On the flip side, we asked our DJ panel which artists left the worst impression.
Who is the worst artist to work with? Why? artist images--------------
“Artists who are stuck on themselves and feel like they don’t need you. I can’t work with them. If I ask you respectfully and professionally for something and you come at me sideways like I need you…I can’t use bad language in a public magazine so you know the response.” – 2Mello
“The lazy artist who expects you to do something for him or her. These artists basically expect a hand out because of the label they’re signed to or they affiliation with someone else. These artists usually don’t last long in the rap game because they don’t realize that at the end the day, nobody owes you shit.” – 31 Degreez “Rappers. Emcees are great to work with. Most rappers are in it just to get paid and be seen and get ass. Like Phonte from Little Brother says, ‘What’s the difference between a rapper and emcee? When the money is gone, the emcee will be the only one rappin’!” – Bee “I never really ran across anybody who I didn’t like. If anything, I hate when artists come to your spot and don’t speak, especially when you broke their record. That’s disrespectful and a good way to not get your shit played. Even if one DJ is not as important as another DJ, it doesn’t matter how big or small the market is, a spin is a spin.” – Chill “The worst artists to work with are the ones always wanting something for free. The word “free” does not exist, especially to a DJ doing most of the work to get you out there. You better have some dinero or have something to trade.” – Gottem
38 // OZONE MAG
“I met an unknown artist a year ago who bugged the crap out of me to put him on the radio. I had him do a demo and drop it off at the station. I tried to tell him at least 19 of the 20 songs would have to be redone before any label pays attention to it. He got pissed and told me, ‘All 20 songs are hits; you’re just hating on my style.’ I washed my hands of him. It’s not always just the music we deal with, but artists’ egos and that ‘you can’t tell me nothing’ attitude. DJs can break or make your career, so keep that in mind the next time you think your song can be successful without us.” – Civil Rightz “DMX. It could be the split personality thing; I’m not sure.” – Ekin
“Webbie. He came to do a show with us but wanted to get 2 live mics before he got off the bus, basically so he could shout himself out from the bus while someone else was on stage performing. Then he wouldn’t come off the bus until he heard his song playing. Then in the middle of the last song, his superhigh ass drops the mic and walks offstage, leaving us wondering if he was finished or just needed a pee break. Not a good look for a 2-hit wonder, especially when one of those songs was basically the rapists’ anthem of 2005. Webster you need to stop!” – Cristal Bubblin “Any artist that harasses me to play their record while I’m in the middle of my set in the club. Come holla at me early in the night and it’s all good.” – JoNasty
“The Game doesn’t respect the DJs.” – King Arthur “Joe Budden is never on time and might not show up at all.” – Furious Styles “All of them are bad to work with once they get past the humble stage.” – Kydd Joe
“Fat Joe didn’t show me too much respect. Also, they’re not technically artists, but the And 1 street ball guys could be the worst interview ever.” – Peter Parker “I’m gonna catch heat for this, but it’s my truth. I don’t like working with most Hip Hop artists, particularly males. From my experience working with most Hip Hop artists, there is a lack of professionalism and respect.” – Storm “The worst artists I’ve experienced are mostly unsigned artists. No disrespect, but most of them don’t take the time to learn the business. Understand that radio is a business and the employees should be treated accordingly. The club DJ that you want to play your song is at his/her job and chances are it’s not just a hobby anymore. It’s 10 million artists in this country that want their song played.” – Tab D’Biassi “Jaheim is a total jerk and thinks he’s a star. Busta Rhymes is iffy. He’s gotta get comfortable first, whether that means eating, taking a nap, or whatever. Then he’ll talk with you and pour his heart out. R Kelly and Keyshia Cole are just drama.” – Wrekk 1 “Soulja Boy. He’s a kid, so what do you expect?” – Big Dee