Reflections Of A Dj

Episode 296: The New Face Of Las Vegas On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas break down Las Vegas’ hotels getting hacked (0:55) and speak about @LifeIsBeautiful (7:01). @DJNeva realizes he needs to work on his @Serato face (5:20) and @DJCrooked gives flowers to @DJGoldfingerNYC’s set at @VIBEMagazine's "30th Anniversary" party in NYC (18:10). The crew speak about @FlavorFlavOfficial bum-rushing the DJ booth (33:46) and deep dive into @Usher performing at the @NFL's 2024 Super Bowl Halftime Show (51:05). Finally the crew debate who produced better #JayZ records between @Timbaland and @Pharrell (55:01) and Neva and Crooked exchange drunken war stories (1:03:50).

Episode 295: DJ KAOS On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome San Diego's finest @DJKaosSD. Kaos speaks on entering a booker role at venues like @SideBarSD @ElChingonSD (7:01), having parents unsupportive of his DJ career (26:01) and taking positive steps to seek help with therapy (41:01). He opens up about feeling forever indebted to the community after the immense support he got during the passing of his daughter (52:10). Finally, Kaos talks about having to turn down your friends as a booker (1:06:22) and @DJCrooked praises the lighting crew as the unsung heroes of the nightclub (1:29:00).

Episode 294: “50 Years Of Hip Hop” Feat. DJ MELLSTARR On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome back Harlem's finest @DJMellStarr. Mellstarr explains why he hates the term “Old School” when referring to Hip-Hop music (5:34), gives his recap of the "50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop" concert at Yankee Stadium (13:10) and speaks about his “Mellstarr And Friends” event with @Official_SugarHillGang at @DJXShowOfficial (24:01). The crew examines how new music takes longer to translate in the clubs nowadays (38:00), discuss the best time length for a DJ set (44:35) and give tips for mic work in the club (103:01). Finally, the fellas' debate which "Clean" versions of songs sounded better than the original "Dirty" version and discuss the best Remix ever made (1:17:17).

Episode 293: "The Princess Of Las Vegas" Feat. JAZLYN RICH On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome their youngest guest ever, up-and-coming local Las Vegas DJ @JazlynRich aka the 'Princess of Las Vegas'. Jazlyn speaks on how she linked up with @SimpCityLV (4:01) and discusses her own pop throwback music party @SincerelyNostalgia (5:11). The crew debate on the last year Hip Hop music dominated the clubs (8:10), question why young DJs don't band together more (12:38) and explain you can learn more from a "bad DJ" (18:00). They discuss the "2023 Song Of The Summer" (36:45) and discuss the importance of DJ showmanship (46:20). Jazlyn talks about the struggles of being a young DJ playing high profile events and large venues (55:40) and explains how she obtained the name the “Princess of Las Vegas” (1:11:44). Finally, the crew analyze if @SexyyRed has the song of the summer (1:22:39).

Episode 292: “The DJ Fantasy Of Joining An Agency” Feat. DJ MARCO PENTA On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome New York’s finest @DJMarcoPenta. Marco speaks on his role with @Yay3DayWeekend (7:01) and clarifies the rumors about DJ rates increasing in New York (13:13). The fellas debate why older DJs have had longevity in nightlife (17:20) and reflect on the newness of DJs creating their own edits during the mash-up era (37:02). Finally, they discuss "Lazy DJs" asking for song suggestions on Twitter (46:32) deep dive into the "DJ fantasy" of joining a DJ agency (1:01:10).

Episode 291: JAYCEEOH On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome DJ/Producer and champion of @VH1′s #MasteroftheMix @Jayceeoh. He speaks on how he created @GorillaPies pizza with his brother during the pandemic (1:15), comments on competing with @DJMoma at the @Redbull3Style Battle in Brooklyn (18:01) and reflects on his “Super 7” mixtape series (24:01).  Jayceeoh shares how being a "technically good DJ" can be hindering in the EDM circuit (37:01), talks about winning #MasteroftheMix season 3 (55:10) and explains why he changed his creative direction for his new project “Twilight Nine Album” (1:06:23). Finally, he speaks on working with Redman (@RedmanGilla (1:03:01) and explains why he funds his own projects after being on multiple record labels (1:327:01).

