COVER STORY

TURNTABLE OFCONTENTS

MR.INTERNATIONAL,LUMIDEE'S OFFICIAL DJ & RESIDENT DJ FOR KEY CLUB BX & STARLETS ON

WENDSDAYS QUEENS , CROWD ROCKA!!!

1520 Sedgwick Avenue. The address of Herc’s fam-ily and the location of the recreation room where

he would throw many of his first parties as the DJ.

Herc became aware that although he new which records would keep the crowd moving, he was

more interested in the break section of the song. At this point in a song, the vocals would stop and

the beat would just ride for short period. His desire to capture this moment for a longer period of time

would be a very important one for hip hop.

Herc would purchase two copies of the same record and play them on separate turntables next to each other. He would play the break beat on one record

then throw it over to the other turntable and play the same part. Doing this over and over, he could rock any house in NY. (Not to mention it being an

early form of looping that would be made easier through electronic sampling.)

He would dig in crates and look everywhere to find the perfect break beat for his parties. He didn’t care what type of music, because he only needed a small

section of a song for his purposes.

His first professional DJ job was at the Twilight Zone in 1973. He wanted to get into another place called

the Hevalo, but wasn’t allowed…yet.

His fame grew. In addition to his break beats, Herc also became known as the man with the loudest sys-tem around. When he decided to hold a party in one

of the parks, it was a crazy event. And a loud one. At this time Afrika Bambaataa and other competing DJ’s began trying to take Herc’s crown. Jazzy Jay of

the Zulu Nation recalls one momentous meeting between Herc and Bam.

Herc was late setting up and Bam continued to play longer than he should have. Once Herc was set up he

got on the microphone and said “Bambaataa, could you please turn your system down?” Bam’s crew

was pumped and told Bam not to do it. So Herc said louder, “Yo, Bambaataa, turn your system down-

down-down.” Bam’s crew started cursing Herc until Herc put the full weight of his system up and said, “Bambaataa-baataa -baataa, TURN YOUR SYSTEM

DOWN!” And you couldn’t even hear Bam’s set at all. The Zulu crew tried to turn up the juice but it was

no use. Everybody just looked at them like, “You should’ve listened to Kool Herc.”

Kool Herc emigrated to the Bronx in 1967 when he was 12 years old. While attending Alfred E. Smith High

School he spent a lot of time in the weight room. That fact coupled with his height spurned the other

kids to call him Hercules.

His first deejay gig was as his sister’s birthday party. It was the start of an

industry.

GODFATHER OF

HIPHOP

Finally his fame peaked and at last, in 1975, he began working at the Hevalo in the Bronx. He helped coin the phrase b-boy (break boy) and

was recently quoted as saying he was “the oldest living b-boy.”

As competing DJ’s looked to cut in on the action, Herc would soak the labels off his records so no

one could steal his beats.

Grandmaster Flash had another story about Herc in his heyday

Flash would go into the Hevalo to check out Herc, but Herc would always embarrass him. He would call Flash out on the mike and then cut out all the

highs and lows on the system and just play the midrange. Herc would say, “Flash in order to be

a qualified disc jockey…you must have highs.” Then he would crank up the highs and they

would sizzle through the crowd. Then he would say, “And most of all, Flash, you must have…bass.”

And when Herc’s bass came in the whole place would be shaking. Flash would get so embar-

rassed he would leave.

After a while spinning the records got to be an all intensive thing and Herc wouldn’t have as much

time to talk to the crowd and get them going. He needed someone else to help out and act as the

Master of Ceremonies for him. And thus, for all practical purposes, Coke La Rock became the first

hip hop MC ever.

Another club that Herc rocked was the Sparkle located at 174th and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx.

This was the spot that came before the Hilltop, 371 (DJ Hollywood’s spot) and Disco Fever.

In 1977, Herc’s career began to fall. The rise of Grandmaster Flash and Furious Five, and Bam-

baataa’s various crews with their polished emcee styles put Herc at a disadvantage. One night he

was stabbed three times at his own party and his career never fully recovered.

He appeared as himself in the film Beat Street.

Kool Herc played his last Old School party in 1984.

Most recently he has appeared on Terminator X’s release “The Godfathers of Threat” and with the

Chemical Brothers on their album “Dig Your Own Hole.”

Similar to Bambaataa he does appear in Europe and New York from time to time.

Although he is not part of the hip hop vocabu-lary of most of those who listen to it these days

(unfortunately), Kool Herc is the father of this underground sound from New York that found its

way to becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

Kool Herc lives on…+TTTTTTTTTTT

KOOL

HERC

MIAMI FL

DJ ZODIAC

A true professional whose expertise far exceeds that of the average DJ and breaks

new barriers of versatility and innovation. NVS Styles is not just a standard club DJ, he is also a performance style DJ with a long history in DJ Battles. A true DJ/Turntablist. NVS Styles has a

"style" all his own and gives new meaning to ambiance, creating an environment nestled on his smooth transitions regardless

what genre he is mixing.

