.  After arguing with him about my pay he finally decided to give me $150.00. Then he told me never to come back in his bar.”


Best moment djing? 

“I was about to say I’ve had so many good moments, until I thought about it. I was spinning at this spot in Manhattan and it was kinda dead. But I kept spinning like my job was on the line. This dude came up to me at the end of the night and tells me that I spun one of the best sets he heard in a minute. When I looked up it was Jazzy Jeff. My heart suddenly started beating fast. I couldn’t believe it. After that compliment I was definitely feeling myself.”


Tips - biggest and smallest or any short story about getting tipped?

“I can’t front. If I do take a tip it has to be over a $100.00. One time this obnoxious asshole was trying to give me $20.00 to play a song. I told him to keep his money and I’ll eventually play the song. But after him coming up to me after the 5th time I finally snapped. I took $100 out my pocket and told him I’ll give it to him if he left me the fuck alone. He just stared at me then walked away.”


Least favorite thing the dj opening before you or going on after you does? 

“I hate when the opening DJ drops the latest bangers. I kinda feel like that’s  disrespectful.”


What would people be surprised to know about you? 

“That I’m not related to Russell Simmons or Run.”


Whats your poison? (drink of choice in the booth)? 

“Its a toss-up between Jameson, Henny, Grey Goose or Belvedere.” 


What will you be/or want to be doing 5 years from now? 

“I wanna see Knyew grow into a successful business. I also wanna continue to DJ.  I know some people say that when a DJ hits a certain age they should think about quitting and start doing something else.  That’s bullshit!!!  Look at guy’s like Funkmaster Flex, Kid Capri & Junior Vasquez. These guys been spinning for over 30 years and still murdering clubs. Even like older rock musicians like Mick Jagger & Paul McCartney. These guys are pushing 70 yet they still go on world tours. If you really love what you do then you gonna continue to do so regardless of what people say.”



CHECK OUT MY MAN DJ NEVA’S LATEST MIX:

http://soundcloud.com/djneva/business-neva-personal 


…Or follow/find him elsewhere:

twitter.com/djneva
about.me/djneva
neva.simplygigantic.com