Hitbreaking DJ's

Yesterday evening, I had the opportunity to listen to some of the most successful radio, club and mixtape dj's of our time. The likes of DJ Jelly (Atlanta), DJ Pharris (Chicago), DJ Irie (Miami), Nick V (Los Angeles), DJ Supa Mike (Baton Rouge), DJ AJ (St. Louis), DJ E Rock (San Francisco) were all on the call. Typically when I am on these industry type calls, I like to keep a pen and pad handy so that I can write down contact information, new ideas that may pop into my head and nuggets of information that people spit while they talk. Before I share some of the things that I picked up, I want to give a big congratulations and shout out to DJ Wrekk 1 and The Hitbreakers.com for all of the hard work that they do to further hip hop music and the networking and information sharing that they foster.

I just want to drop a few points that were brought up.

1. Your success is contingent on your location, city, market, credibility and your mouth-piece. However, you can become a success right where you are if you have a vision and can follow through on it.

2. Tell Record Promoters the truth about their records and they will ultimately respect you and come to you again. Sometimes, good promoters have to try to push weak songs. It's not their fault, but it is their job. Just give a simple yes or no.

3. Street DJ's are the strongest right now, do to their ability to play records and break them in the club. Additionally, some street dj's are great marketers who can do more for an artists' music than maybe radio can sometimes.

4. Not all dj's can do everything. Some dj's have different strengths. One dj might be good at keeping the program director happy. Another might be good at going from the radio to the club and grinding, turning the party out with every record they play. Another may be stronger at creating mixtapes.

5. Dj's know what works in their market and what doesn't. (But if you believe in your song, keep pushing on!)

6. Dj's are people to. They want to know that you care not just about them playing your record, but that you care how they are doing. Build real and sincere relationships with dj's if you can and you may get that love back when you need it.

These are just a few of the jewels that I picked up. When I get on a hitbreaker.com conference call, I am always impressed with the caliber of people on the call and the information and candidness with which the artists speak. Until the next call, stay in the studio.


Hip-Hopfully Yours,

Beno-other, M.B.A.