DJ NVS Styles desire to become a DJ peaked at age 13 by the influences of DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Premier, and DJ Scratch. He

credits his ear for music to the NY culture growing up hearing

Kid Capri & DJ Red Alert on the radio. His move to Miami in 1992 initiated a remarkable sequence of high profile appearances and collaborations coinciding with

Miami’s blossoming urban music lifestyle and allowed for previous appearances on Radio, TV (BET, Univision, Telemundo, MTV2) and more. His direct DJ influence was

DJ Craze in Miami who Styles competed against in 95 and then

started a DJ crew called Tech-masters afterwards even opening

for The Black Eyed Peas in 97 as a Turntablist DJ crew. At the

tender age of 17, he entered and won his first DJ battle and nearly a decade later NVS won BET’s Spring Bling DJ Battle on TV

in 2006 & also claims the 2004 Winter Music Conference DJ

Scratch Trophy. In 2007 NVS was an instructor at Miami Scratch DJ Academy & guest instructor at the

NY Scratch DJ Academy.

Styles has been on tour with Tyga (YMCMB) & The Pack (Jive Records) in 2007 rocking venues in NY, ATL, & major cities in CA. In Miami a long list of renowned

venues including The American Airlines Arena, the Versace Mansion, Opium/Mansion,

Cameo, & Resident DJ in the main room @ Karu & Y from 2009 to 2010. He also spun for Diddy at 3 events since 98 & B-Day parties

for Jermaine Dupri, Meghan Good, Vivica Foxx, Owners of Hardrock Hotel & Casino, Gerry Kelly & Football greats

Marvin Jones & Sam Madison. Worked events for promoters the 400 Club, Headliner Marketing Group, The Majestic Group, & Goodlife Miami to name a few.

Well respected by hip-hop’s most beloved stars and DJ’s, NVS has provided studio DJ scratches for

artists such as Too Short & Lil Jon - "Burn Rubber", Trick Daddy & 2 Pac - "Throwback/Old School" & recently GhostWridah & Freeway - "Window Crack". In 2010 NVS captured "Best Hip Hop DJ" for

the IDJ Awards. Two nominations for 2011 Salute The DJ Awards

under "Hottest Mixtape DJ" & "Hottest Club DJ". Also

gained 5 nominations between 2011 & 2012 for the Southern

Entertainment Awards including "Mixtape of the Year", "Best Rap Mixtape", "Best Skills/DJ of the Year", "Best DJ in the South",

& NVS Styles won an award for "Best Party Mixtape of the Year"!

Currently NVS Styles is gearing up for many Mixtape releases for

2012 & will be rocking crowds not only outside of Miami but

overseas as well. Turntable Generals is a DJ crew NVS is dedicating to turntable style DJ's & reps the mixtape

circuit giant Coast2Coast DJ's. Whether wowing the crowd with a complex scratching and mixing

routine or dropping Mixtape projects with celebrity artists or

his own brand, you can be certain that the very best will be brought

to every event & project. The future holds more high profile

events, celebrity collaborations, tours, and national recognition for

DJ NVS Styles considered one of the most versatile DJ's in the

game.

1)Whutz up DaMILLIONS, welcome to Bla-koke ent Magazine! How Long have you been

A DJ?

Well I am not a dj but I have three cousins that was a dj. I have been involve in the busi-

ness since 2004.

>2) How did your background influence your approach to the music.

Well being under and around going church I

could not sing so I began to rap. I got bored of rapping then created xsquadds.

3) What’s behind the name “X SQUAD DJS”?

> X in dictionary means and squad means team. I mostly since like Malcolm X because I

the saying any means possible. > >

> 4) OK THERE HAS BEEN A LIMITED AMOUNT OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN

YOUR FACE. WHY SO MYSTERIOUS? For years black people these days can have alot

of hate, but choose to brand the logo than me. Its alot of want to be that guy and seen so I

make sure that get that attention. >>

> 5) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ARTISTS RE-CORDS THE “XSQUAD” HAS BROKEN INTO

THE INDUSTRY? Well the xquaddj really got its with slim of 112 I part of dj promo for his song. We have Luney Tunez

he is the face of the company. >>

> 6)WHY DID YOUR FORM THE X SQUAD DJS…..WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOM-

PLISH?>What had happen a dj crew in ATL I paid ser-

vices to them they did not honor there agree-ment. The agreement was word of mouth. I

said I rather beat them then join them. >

> 7)WHAT AREAS DO YOU IMPACT…….Where do you see yourself in five years?

