Who is the best artist to work with? Why? We asked this year’s esteemed panel of DJs (you can meet them on page 68, and OZONE West page 20) to break down their experiences with some of the biggest names in the game and explain who they enjoy working with the most, and why.
“If I had to choose just one, it would probably be Fiend. He gets very involved with his projects.” – Aaries
“Fiend is very humble and really has a passion for his craft, songwriting, production, and, shows.” – Incognito
“Shock G from Digital Underground is a childhood hero of mine that I’ve managed to befriend. He’s an amazing artist and a wellspoken, thought-provoking guy. I’d jump in front of a bus for him.” – Bedz
“Yung Joc is always ready, very professional, very easy to get along with, and always puts forth 110%.” – Jo-Ski Luv
“David Banner. He’s never turned his back on the DJs.” – Bishop “It’s a tie between Shawty Lo and Gucci Mane. There are no lies and no waiting when it comes to them. They take care of business promptly. The Clipse and John Legend are a close second for the same reasons.” – Black Bill Gates “Shawty Lo. He’s willing to do the lil shit. Also shouts out to Collard Greens, Plies, Gorilla Zoe, Jim Jones, Young Buck, Yo Gotti, Young Jeezy – they all help when they can.” – B-Lord
“Hurricane Chris always makes sure I’m taken care of.” – King Arthur “David Banner is my brother and we always have a great time. There are so many good artists out there that we make classics with I’d have to say most of the artists are good to work with.” – Skee “I’m going have to say my boy E-40. He’s one of the most humble dudes out there. If I need something I can call him and he has it for me. He’s never on that superstar status, just a real cat.” – Knuckles
“Got to big up my homies 3 Deep, very humble cats who respect the DJs.” – Chill
“The best artist I have worked with has to be Trey Songz. That boy is a beast. I tried to tell cats back in ‘05 he was next up. Now look at him.” – Radio
“Akon because he is a visionary and open minded to new ideas.” – Clinton Sparks
“David Banner. He’s like your favorite uncle.” – Rage
“Contrary to popular belief, 50 Cent is the best. He answered every question, signed every autograph, took every picture, and didn’t whine about time, water, skittles or any of that usual diva crap.” – Cristal Bubblin “I did a mixtape with Young Jeezy before his first album came out and he was just so cool and humble. I met him in Miami and was really feeling his “Trap or Die” record so when he got to Baltimore we linked up and knocked out the Trap The Industry CD, which many people tell is a classic.” – DNA “Lil Keke ‘cause he’s just a 150% real dude at all times and he has raw talent.” – Dre “So far, I’d have to say 50 Cent, Swizz Beatz, Plies, and Rich Boy. If they’ve agreed to do something, they’ve made it happen.” – Ekin “Jeezy and CTE. They pretty much know the vision for any project.” – Folk “Young Dro. He hosted a mix CD for me and he’s real appreciative of what the DJs do for artists. A lot of artists are assholes.” – Frogie “Talib Kweli is real cool and comes through if you need him to get stuff done.” – Furious Styles
“David Banner is cool as hell, also shout out to my man Rick Ross; he always looks out. Both of these guys are down to earth and understand the game. I was floored how cool David Banner was when I met him as an intern. I even asked him ‘Why are you so cool? You’re a major label artist and I’m a pathetic intern!’ His response was ‘I don’t know who you’re gonna become.’ Three years later I have a #1 show in a top 20 market. Smart guy.” – Peter Parker
“I’ve had some great experiences with Fat Joe.” – Yorkie “My man Baby Boy Da Prince. That dude knows how to work and makes it easy for a DJ to work a record.” – Big Dee “I love Queen Latifah. She makes it feel like a party on stage. Then after the show, we hang and party.” – Eque “Tupac. Back in my days with Death Row Records, I had the chance to see him in the studio. I have never seen anyone with the drive and willingness to work 24/7. His energy and determination pumped everyone in the studio to keep going no matter how tired they were. Nothing but respect for a fallen Hip Hop legend.” – E-Z Cutt
“Shawty Lo is an easy dude to get along with but his manager Johnny sucks!” – Kydd Joe “G. Malone because he allows me to do me. We have the same work ethic so it goes hand in hand.” – Nik Bean “Lil Jon is a lot of fun in the studio and on video sets. Diddy always goes that extra mile to make sure everything looks and sounds tight, the same with Kanye and Akon. Luda will always give you a hot verse. Basically everyone I’ve worked with so far on my projects has been a pleasure to work with.” – Felli Fel “Ludacris. He’s dope, fun and hard working.” – Jiji Sweet “The artists that aren’t stuck up or feelin’ themselves. David Banner, Akon, Pitbull, and Ghostface Killah are real humble.” – Lace “My big brother Mistah F.A.B. He just goes in the studio and freestyles every track. It’s crazy.” – Tito Bell - Compiled by Ms Rivercity
36 // OZONE MAG