Describe your typical day.

I wake up around 1 pm and go to the gym. I usually spend the rest of the afternoon taking care of phone calls. At night, I usually hit the studio until 7 or head out to DJ. Right now, Riz and I are working on our Cancun 2001 CD. It will feature guest appearances by many artists and celebrities. Riz and I have created two record labels: M.U.G. Shot Records will focus on hip-hop and Galactic Records to focus on dance artists. We plan on releasing at least 2 records on each label per month, totaling over 50 records per year in total.

Have you lived in New York City your whole life? Which area?

Yes. Queens

When did you first decide to begin a career as a DJ?

1988. I used to look up to DJ Prince Quik back then.

Has hip-hop always been your preferred choice of music, or did you begin your career playing other types of music?

I began playing more break beats such as Afrika Bambaataa and the Zulu Nation and many other of the original break beat records. I eventually changed more toward hip-hop.

Have you ever found race or color to be an obstacle in being accepted as a hip-hop DJ?

No, I have always been accepted by everyone. I cater to all people.

How has your style evolved since you first began your career?

The music I play has changed the most. I moved from playing more of what I like to more of what the people want to here. Whether it’s Eminem or Jay-Z, I’m playing it.

Which person or club helped to break you into the business and accelerate your career?

Artie Arboleda and Joey Morrissey brought me into more scenes and exposed me to a wider variety of audiences.

Which DJs or music industry figures do you most admire?

Kid Capri, Funkmaster Flex, Riz, Biz Markie, and Jazzy Jeff.

Ted the Dillinger and DJ Riz.
Look out for their Cancun 2001 CD.

It seems as though crowd response is your main motivation in choosing records throughout the night. Do you usually choose records on the fly or do you go into the club with a basic set in mind?

I always choose the records I play on the fly.

Have you ever been booked to perform for a crowd that just wasn't feeling the music you were spinning? How did you handle the situation?

Yes. I start taking requests more seriously than I normally do.

What has been your favorite venue or crowd to play for up to this point in your career?

I prefer to play for mixed crowds. I also like DJing in cozy VIP rooms for a crowd that appreciates everything I am doing.

Is there anyone that you would like to work with or any place you would like to work which you have not yet had the chance to do so?

I would like to work at Ministry of Sound and also at the huge clubs on an Island like Ibiza.

In the ever-changing club scene in NYC, are there any changes you dislike? Any you would like to see take place?

As the years have past, the dance scene has lost its roots. It is less concerned with dancing and more concerned with style and money. I would like to see the crowds become less about hate and more like a holiday party where everyone is just having a good time. I want everyone to make the most of their nights out after working hard all week.

Are there any upcoming projects or appearances that we should be looking out for?

The Cancun and Vegas Spring Break CDs as well as a Hamptons CD will be out in the early part of the year. Also look out for The World-WWF Mixed CD n Sony 550. Keep an eye out for me at a lot more parties as well.

Where do you hope to see yourself 2 or 3 years from now?

I would like to be doing a radio show, making my own DJ album, living healthy, and making lots of money

Do you have any parting words for your fans?

For those of you trying to make it, you have to make it your life. You have to live it and breathe it. Never let negativity become insecurity. P.E.A.C.E. - Positive Energy Activates Constant Elevation

interview by Jay Matassa

photography by Brian Stefanelli