>We in Midwest heavy Shout to Disunited and Rest in Peace to Dj Toe Toe. I will be retired

from my regular job. Hopefully team beat clothing be getting me to the money

DA MILLIONS XSQUAD DJ

CEO

DJ SUAVESTRIP CLUB

KILLA

BORN AND RAISED IN SPANISH HARLEM DJ SUAVE MADE HIS MARK ON THE MUSIC IN-DUSTRY BY BEING LUMIDEE’S OFFICIAL DJ! DJ SUAVE HAS SHOW CASED HIS TALENTS IN MANY COUNTRIES ON TOUR WITH LU-

MIDEE.FROM 2003-2011 TAIWAN GERMANY. DJ SUAVE HAS NOW PLANTED ROOTS AND

FOUND HIS NICHE IN ADULT ENTERTAIN-MENT, HE CAN NOW BE SEEN AND HEARD

IN YOUR MOST PRESTIGIOUS GENTLEMENS CLUBS SUCH AS STARLETS KEY CLUB(BX NY) MANY MORE TO COME! THERE’S NO STOP-

PING THIS DUDE BLAKOKE CERTIFIED

YADI DABODY

YARISSA_G/TWITTER.COM

YARISSA_G/TWITTER.COM

The hottest DJ on the ones and twos today is DJ Craig G. Born and raised in Harlem the New York native has made a name for himself, but it wasn't easy.Over 15 years ago Craig G real-ized he had an undeniable love for music. He took that passion and began polishing up his skills on the turntables. His hardwork and dedication led him to appear on various television shows including the Chris Rock Show and BET's Planet Groove and Rap City on five various occasions.His popularity first came as be-ing known for spinning all the hot reggae hits but he decided to broaden his music genre and diversify his fan base. As his popularity rose on the Hip-Hop scene he decided to enlist the support of various artists such as

50 Cent Mase Jay Z D.M.X Ice Cube, Mack 10, Mary J. Blige, Kool Moe Dee and two of the late great rappers, Big PUN and the Notorious B.I.G. to make his hot mixtapes even hotter.Having enlisted such A-list art-ists his name began spreading not only across America but all over the world. His willingness to travel as led him to dj over 15000 parties not only in the United States and Canada but overseas in France, Bahamas, Puerto Rico Belgium, Germany, Australia, Japan, Amsterdam and England. Hitting the road turned out to be one of the best decisions Craig G has ever made. In Las Vegas Craig G rocked the Tyson-Holyfield fight after party, in Acapulco the Black Film Festival was a hit, and closer to home Puff Daddy rang

in the New Year with one of the worlds top 10 party djs and a 5 time mixtape award winner (R.I.P JUSTO) . Having perfected the art of rock-ing parties all over the worlddj CRAIG G became a live on air radio personality. That soon turned out to be another great decision by the dj. While hosting his show, the Midnight Rush on WNEZ Jams 910, in hartford ct Craig G was offered a very prom-ising position at WZMX Hot 93.7 Connecticut's hottest radio station. WZMX as allowed Craig G to display his skills to an audience that has voted him to be Connecti-cut's #1 DJ 10 years in a row via Hartford Advocate.Being the hottest DJ at the largest radio station, Hot 93.7, it's no sur-

prise he also has the #1 mix show. With the highest ratings with Jenny Boom Boom, the 5:00 Rush Hour Mix and Saturday Night on air idiot show with Kevin w Reese are all #1. Craig G has performed at the Source Awards Djing for Ma$e also been on Carson Daly show Oprah and Jay Leno all with Ma$e so the sky is the limit And in Jan 2005 Dj Craig G became a part of the biggest Dj crew In The World The Heavy Hitters and in 2011 because a member of The Monster djs and when it come to parties in New England, Connect-icut to Rhode Island to Boston Dj Craig G has done it all."I guess I need a new challenge (Ha Ha Ha)."DJ Craig G has served millions worldwide and doesn't plan on stopping there. When it comes to

rocking a party no one does it like DJ Craig G.AIN'T NO PARTY LIKE A TOP FLOOR PARTY!!! djcraigg.com | facebook.com/djcraigg1 | twitter.com/djcraigg | djcraigg99@aol.com

