Name: DJ Xplosive

Location: New York City

Representing: (ie, V-103, Aphilliates, etc.) Element 9 Hip-Hop

Years DJing: I started DJing back in 1997, but have been more centered on the business end of the music industry since 2006. I’m planning to step out of retirement very soon…

Who gave you your break into the industry?

I wouldn’t be anywhere without the help of Tony “X Allah” Franklin from Nublud Management in Cleveland.

Genre(s) of music you specialize in: Hip-Hop

What has been your career highlight thus far?

In less than 3 years I have gone from being an intern at a major record label to a Grammy nominated music publisher and to working marketing campaigns with some of the biggest names in the music industry.

What advice do you have for the DJ’s that have been grinding for a while who haven’t “sparked” or gotten their break?

Make sure you are always focusing on what separates you from the competition. Find your niche and spend equal amounts of time sharpening your skills and marketing yourself. Nobody becomes an overnight success as a DJ.

What advice would you give an independent artist who’s trying to get in the “game”?

1) The team around you is going to be the key to your success. 2) If you’re going to work in the business, learn the business. 3) Keep your expectations realistic and have lots of patience.

With music continuously moving toward a digital/internet based way consumers get their music, what do you do as a DJ to stay up with the times in order to remain relevant?

I visit as many blog sites as I can every day. Not just music blogs, I try to stay on top of technology, business and news blogs too. I stay ahead by constantly knowing what’s going on in the world.

What is your definition of a DJ/Record Breaker?

A real record breaker is someone who hears a record and becomes legitimately excited by the opportunity to introduce to his/her audience a track that is likely to be a hit.

Have you broken any records and if so, who / which song(s)?

I had a lot to do with Soulja Boy breaking out. I’ve contributed to the success of many records that have gone on to be hits, but my work in getting airplay for Soulja Boy while he was still unsigned was one of the most challenging and also most rewarding experiences of my career.

If there was 1 thing you could change about the music industry today, what would that be?

To put it simply, there needs to be more youth in the label offices and the industry has to be open-minded about the change this youthful leadership will bring.

How can our readers get a hold of you?

Xplosiveworld.com and twitter.com/djxplosive

FOR MORE ON

STREET REPORT MAGAZINE

VISIT

http://www.streetreportmagazine.net

SNIPPET: “Now 22 years old and signed to independent powerhouse SMC Recordings, QP maintains that Born 2 Win attitude that led him to early success; and, using a fast-paced flow reminiscent of his hometown group, Bone Thugs, he describes the lifestyle that’s The Norm 4 Me.”- M.Burmy for DJBooth.net

LINK TO THE FEATURE: http://www.djbooth.net/index/tracks/review/qp-the-norm-4-me/

Dial-A-Deal Remix

From May 16th-July 1st 2008 aspiring hip-hop artists are invited to display their lyrical finesse while competing for a featured verse on the official remix to Killer Mike’s brand new smash single “2 Sides”.

Contestants will audition for Killer Mike via Dial-A-Deal, an online voice messaging service powered by technology company, Saynow, and created by the Element 9 record label to give artists from across the country the opportunity to compete for a record deal of their own.

The 2 Sides Remix Contest is brought to you by SMC Recordings who have announced a July 8th release date for Killer Mike’s highly-anticipated album, I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II.

HOW IT WORKS

1) Visit Killer Mike’s Grind Time Official MySpace page at www.myspace.com/grindtimeonline and download the instrumental version of “2 Sides”.

2) Call the Dial-A-Deal Hotline at 646-789-4419 and deliver your best 16 bar verse over the “2 Sides” beat LIVE over the phone.

• Make sure you are calling from a phone capable of receiving return calls and/or go to www.saynow.com to create a profile which identify you by your phone number.

3) Killer Mike will frequently review all entries received on Dial-A-Deal and at the conclusion of the contest Killer Mike will personally call the winner to arrange a recording session for the official “2 Sides” Remix.

FAQS

Does this cost money? No, but standard rates for normal voice and text service with your phone carrier will apply. For other questions about how Saynow’s technology works visit http://www.saynow.com/faq.html

How many times can you call? There is no limit to the number of entries a contestant can make. Participants are encouraged to call regularly with original submissions, but advised to use reasonable judgment in determining the frequency of their calls. Remember, Mike wants to hear your best VERSE not your best album.

What’s up with Element 9’s Dial-A-Deal record deal contest? All entrants are automatically entered in the Element 9 Dial-A-Deal contest with the chance of winning a recording contract with Element 9. Killer Mike has been kind enough to come on board and help with the decision making by giving one of you the chance to get your name out on a hit record.

Can I promote myself and my other music on Dial-A-Deal? Of course, but reasonable judgment should also be exercised here as well. Your 16 bars are the most important part of each call. Announcing your name and where people can find you is definitely a good idea. Telling your life story, unnecessary ranting and any other information that doesn’t pertain to the contest isn’t such a good idea.