DJ Mars From The World Famous Superfriends
The comic books have had their superheroes but in HipHop, our heroes are the rappers and the DJs, like the crew called the SuperFriends. Now I have had my opinion about some DJs being suspect in some of these crews but for the most part, after talking to DJ Mars, I see coming together was for a greater good and the DJs' own survival. You have crews like The HittMenn, The Aphilliates, The CoreDJs, Southern Style DJs and the Big Dawgs..These DJs control our bodies, souls and minds for hours on the dance floor and on the radio and they have the power to make and break a new artist with one scratch. That's a lot of power, some may say, too much power. But with great power comes great responsibilty. So as long as these crews remember their roles as DJs and not behave like their counterparts, the rappers, the music may be in some good hands after all. Let's hope and pray the crews keep making hit records and not hit each other.
Nat Turner
First off, what's poppin, Mars!!?
DirtySouthHipHop:Where are you originally from and how long have you been in the South.
DJ Mars : I'M ORIGINALLY FROM SPRINGFIELD MASS,I CAME TO ATL IN 1991. I ATTENDED AND GRADUATED FROM CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY.
DirtySouthHipHop:When did you start the Superfriends.
DJ Mars : I STARTED THE SUPERFRIENDS CREW IN 1997
DirtySouthHipHop: Do you feel like the Superfriends are pioneers in the DJ crew/organization game and what priviledges
do joining a DJ crew bring to the table.
DJ Mars : YEAH,I BELIEVE THAT WE ARE PIONEERS IN THE DJ GAME IN THE SOUTH...THAT GOES WITH OUT SAYING...WE MADE EACH CREW REALIZE THERE POTENTIAL AND DIRECTLY BECOME THE BENEFICIARIES OF THERE OWN TALENTS. PRIOR TO THAT WE WERE ALL RUNNING AROUND AS INDIVIDUALS. UNLESS YOU WERE ON THE RADIO YOU DIDN'T MATTER...WHEN I SAY ON THE RADIO I MEAN HAD YOUR OWN 4 HOUR A DAY TIME SLOT...THE BENEFITS TO BELONGING TO A CREW IS YOU ARE DIRECTLY TIED INTO A NETWORK OF LIKE MINDED PEOPLE. IF DONE RIGHT EVERYONE CAN BENEFIT OFF THE MOVEMENT.
DirtySouthHipHop:Do you think the other DJ crews acknowledge you and the Superfriends for your contributions?Or do you think you've been overlooked because you're not from the South.
DJ Mars : I'm SURE MOST DJ'S ACKNOWLEDGE OUR STAKE HERE IN ATLANTA,JUST LIKE I RESPECT THERE'S. I CAN'T SAY WE'VE BEEN OVERLOOKED AT ALL.ON THE TIP OF ME NOT BEING FROM THE SOUTH,THAT'S AN OLD ARGUMENT. I've BEEN HERE LONGER THAN ANY ARTIST WHO IS IN ROTATION HAS BEEN RAPPING.I WAS OUTKASTS ORIGINAL DJ,BEFORE THEY WERE SIGNED TO LAFACE. I HAVE A SON WHO WAS BORN HERE,ATL IS A MELTING POT AND I TOTALLY REPRESENT THAT.
DirtySouthHipHop:How do you feel about the slight "changing of the guard", where The Superfriends were prominent in the clubs and the streets with people, now everyone is big on the Aphilliates, former Superfriends.