DJ ANTLIVE

was born and raised on the streets of Spanish Harlem (El Barrio), listening to Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, Reggaeton, Freestyle, House, Dance, Salsa, Merengue & Bachata. DJ ANTLIVE always had the ear for new flava and the mind for new talent. DJ ANTLIVE has been spinning for about 17 years. He has been spinning at major clubs in N.Y. for the last 15 years. You can catch DJANTLIVE at venues such as The China Club, Latin Quarters, Club Blvd, Element, Club Prime, Hudson River Cafe, Hells Kitchen (HK Lounge), The World Famous BADABINGS (Gentlemens Club) & the list keeps going. DJ ANTLIVE is definitely one of the new impressive forces of Hip-Hop DJ’s today. He will continue working his way up the ladder of fame in the commercial world as well as the streets. DJANTLIVE has worked side by side with some of the most known DJ’S from old school to the new school such as BIZ MARKIE, LUVBUG STAR SKI, DJ HOTDAY & THE DREAMTEAM, DJ RED ALERT, HEAVY HITTERS OWN DJ ENUFF & DJ CAMILO, DJ CHILL WILL (F.T.E.), DJ KAY SLAY “STREETSWEEPERS”, DJ GRAND MASTER CAZ, & ERIC B. In 2003 DJ ANTLIVE appeared on BET’s Rap City the Basement with BIG TIGGER, featuring guest appearances by COUSIN JEFF, WYCLEF JEAN, and MARY J. BLIGE. He was also nominated in 2004 for two awards at Justos Mixtape Awards for “Best New Mixtape DJ” and “Best Skills on a Mixtape.” In 2005 DJ ANTLIVE at-tended the Northeast Masters Music Conference DJing for the likes of Bad Boy Recording artist BLACK ROB and G-DEP and Alumni/Filthy Records EASTSIDE SOPRANOS. In 2005 DJ ANTLIVE signed with Filthy Records and took the industry by storm with there Music. DJ ANTLIVE & Filthy Records released they Compilation Album in 2010 along with the world famous DJ E.M. In 2009 DJ ANTLIVE was recruited by Team Precise, which is lead by the Blend King / Heavy Hitter DJ PRECISE. In 2010 DJ ANTLIVE was then added to “Sessions” , A Internet Radio show that broadcast on www.AlistRadio.Net Tuesday nights from 10pm-12am with the blend king DJ PRECISE, KOOL KIRK, BLAZIN B & BIG SCOOB. In Late 2010 DJ ANTLIVE was offered to broadcast his skills on AM Radio Air Waves in Northern,NJ on MIX 1620AM Every Wednesday from 9PM-12AM . The “Power House Mixshow” is currently climbing up the Internet charts by storm with over 6 million listeners a month on WWW.MIX1620.com. & 250,000 Radio listeners a month on MIX 1620AM (Northern, NJ) .. DJ ANTLIVE is not only a DJ. DJANTLIVE has done marketing & promotions for artist on tour such as THE SEAGRAMS GIN TOUR Feat JAHIEM, TRUTH HURTS, & BIZ MARKIE, also for LIL JON, & DAVID BANNER. He was also alongside concerts with the likes of (ELEKTRA RECORDING ARTISTS) TWEET, ANGIE MAR-TINEZ, FABOLOUS, & TANK…. QUESTION???....Do you think DJ ANTLIVE is a club DJ? You should think that and then some. He is one of the DJ’s who has the ability to keep a party jumping with serious crowd control. DJ ANTLIVE is a DJ that has been a major force in bringing up Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae and Reggaeton music. DJ ANTLIVE is ready to launch himself…not because he’s forgotten where he came from, but because where he came from is where it’s been. The Manhattan born and talented DJ has managed to break the mold set by the pioneering DJ’s before him. To keep focused and motivated on his trail, he has kept in touch with the music industry as well as the mainstream, by understand-ing the far reaching power of urban music and its culture.

URL Info:

www.DJANTLIVE.com www.TWITTER.com/DJANTLIVE

DJ ANT LIVE

DJ ANT LIVE

soulgasmDJ Spinna is something of an anomaly in

music. A humbling example of what it

takes to truly succeed within the frame-

work of multiple fields. A steadfast work

ethic, an obsessively extensive vinyl

library and the willingness to pursue the

full extents of his roots (Funk, Soul and

Jazz), foundation (Hip-Hop) and future

(Electronic/Dance music) with no re-

straints. A cornerstone of Hip-Hop’s late

90’s indie-uprise, DJ Spinna made much

of his first impression on listeners as the

musical background of his group The

Jigmastas (having released an impressive

slew of 12” singles on his then self-run

label Beyond Real during this time) as well

as providing the canvas for an array of

that era’s lyrical giants. As an emcee in

New York City, if you didn’t have a Spinna

production under your belt, well, you just

hadn’t accomplished all there was to ac-

complish. Everyone from Mos Def, Talib

Kweli to Pharaohe Monch boasted Spinna

beats to prove their worth to the scene.

At the height of indie-kingpin Rawkus Re-

cords heyday, Spinna was in demand, also

churning out timeless classics of the era

from the likes of J-Live, Mr. Complex and

The Polyrhythm Addicts (his all-too-brief

collabo-group with Apani B., Shaabam

Sadeeq and Complex).