Episode 290: DJ MOMA “Moma Moments” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas bring back NYC’s finest DJ/Producer @DJMoma (co-founder of @EveryDayPPL). The fellas speak on corporations exploiting Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary (00:53), recap Moma's opening set for Drake’s (@ChampagnePapi) #ItsAllABlur tour in Quebec (5:10) and talk about #EverydayPpl becoming a pop culture reference (14:55). Moma speaks on the current popularity of #AfroBeats and #Amapiano music (35:01) and explains his thoughts on "American DJs" playing the same, obvious Amapiano songs (52:01). The crew thinks @Serato Stems leave USB Stick DJs at a temporary disadvantage (59:00) and ask Moma about a recent tweet expressing his frustration with DJ Agents (1:16:01). Finally, Moma talks about one of his most exciting recent opportunities with the @Arsenal football club (1:35:05).

Episode 289: The History Of Hip-Hop In Las Vegas On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome an important collective of influential Las Vegas locals who helped bring Hip-Hop to the Las Vegas Strip: DJ Franzen (@FrandalayBay), Jonathan "Shecky Green" Shecter (@SheckyGreenLV) and DJ Warren Peace (@Warren702). Warren speaks on Hip-Hop in Sin City during the ’80s and ’90s with iconic clubs like Utopia and All Star Cafe (9:50), talks about an altercation with #Tupac at #SugeKnight's "Club 662" (27:50), confirms that "RA Nightclub" had the first official Hip-Hop night on the Strip (29:00) and recalls terms like “Open Format” and “Upscale Hip Hop” being used by venues (1:02:20). Franzen speaks about the "OPM / Poetry Nightclub" days and creating a strong presence for Bay Area Hip-Hop in LV ( 1:18:02). The crew credit @Victor_Drais for taking a chance opening the first "All Hip Hop Nightclub" (1:30:01), commend Franzen for staying in the Hip Hop genre during the EDM boom (1:35:01) and discuss nigh

Episode 288: JERMAINE DUPRI On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Grammy award-winning record producer, songwriter, rapper, DJ, and Atlanta’s finest @JermaineDupri. Jermaine speaks on coming to Vegas in the early 2000s as a celebrity open format DJ (2:03), reminisces on his close relationship with Biggie (@TheNotoriousBig) (9:01) and explains why he has a New York accent (15:09). He addresses #SugeKnight’s escalation of the East Coast vs. West Coast rap rivalry at the 1995 #SourceAwards (22:01) and explains how his records “Damn” by YoungBloodZ (@YoungBloodzATL) and “Never Scared” By Bone Crusher (@TheRealBoneCrusher) changed the landscape of New York radio (27:22). Jermaine talks about his upcoming #Freaknik Documentary (35:01), gives his opinion on why Hip Hop artists aren’t successful in 2023 (50:23) and reflects on creating iconic tracks with @MariahCarey on #TheEmancipationofMimi album (58:01). He reacts to his music catalog being the soundtrack of all the current 2000s themed R

Episode 287: DJ KONFLIKT “Don’t Get Robbed By DJ Agencies” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome back Miami’s finest DJ Konflikt (@MyFavoriteDJ). The fellas speak on Konflikt’s misunderstood cocky attitude (00:45), reflect on the controversial last time he was on the podcast with @JoeMaz (5:45) and explain out-of-town DJ booking terms (35:38). The crew discuss how to deal with DJ agencies undercutting pay to their talent (46:41) and Konflikt talks about the new DJ agency he’s founded @MyFavoriteDJAgency (58:11). Finally, the group discuss why the new generation of DJs haven’t taken over yet (1:18:01) and debate the origin of the word 'Open Format' (1:38:01).

