“If you’re down with one crew that should be it. You can be affiliated and cool with another crew, but you can’t be a part of every damn DJ crew. Some of these crews aren’t really crews, they’re just record pools or DJ networks. There’s a difference.” – Kno It All “I belong to two crews, The Core DJs and Hustle Squad DJs, and both are national. I personally feel like once you hit 3 crews, you should probably chill on it. It’s not cool to be in 40 different crews.” – Merk “It’s a marketing tactic to get more money from different promoters who may be interested in different crews. However, it doesn’t really bother me.” – Nasty Naz “I think it’s a great idea. You’re not selling either out, you’re trying to do you. One crew might be real strong in one part of the nation, whereas the other isn’t. If you’re part of two or more you can get exposure and relationships in many ways, not just one.” – QuickMixx Rick “That’s whack. I don’t belong to no crew but the company I co-own with DJ D-Strong. I don’t rep no marketing companies that front like DJ crews. Those DJs just become another piece of the puzzle, but I’m trying to be the dude that designs and boxes the puzzle up.” – Reconn
“I don’t see any problem with reppin’ multiple crews, that’s why I do it myself. This is a hustler’s game, and it all begins with networking. Belonging to multiple crews allows a DJ to network and collab with more DJ’s, artists and producers.” – Blurray “To quote J Dilla, ‘It’s all bullshit.’” – Scrap Dirty “To each his own. I personally choose to stay solo and promote my own brand and movement.” – Smallz “There is nothing wrong with spreading your wings. I see it as a win/win [situation] for both parties.” – T-Roc “I don’t really care. Do what the hell you want to do.” – Truly Odd “I don’t see it as being loyal. How can you give 100% to all crews? All crews have different standards. Not all can play certain rapper’s music so you could be looked at funny from the crew leaders. Just rep one crew and stay loyal.” – Woogie “It’s cool. Working with different people can bring many opportunities. I tried the crew thing, but it wasn’t for me. I’d rather have a tight circle with a couple of DJs that are on the same page as me, and are trying to look out for one another.” – Wreckineyez
POLL QUESTIONS
Who are the most respected performers? Your favorite DJs explain who they’d be honored to tour with and what makes those artists so revered. “Probably Plies. I saw him perform in Orlando, when he was only getting like $5,000 in Florida, and ever since then I always want to do business with him.” - Ace “Man, if Detox ever comes out, Dre I got you. I saw Jay-Z’s rider too. It must be nice rollin’ with Hov.” - Amen “I’ve been an Ice Cube fan since I was a kid. It would be an honor to tour with him.” - Ames “Jay-Z. To see where he came from to where he is today is amazing. You could learn so much about the game from him as an artist/ promoter/CEO/businessman.” - Bionicman “It would have been Michael Jackson because you just can get no bigger than that. He sold out stadiums. I would have loved to experience that once in my career.” - Blak “Devin the Dude can go overseas and sell out a venue of 20,000+, then come back to Texas and do a hole-in-wall venue with a capacity of 150. Nothing is too small or petty for him. He stays humble and I respect that.” - Blurray “Kanye West because he is the best.” - CC Cruz “I may be touring with Kanye soon, and I would like to set something up with Jay-Z. Jay has had an impact on Hip Hop and has been one of my inspirations from the start. I’m also looking forward to my tour with LMFAO this summer.” - Class “Redman, Common, Gangstarr, Q-Tip, Snoop Dogg, and Nas. No need to explain why.” - Element “Pitbull. His shows are always live and there are always packed crowds.” - Freddy Fred “Keri Hilson, so I can propose.” - Greg G “Scarface. He’s on a whole other level as an artist. Just look at his longevity.” - Ike G “T-Pain, ‘cause he has great showmanship and that’s what I have too.” - J. Boss “I would like to go on tour with LL Cool J because his shows are crazy hype but he still makes time to stay in shape. I would love to
learn how to be that disciplined on the road.” - Jay-Fields “Busta Rhymes. He’s a vet and he knows how to put on a show. A lot of artists just rap and get off the stage, but Busta gives you your money’s worth.” - Kno It All “Probably Mistah FAB because he makes it easy for the DJ. He’s great with the fans and other DJs. If something needs to be done, he does it. It’s easy to promote him because he promotes himself already.” - Ktone “Soulja Boy goes hard, and his shows are hype. I like the crowd to be rockin’.” - Mike Smoove “50 Cent. He’s just so powerful – controversial yes, but that’s why people respect him because he can back his talk up. He’s a real dude. I’m a huge fan.” - QuickMixx Rick “I would love to go on tour with Jay-Z, B.o.B, and/ or T-Pain. They don’t just get up there and do songs, they put on a show.” - Shawty Slim “Travis Porter. I like their energy.” - Slytay “I would like to tour with Gucci Mane. He has become an icon in southern Hip Hop and I personally like all of his music.” - Spinatik “The Roots. I’d want to be the Glengarry Glen Ross of their shows – always be closing.” - Treats “It would probably be an artist that is versatile like Keri Hilson; someone that is making good music for the people; and someone that can make a difference with their music and put on a show.” - T-Roc “My own artists: 2k tha Murdaman and T. Gunz. Established artists already have DJs and I’m not about trying to gain a little fame from those that already have it. I want to help my artists get to where these others have already made it.” - Whut It Dew “S.O.D. Money Gang Ent. because they made me family and gave me a chance to rep a major crew. I’ll do it until I’m discharged of my title.” - Woogie “Honestly, I don’t think I could be DJing for a better artist than Asher Roth. If I did have to choose an artist I’ve never been on the road with, it would be Phonte of Little Brother or Elzhi from Slum Village. They’re my favorite MCs. I know Phonte, and dude is hilarious. Being on the road with him must be entertaining as hell.” – Wreckineyez
Have you ever taken money to play a song?
Who is the next big artist?
Is it OK for DJs to belong to multiple crews?
Yes – 64% No – 29% Too Scared to Answer - 7%
28% of DJs polled say Drake is the next big artist
Yes – 46% No – 26% Don’t care either way – 28%
Best Mixer? Rane 57SL – 42% Rane ttm56 w/ Serato –16% Pioneer DJM800 –13 % pioneer DMJ400 – 6.5%