As collaborative production work flooded

his studio, from hip-hop legends like

Sadat X & Grand Puba (Brand Nubian),

Masta Ace and Guru (Gangstar) to even

The Jungle Brothers. Yet, while his stock

as a the go-to producer rose so did his

value as a key, if not crucial, remixer. At

the time reworking hits for the major-

label likes of De La Soul (“Stakes is High”)

Das EFX and MC Eiht.

Turning heads throughout the industry,

Spinna’s sonics soon infiltrated numer-

ous genres. Tapped by everyone from

Mary J. Blige to Motown Records (for

his brilliant Michael Jackson homage to

“We’re Almost There”). It’s here his pro-

duction presence would flourish greatly,

as Spinna would go on to revive and

revise Soulful marvels like Donald Byrd,

Eddie Kendricks, Betty Carter, Roy Ayers

and Al Jarreau. Always relevant to the

current, Spinna has taken to new mixes

for the J Dilla bred Platinum Pied Pipers

and Bay Area songstress Goapele as with

the well respected Les Nubian. Though it

goes without saying that one of the more

memorable mixes goes to his monumen-

tal version of Shawn Escoffery’s “Days Like

This”. In turn, catapulting Spinna into his

now stately, touted presence in the dance

music scene. Which made the transition

to BBE Records smooth as ever, for his

landmark solo production album “Here

To There”. It also spawned another record

label, Spinna’s own, Wonderwax. A home

for his soulful dance classics, the imprint

came to fruition in 2003, and has seen

memorable releases from contemporaries

such as Rich Medina, Lady Alma, Blaze,

The Free Radikalz and Selan.

With so much studio work, it’s a marvel

Spinna travels as much as he does. The

constant, globe-trotting performances

he’s become equally famed for have

brought the DJ as far as Iceland, Austra-

lia, and South Africa as well as countless

jaunts through England, Europe and the

U.S. Not to forget, his hugely successful

tours of Japan, where Spinna is held in the

highest regard throughout the country

for his craft in music. Not always the lone

crowd-controller, Spinna’s collaborated on

stage alongside contemporary luminaries

like Gilles Peterson, Jazzanova, Joe Claus-

sell, Bugz In The Attic, Osunlade, Q-Tip,

Jazzy Jeff, Kenny Dope, Keb Darge, DJ

Scratch (EPMD), DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist.

He’s a true showman - versatile as ever.

Yet nothing compares to his cel-

ebrated Stevie Wonder inspired WON-

DER-Full— DJ-performances (aside

friend and contributor Bobbito Gar-

cia). Garnering overwhelming fanfare

each occasion done - whether NYC,

LA, San Francisco, Japan or beyond -

if a WONDER-Full— event is booked

at a club you can put money on a

line around the block and thousands

of Stevie Wonder admirers rocking

the house. And while he’s gained

so much attention and accolade for

his tributes to Stevie, Spinna is not

incapable of doing the same for any

other pivotal forefather. Visit New

York City any given month and find

a number of Spinna themed throw-

downs in the city’s esteemed venues

- each as memorable as the last.

Its true that there are other like-

minded DJ/Producers in the world

comparable to DJ Spinna, but for the

most part, they choose a genre and

master it. Ask them to flip another

variety with the same intense

knowledge and sleek-savvy

and you’ll be hard pressed to

find someone that’ll do it to

Spinna’s extent.

With a brand new album “Sonic

Smash” at its completion (set

for release High Water Music),

Spinna’s venturing back into

the Hip Hop stage that saw

his inception in the industry,

tapping into his perfected take

on cosmic boom-bap that is

unique and only manipulated

by him. Remaining a musician

for the ages, Spinna’s true

successes happily await in the

future. Won’t you come along

for the ride?

dj_spinnaYOUR FAVORITE DJAY’S

FAVORITE DJAY! LOL

DJ SINCERE/ DRTYBSMNT MULTI-MEDIA

Genre: Hip Hop / Rap

Biography Contact: MGR/Jennifer Lane @ vipartist-

group.com

310-957-2823 ext #1

Straight out of the Q-Boro of NYC, DJ Sincere took to turntables like Trump

takes to money. At the age of 13, Sincere bought his first set of turntables in hopes of mastering his skills and rockin’ crowds like his idols Grand Master Vic, the Disco Twins, not to mention DJ Johnnie Quest. As a teen, he would wake up early in the morning during the summertime in hopes of finding a block party or park jam so he can get on the wheels and entertain the

local masses.

A few years later, Sincere booked his first paying DJ assignment; it was a local

"Vegas Night" party, but to him it was a glimpse into the future. It wasn’t long before the turntable technician was in

demand to showcase his talents at private parties, teen jams and community based

venues all over the Jamaica area of Queens. Plain and simple – the more he displayed his skills at functions, the more he became in demand. Ever expanding,

DJ Sincere showcased his talent as a heat-serving mix master from New York

to Boston.