Episode 286: CLINTON SPARKS On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the crew welcomes Grammy Nominated Producer, Mixtape Legend, Radio/TV Host, Author, and Boston’s finest @ClintonSparks. Clinton speaks on his famous tagline #GetFamiliar (00:45) and breaks down his lucrative and illegal mixtape operation in the 2000’s (12:43). He reflects on helping Q (@QWorldStar) launch @WorldStar (24:12) and reminisces on his troubled childhood, breaking and entering and being molested (30:21). Clinton shares his work expanding the #ESports market with Hip-Hop investors (50:01), explains how he’s the “first DJ to bring Hip-Hop to the Vegas Strip” (55:37) and debates on whether he abandoned his Hip-Hop roots to pursue EDM (1:04:00). Finally, he shares an encounter with the “Suge Knight of Boston” #Benzino (1:19:00), explains how he avoided prosecution for illegal mixtape distribution unlike @DJDrama and remembers collabing with the late great @DJKSlay (1:24:00).

Episode 285: SHORTKUT On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome the Bay Area’s finest @ShortKut. ShortKut sets the record straight on how many DJ crews he’s in, including @thebeatjunkies @ispiklz @triplethreatdjs (00:34) and explains the renegade “Sound System Crews” that shaped the Bay Area’s DJ culture (7:45). He talks being friends with legends like @DJQbert and @MixMasterMike (13:01), reflects on his early 2000s @Gap commercial with Rob Swift (@Brolicarm) and @ShanSossamon (23:02) and speaks on his favorite foreign cities to DJ in (31:01). The fellas debate when DJs started getting excluded from Hip Hop records (45:30) and Shortcut talks about falling in love with his girlfriend @Lokanalynn through DJ’ing (57:20). Finally, the crew discuss “biting” or stealing mixes (1:17:01).

Episode 284: A-TRAK On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome World Champion Turntablist, record label executive, 1/2 of @DuckSauceNYC, and DJ/Producer @ATrak.  A-Trak talks about being a child prodigy winning the DMC World Championship (@DMCDJChamps) at 15 years old (5:10), speaks on the discipline it takes to win a title with only 2 years of DJ experience (14:20), and opens up about his big brother relationships with @Dave1, @DJQbert, @Crazeroni and the late, great #RocRaida (28:01).  He explains why he started @FoolsGoldRecs (32:30), reflects on his viral debate with @Roctakon on the plight of the “working DJ” (41:55) and explains how he became #KanyeWest’s DJ (49:40). A-Trak speaks on how his album @Mr_Camron came about (1:19:49) and talks about how he makes no money off his triple-platinum remix of the @YeahYeahYeahs’ ‘Heads Will Roll’ (1:31:00). Finally, he states his frustration with the current DJ climate (1:40:01) and addresses past backlash he received for replacing #DJAM (@DJA

Episode 283: DJ LADY SHA On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome LA’s finest @DJLadySha. Lady Sha talks her early years connecting with DJs at @DJCheapShot’s “Fire Poo” events (5:19), speaks on her current LA residencies (9:45), and the crew debate on playing music from "canceled artists" like @ToryLanez and @WizKhalifa (14:23). @DJCrooked praises Sha’s quick mixing (32:01) and they debate the difference approaching New York and LA sets (39:01). Finally, Sha gives her advice on how to tap into the LA "private events" market (1:05:10) and her thoughts on no "Women DJs" being absent from Road Podcast’s "Top 5 DJs of 2022" last year (1:29:10).

Episode 282: CHARLIE "CAPTAIN DISCO" ANZALONE On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast welcomes Buffalo's finest, New York Disco DJ Charlie Anzalone aka "Captain Disco" (@DiscoDJ53) with special guest host @EddieMacLV. Charlie remembers when "beat matching" first emerged in the 1970’s (6:30), speaks on the "Disco Sucks" era leading into the 1980’s (20:21) and reminisces on some crazy stories with @RickJames (36:20). He reflects on attending #Studio54 (46:10) and talks about breaking classic records like ‘Disco Inferno’ and 'Planet Rock' (58:10). The crew question if Hip-Hop, like Disco, is nearing a nostalgia phase (1:16:00). Finally, Charlie explains why he rejected a Vegas DJ Residency (1:24:41), gives some life advice on transitioning thru the later years in your career (1:32:04).

