editor’s note I’m Just Sayin’tho by D-Ray
T
he DJ issue always tends to show us that DJs have some of the BIGGEST EGOS. Why should have to chase a DJ to do an interview? Wouldn’t you think they would want the free promotion? I tend to dislike some DJs a little during the time it takes to put this issue together. That’s an odd feeling for me, cause I am usually a believer in the DJs. I lived with one of the best DJs, one of the few Big Dawg Pitbull DJs, my brother Jazzy Jim! He always made time for an interview. He knew that taking the time to do interviews would make him that much more popular. He knew how to turn the popularity and skills into MONEY. DJs play the biggest role in the industry, hands down. The most important piece to breaking music is the DJ. The DJ relies on his reputation and respect. So, depending on the popularity and respect each DJ gets, they can help make or break music all day, every day! Being a DJ is a very tough job. I always wanted to be a DJ, you know, the life of the party. I’m glad I chose another career. Instead of starting the parties, I capture them for everyone’s memories. I feel like I have to deal with a lot of nonsense, being a photographer and the editor of OZONE’s West Coast coverage. But as a DJ, it gets worse. You’ve got every level of artist that has no kind of business savvy running their mouth about being the BEST or the HOTTEST! Haven’t you been told, “If your music speaks for itself, don’t interrupt!” If you feel like a DJ isn’t supporting you the way they should, reflect on your interaction with them. I know I said DJs have EGOs, but their egos are nothing compared to that cocky artist who is claiming to be the greatest in the world without any evidence. No fans, no hits, no sales, and no money! So check your ego before you wreck yourself with some very important relationships that are needed to make you into that artist you already claim to be. Good music is good music, period! It’s undeniable. In the same way, you need to make your movement undeniable. If you’re really the hottest thing in the streets and everyone loves your song, you wouldn’t have to talk about it as much. The people would demand it. Shouts out to D-Lo from Oakland with the song “No Hoe!” It’s a smash that started in his bedroom, neighborhood, and high school, and now it’s on radio stations across the country. If DJs are sleeping on you, guess what? It’s your job to wake them up! The great DJs act on hits, but the sad thing is that most DJs only react to the same hits. Who is breaking the records? I often go to clubs and events and am blown away by how much the club sounds just like the radio. I
Roccett & me at the Avalon in L.A.
Me & T-Pain’s Big Ass Chain in Denver
Mack 10 f/ Rick Ross & Lil Wayne “So Sharp” Mistah FAB “Hit Me On Twitter” Damani f/ Musiq Soulchild “I’m Ballin’” Traxamillion f/ Jayrock & Laroo “Lights Go Down” The Jacka f/ Andre Nickatina “Glamorous Lifestyle” Balance f/ Jimmie Reign, Big Rich, & The Jacka “Can’t Go” Bishop Lamont f/ Sugafree, Butch Cassidy, Bokey, & Chevy Jones “Nothing Could Be Better”
32 // OZONE MAG
thought it was supposed to be the other way around? I thought the club DJ was supposed to break the record and build the buzz so the artist could take it to radio. Now DJs at clubs act like they can’t play anything that isn’t already a radio hit. Well, you’ll never know if you don’t play it. Because of my career, I spend a lot of time in the club, so I hear a lot of DJs spin. Some know how to build that crowd up to where they just can’t take any more, while others mess up the mood or vibe by clearing the floor with the wrong record at the wrong time. There’s a right way and a wrong way to play a new song in the club. Can they see what I see? It makes me wonder if they need glasses, cause I need earplugs! Attention all DJs: we need you to keep breaking records. Be the leaders and the trendsetters. There’s a lot of good music coming from the West Coast, ready to bring us back. We have some great talent out here, like Mistah FAB, Roccett, Jay Rock, Problem, Glasses Malone, Bad Lucc, Husalah, Tha Jacka, Crooked I, Nipsey Hussle, Damani, Nio Tha Gift, J Diggs, D Lo, Dem Hoodstarz, and so many more. I could go on and on listing the new breed, not to mention the OGs that have been holding down the West Coast forever! Special shout out to DJ Quik & Kurupt for dropping a banging new album, Blaq Out. I see you hipsters! FIRE! Yes, the West is on FIRE! DJs, please take the time to listen to and break some new music. I know how hard it is to listen sometimes, but we as an industry depend on you to do just that; otherwise, no one is breaking records. You chose this career for yourself, so please get the passion back and love your job. You set the party mode through your speakers; we rely on you for that. Don’t be afraid to test new music in the club, especially if the artist is in the building. This is the perfect chance for an artist to show you when they have a hit record. It’s now visual no longer speculation. Then it’s not personal when you don’t play it or do play it. Words aren’t always heard, but the visual is undeniable! If all else fails, if you put that new song on and the dance floor clears, play a Michael Jackson record and that’s guaranteed to bring the life back to your party! Everyone is an artist today. There are no fans anymore. Let’s be honest with ourselves. If this is your passion, run with it. But if it’s a hobby, keep it in your hood! You’re stopping real passion and talent from being heard. Believe that! Artists, do your part, and DJs, do yours. No need to stress if an artist stays in your face telling you, “YO, PLAY MY SONG! I’M NEXT TO BLOW!” If you don’t have a fan base, save the GAS! Keep it movin’! - D-Ray, OZONE West Editor-At-Large dray@ozonemag.com
Rico Tha Kid & me in East Oakland
Husalah is free!
DJ BACKSIDE’S
TOP 10 SLAPS
Kurupt f/ Problem “I’m Burnt” Husalah “Pray 4 U” U-N-I “Land of the Kings”