Understanding that urban music is very diverse, Sincere eventually started focus-ing on other avenues, ever expanding his grip on the [Hip Hop] industry at large. In the mid 90’s, the hard working DJ shifted

his priorities to the production aspect of the game. With a specific vision, he

started working with upstart MC’s, R&B artists’ [and the like] producing demo’s

for the purpose of securing recording or production deals.

Just as some great athletes move on to try different things, but return to their first love… DJ Sincere realized that spinning

music was indeed his top priority. With the advent of mixtapes [CD’s] becoming so

popular in the mid to late 90’s, he started creating masterful blends to distribute to a

wide audience.

Although Sincere is primarily known as a DJ and mixtape genius, that doesn’t mean

he’s not building up the arsenal. He also has his hands in everything from Manag-

ing future contributors to the culture of Hip Hop, bookings shows at well-known

venues and promoting a variety of music events.

DRTYBSMNT@GMAIL.COM

PATRICIA DESANTOS

BLAKOKE MODEL

DJ MerClis

There are several elements that complete the cycle of getting music to the masses. Record labels, mar-keting, publicists, radio, and blogs are all included, but at the core of it all is the DJ. The hip hop world revolves around our DJs; they are the most relevant and effective element. They are the #1 source for discover-ing what’s new and popular in music. The DJ population continues to grow every day, and although their pres-ence is always felt, it’s still impera-tive to stand out. Atlanta-based DJ, DJ MerClis is working tirelessly to ensure he does just that by continu-ing to perfect his craft. He possesses strong drive and work ethic, all while providing a platform for artists to be heard. Everyone in hip hop will soon know the name, DJ MerClis.

Hailing from Atlanta, GA, Mahdi Ziyad, a.k.a. DJ MerClis (pronounced Mercy-less) began indulging in hip hop at an early age. At age 12, his passion grew along with his music li-brary. By the age of 15, he knew that somehow music would be a part of his life. His brother then approached him with the idea of becoming a DJ and from there he began prepar-ing himself for his future career. As time progressed, he picked up the necessary tools to begin taking his DJ career seriously. He expanded his music library, and his knowledge in the art of being an effective DJ. As he grew, he began getting booked in various clubs and for an array of events. The more he spun, the more popular he got. As his name grows, so does his following, in addition to his playlist. He’s becoming more than just a hip hop DJ; now he’s expanded to reggae, pop, and house music.

Being inspired by greats such as Jermaine Dupri, Jam Master Jay, Kid Capri, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and DJ AM to name a few, it’s clear that he has

a good sense of what greatness sounds like. DJ MerClis believes that his style is indescribable, and he has truly learned to become in-tune with his audience. When he DJs, he takes the focus off of himself and redirects it to his crowd. He has discovered the winning formula and because of that, it’s earned him numerous accomplishments and the attention of big name artists such as Rick Ross, Fabolous, Young Jeezy, Maino, Busta Rhymes, and many more.

DJ MerClis continues to work hard at bettering his craft. He learns some-thing new every day and applies it, which shows because he always executes successfully. As he grows as a DJ name, he is also establishing himself as a brand. MerClis owns a production company called Cenister Sounds where he utilizes his other talents that include engineering, mixing, mastering, and producing. Currently, he is producing music for various artists in the Atlanta area, while continuing to DJ all around the country. His name is spreading rap-idly like wildfire, and with the strong drive and talents he possesses, he’s guaranteed to be a household name soon!

DJ Tony H has excelled throughout the years gaining new fans, artists and colleagues in the music indus-try. “I am very appreciative of the fans, artist, labels, producers and promoters I have been able to work with. Having a good relationship with the right people is important inthis game,”

Tony H said. In his opinion, important charac-teristics for longevity in this game are humility and respect for the next person grinding. “I hope all my colleagues and associates

in the game have had a successful year and that they continue to be successful and ac-complish personal goals.”

DJ Tony H grinds daily and has many current projects underway. His daily promotions add

up to at least five per day and current projects include continuing the road to success with

new upcoming artist Young Legend and promoting other artists such as C Luva, Grand Hustle’s Spodee, Judicial, Yung Flash and many others. With the right connections and his natural talent, Tony H is continuing to flour-ish. DJ Tony H 30Min Mix and Mississippi Mini Mix have been featured on J Milly’s Hustle and Grind Radio.

Tony H has also recently joined XSQUAD DJ’s to further his talent on the one’s and two’s. He has received awards and recognitions such asInternet Hustler of the Year in 2009

“My goal is to keep the crowd moving and keep them updated on their favorite artists or their soon to be favorite artists”. DJ Tony H, 34, has been keeping the crowd hype with his disc jockey skills, mixtape productions, and new talent for 14 years. 2009 has been no exception.