Episode 281: KNOWPA SLAPS FROM “R&B AND RIBS” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the crew welcome Bay Area’s finest @KnowpaSlaps (Founder of @RnBnRibs). Knowpa admits to feeling the pressure when DJs fly in just to attend #RnBnRibs (1:44) and speaks on collaborations with other parties like @HickiesandDryHumps in SD (4:40). He reminisces on being a professional chef before DJ’ing (8:20), starting his own party in a restricted San Francisco nightlife scene (17:02) and fulfilling his dream of booking @DJJazzyJeff for #RnBnRibs (23:45). The crew speak on how special the venue @ElRioSF is for #RnbAndRibs (29:40), ask Knowpa the secrets to a successful party (35:20) and debate on proper DJ etiquette when in the booth (51:40). Finally, Knowpa speaks on where he would want to see the party in the next few years (59:10).

Episode 280: DJ TAY JAMES On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome the DMV's very own @DJTayJames, day one DJ, and A&R for @JustinBieber. Tay breaks down the difference between “Baltimore club” and “DC club” music (4:17), shares his early aspirations to be like @ChrisBrown’s DJ @BabeyDrew in college (12:34), and explains how he became #JustinBieber’s DJ after graduation (23:23). He admits that being a popstar's DJ doesn’t always guarantee club gigs (29:10) or getting paid fairly while touring (35:40). Finally, Tay addresses the 'cultural appropriation' accusations regarding Justin singing on @WizkidAyo’s ‘Essence’ and @LuisFonsi’s ‘Despacito’ (1:07:07)  and discusses his LA party @DayHangParty (1:20:23).

Episode 279: THE TRASH PANDAS On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Vegas’ finest @The.TrashPandas (@DJPDot @AndyOowops). Trash Pandas speak on the post pandemic boom of nightlife in Downtown Las Vegas (11:32), the fellas discuss a viral DJ Twitter thread from patrons labeled “DC DJs Suck” (17:30) and debate whether the new generation of club goers know club etiquette (41:52). @DJCrooked talks DJ curated parties like @AlturaPresents @SimpCityLV @RnBandRibs offering a more musically focused and enjoyable experience than some mega-nightclubs (27:01). The crew debate if @SexyyRed’s #PoundTown is the song of the summer (58:01) and speculate if any artists have had immediate success in their career like @IceSpice (1:00:01). Finally, PDot breaks down some of the technical issues in the DJ market like the unreliability of the CDJ 3000s (1:17:01).

Episode 278: THE BLACK AMIGO On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Atlanta’s finest @TheBlackAmigo. Black Amigo clarifies he’s not affiliated with Black Amigo Gang (0:55), discusses who the "Mayor of Atlanta" is (12:45) and recaps an unfortunate incident that discouraged him from DJ’ing for 10 years (18:01). The fellas break down the first “Snap Era” songs to cross over in the 2000's (22:55), minority communities supporting each other in ATL (29:01) and the emergence of dance music in Atlanta (34:01). Black Amigo speaks about his relationship with @Tpain (37:01), the DJ skills of celebrity DJs like @SickickMusic and @DJPaulyD (52:20) and breaking the “Atlanta DJ” label (1:15:45). Finally, Amigo discusses the cut throat DJ rates in Atlanta (1:23:40).

Episode 277: The Dark Side Of Vegas On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome their anonymous guest Rico to discuss the dark side of Las Vegas. Rico describes his job in nightlife as a “feeder” (6:20), breaks down paid female companionship like atmosphere models, escorts to sex workers (17:02) and ranks the best selling drugs in partying (28:10). Rico suspects the pressure of being a nightclub VIP host may have led to the overuse and sometimes overdose of illegal narcotics (37:21), he speaks on the redundancy of the DJs being booked and acknowledges some of his favorites (52:20) and suggests repetitive headlining DJs may deter interest in spending from high rollers (59:02). Finally, the fellas discuss rumors of large sex trafficking activity in the city (1:11:51) and @DJNeva recaps his time at @LoversandFriendsFest (1:21:02). On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome their anonymous guest Rico to discuss the dark side of Las Vegas. Rico describes his job in nightlif