DJ Tony H has produced eight mixtapes this year, and blasted tons of emails promoting artistssuch as, Travis Porter, Young Legend, and Young Dro.The 2009 season has brought much success with DJ Tony H’s alliance with Steeldreams Entertainment. Through this alliance with Steeldreams, his unrelenting efforts and Young Legend’s talent, Legend has gained more attention and more fans across Mississippi. Young Legends single, Handsome (She like Me), has reached the top 10 on Meridian, MS’s 105.7 THE BEAT radio station. Since then, Young Legend has opened for Webbie, Gorilla Zoe, Yung LA,Young Dro, Foxx, and Lil Boosie. Legend’s Checkmate Promo Tour hit 12 cities in Mississippi, Mont-gomery, Ala. and Atlanta, Ga.

DJ Tony H’s passion for the music industry came from watching his dad DJ at theearly age of 10. His love for music has since led him to his current success. Tony began his promotional career locally while in high school and during his college years in 1995. “I hooked up with DJ Tracy B, former disc jockey for Laurel – Hattiesburg radio station 102.5 JKX,

and we just took off,” said Tony. He and Tracy B opened a teen center in Waynesboro, Miss., in 1998 called The Groove. Their first booked act was Mista Mista Naked (Girls in the Club). They later booked shows by artist like Goodie Mob, Young Bleed (How u do Dat) in Laurel, Miss., JT Money (Who Dat) in Hattiesburg, Miss. and DJ DMD (25 Lighters) back in Waynesboro, Miss. Tony and Tracy hooked up with DJ No Limit and Zack Crawford to pro-duce these shows and together they continued to promote parties and concerts throughout Central Mississippi and Mississippi’s Pinebelt. In 2004, Tony and DJ No Limit moved to Atlan-ta, Ga., and were later joined by CedricChap-man, Rico Arrington and Young One. The five created Hype Squad DJ’s, djing for someof the hottest promoters in the ATL, like Dream Team ENT., Prophecy Event, NVUS ENT, AJ Produc-tions, Profyle ENT., and many others.

Tony later decided to go his own way and expand himself in the music industry. Tony H’s promotional skills expanded by working with labels like Street Team Promotion, DTP, Rowdy Records and Grand Hustle Records. Grand Hustle was a catalyst for Tony’s growth in therecording studio. While interning with Grand Hustle, Tony was a recording engineer and also gained experience at Echo Recording Studio. “I worked with Eli at Rowdy Records, Malcolm and Hakeem at Grand Hustle and Elliot Carter at Echo, Jason, Hannah, Doug, Clay, Tip, Dirt, E-Dub, Daniel, Billy, Nard, B. Big Kuntry, and Macboney. Everything I know

now, I learned from them,” said Tony, “and I loved every minute there.”

His experiences have helped him ain respect and increased his competence in the music industry. “Some may know me, some may not. I’ve seen the good and bad for the last 13 years while grinding in this industry, but no matter what my love for music will never die,”

Tony H said. Tony has now declared that it is his time to shine. “I have enjoyed my learning-experiences with others, but now it’s time for me to really prove myself and my worth in the industry. I have 17 successful mixtapes in the streets (Major Moves Mixtapes Series ) and I’m managing the hottest new up and coming artist, Young Legend.” Tony is confidents his career choices and his new artist for the fu-ture. “I know I am on the road to more success and soon I will garner the attention that is well deserved,” Tony said.

DJ Tony H is inspired by his son to continue his love for music. He has also been inspired by veterans in the game like, Jay Z, Dr. Dre and Funkmaster Flex. “I’m a hard worker and I’m always seeking more knowledge, learning my craft and doing my research”, DJ Tony H said. Tony H values maintaining mutually beneficial relationships and networking with the right people.

“It’s all about investing in yourself, doing your research and realizing the effort that is required

BRITTNEY JOHNSON

SOCIAL SITESWebsite: www.illentertainment.netTwitter: www.twitter.com/djillwill

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/il-lwill71

Sound Cloud: http://soundcloud.com/dj-ill-willBio:

How you doing my name is Wilfredo Rodri-guez known as DJ ILL WILL during my times

of events or in my DJ Nightlife. I was born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Tri State

Area. I've been a DJ since the age of fifteen. I started out in Lakewood, NJ at House Parties

when Latin Freestyle was out in the Mid 80s and with the influence of DJ Lefty and Double J a couple of local Djs in my area, I decided to pursue my career in the Music

Industry as a DJ.

I am a Professional DJ committed to give our listeners what they want to hear. In effort to provided our audience with good music, I

stay up to date with most genre music from the 80s and current party songs. DJ ILL WILL

also know as "The Party Chopper" Mission is " Committed To Give The Listeners What

They Want To Hear" I currently DJ at various Venues through out NYC creating a name for

myself for the music I play.Find Out More Here: http://www.illentertain-

ment.net/Book-A-DJ.html Through my walk in the music with Artists such as Choo Biggz, Phil Blount, Gq along with other Independent Artists I Found in 2008 ILL Entertainment: www.illentertain-

ment.netAs CEO of my Network Company my goals and objectives are simple. My focus is, the Independent Artists who wants to contrib-ute to the Music Industry what they have to offer through their talent. At ILL Entertain-ment, we support our Independent Artists through a whole resource of Networking,

Publicity and Promotions to other DJs, Music Websites, Radio Stations and other Major Websites throughout the Web revolved

around the Music Industry.My movement is to introduce the Art-

ist through their music and market and

promote their music through some of my music sharing websites. For example:

Sound Cloud: http://soundcloud.com/dj-ill-will and Mixtapes projects Promoted on DatPiff and

Tweet My Song.Most Current Mixtape: "Rep Your Hood" on @

DatPiff“Rep Your Hood” Mixtape Hosted By @djillwill @

IDJMP3BLAST @HoodrichOG @IDJAWARDS @LiveMixtapes @coast2coastmag

While working with various Independent Artists and keeping up with what’s going on in the

Industry I came across Kevin Fox a representative for WGIV 103.3 Fm Charlotte, NC Number One Radio Station For Soul, Hip Hop And R&B. On

June 7th I was interview live on 103.3 Fm on “The Certified Show” by Ms Jackson and Kevin Fox and given the opportunity to tell thousands of listen-ers who I am and, my opinion and interest on up-coming Artist, and what is it that I’m working on. Today I will be recruiting new Independent Artist

who are serious about their music career and given an opportunity to be aired on WGIV 103.3 Fm “The Certified Show” sponsored by Kevin Fox

and Ms Jackson.In addition I have been featured in a Video with Choo Biggz Choo Biggz “The Feva” Official Trail-

er Directed By : Kevin S & Choo Biggz in 2011

And Participated in the spinning of I’m Getting Bread song while making of Choo Biggz- l’m Gettin Bread Video Shoot in Secret Lounge

NYC in 2012

As I crew in my career as a DJ I encounter some ups and down one of my major challenges was my DJ Identity. I was questioned, disrespected,

and even considered by other Independent Artist out there as not being original or even

“FAKE”. With that said I put a document called:The ControversyThe Controversy

There is two other, DJ ILL WILL out there put-ting in work JUST LIKE ME.

| We Have DJ ILL WILL out of Harlem, NY know as (The Untouchable Music Group) who cur-

rently lives in Atlanta, GA. on the same page as me with with events, parties of all sorts &

promotion. | Follow by DJ ILL WILL out of Indian currently

living in Los Angeles know as (The Mix tape King) promoting Rap Artist through his Website: www.

hotnewhiphop.com. | Then we have dj iLL wiLL “Me” out of the Tri State

Area NY, NJ, & CT currently residing in Staten Island, NY know as (The Party Chopper) Pushing (iLL Entertainment) through my parties, events

and promotion on Open Mics/Showcases. I have been on my DJ Career since the 80s with no real own DJ names other than Majestic. I took upon

the name iLL wiLL in the year of 2000 by my Dude Lamont (L Boogie Da Don) in Staten Island, NY.

The question arises with: Should I change my name in respect mainly to DJ ILL WILL (The Mix tape King) per his fans? Is

changing my name going to better and improve my DJ Career? Does holding the name of dj iLL

wiLL makes me less original “Not REAL”?

DJ I

LL WILL

Coco-Z the Mix Mistress

Bio:

Coco-Z was born and raised in Cleveland, OH. She is a danc-er at heart! She starting danc-ing when she was in grade school and developed her own hip-hop dance style. She grew up listening to scratch DJs driven by her passion to cre-ate hip-hop dance routines. DJ mixes from Scratch Master L, DJ Cochise, DJ Blend, Funk Master Flex, DJ Clue, and Rad & Quick influences her hip-hop dance style. Coco-Z then began making her own mixes

for her dance routines by other means besides turn-tables. Then in June 2009 the Mix Mistress was born forming Coco-Z the Mix Mistress who has decided to pursue a professional career as a DJ and to “mistress” the art of turntablism. Coco-Z the Mix Mistress is currently affliated with Xsquad DJs, Coast 2 Coast Mixtape DJs, Nerve DJs, Silent DJs, Men-ace DJs, O-State DJs, and is the official DJ for Ladies Of the Land. For more infor-mation about Coco-Z the Mix Mistress check out her website www.themixmis-tress.com

Coco-Z~ the Mix Mistress ~

www.themixmistress.com www.twitter.com/theMix-Mistress www.facebook.com/theMix-Mistress www.myspace.com/theMix-Mistress

www.reverbnation.com/the-mixmistress

www.youtube.com/user/the-MixMistress