DJ Mars : I'm NOT SURE HOW TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION, OUR POSITION HASN'T CHANGED. WERE STILL THE KINGS OF THE DOWNTOWN CLUBS,ANYTHING SEXY OUR NAME IS ATTACHED TO IT. WE WERE IN 97 AND WE ARE IN 06. IN ADDITION TO THAT WE TOUR WITH THE BIGGEST ARTIST IN THE NATION,FROM JEEZY TO BOW WOW TO CIARA. WE'RE EVERYWHERE YOU WANNA BE. IN ADDITION TO THAT WE HOLD DOWN THE MORNING SHOW AS WELL AS THE AFTERNOON DRIVE ON THE CITIES TOP STATIONS. DJ TAYROK SPINS AT EVERY RUSSELL SIMMONS EVENT IN THE COUNTRY. ITS NO DOUBT OTHER DJ'S ARE SHINING BUT WE HAVE MAINTAINED OUR BASE IN FACT ITS EXPANDING. BY THE END OF THIS YEAR WE WILL BE HONORABLY MENTIONED IN THE MIXTAPE MARKET. SHAKIM PRODUCES FOR BOW WOW AS WELL AS TOURS WITH HIM,SEARCY'S BLACK MARKET ENT. IMPRINT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST LABELS IN THE GAME. WHEN PEOPLE LOOK AT THE SUPERFRIENDS, THEY TEND TO FORGET HOW LARGE WE ARE. AS STATED BEFORE OUR CREW CONTROLS A MINIMUM OF 8 HOURS A DAY ON THE RADIO. YOU CAN'T PARTY ON THE WEEKENDS WITHOUT ROCKING WITH US. WHEN YOU GO TO BIG NATIONAL WEEKENDS SUCH AS ALLSTAR,SUPERBOWL,CANCUN,AND LABOR DAY WEEKEND,THERE ARE ALWAYS SUPERFRIENDS HEADLINING THE BIGGEST CLUBS IN THOSE CITIES. THE ONLY THING THAT HAS HAPPENED IS WE TOOK THE SHOW ON THE ROAD,AND WERE GONNA DO THE SAME THIS YEAR.
DirtySouthHipHop:Do you think the DJ game is out of hand with labels and artists choosing sides because of rivalry between the DJ crews.
DJ Mars : I DON'T REALLY SEE IT BEING OUT OF HAND. THERE ARE SMALL INSTANCES HERE AND THERE ,BUT FOR THE MOST PART I DON'T SEE IT AS BEING PROBLEMATIC.
DirtySouthHipHop:Do you feel the turntable is obsolete since so many DJs use CDs now?
DJ Mars : I THINK ITS THE RECORDS THAT ARE MORE THE OBSOLETE THING. SERATO CAME IN AND CHANGED THE GAME. I USE THE RECORD OPTION WHEN I GO TO CLUBS,THE CD OPTION ISN'T MY FIRST CHOICE.I THINK THERE'S A SECTION OF THE AUDIENCE THAT STILL WANTS TO SEE YOU SPIN WAX. IT JUST BECOMES TOO CUMBERSOME TO CARRY RECORDS ACROSS THE WORLD IN A WEEKS TIME. I PLAYED IN NEW YORK,3 CITIES IN JAPAN,MILAN ITALY. THEN LANDED IN ATLANTA AND DJ'D DARIUS MILES WEDDING. LATER THAT NIGHT I HEADLINED AT D'JANGO'S. THERE'S NO WAY I COULD HAVE DONE THAT WITHOUT MY LAPTOP.
DirtySouthHipHop:I know there was a slight disagreement between you and another major DJ on who done what and when;Would you like to clarify any misconceptions on that whole ordeal...
DJ Mars : NA,I'm GOOD ON THAT TOPIC. HE AND I SPOKE AND BOTH KNOW ITS BETTER FOR ALL OF US TO BANG RECORDS THEN TO BANG ON EACH OTHER.
DirtySouthHipHop:Are there any other things you like to speak on now that you have this forum?
DJ Mars : I WANT PEOPLE TO BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR THE NEW ARTISTS ON BLACK VINYL ENT. WE'RE BRINGING A COMPLETE ROSTER OF TALENTED ARTISTS,RANGING FROM HIP HOP TO R&B. NOW THAT WERE GETTING OUR MIXTAPE GAME UP TO SPEED YOU WILL BE HEARING A LOT FROM THEM, IN ADDITION TO THAT WE JUST LAUNCHED "BLACK BOX CREATIVE". ITS A CREATIVE THINK TANK THAT SPECIALIZES IN PRODUCT PLACEMENT,BRAND IDENTITY AND CONSULTING. OUR CLIENTS INCLUDE A.G. ENT,ADIDAS,B.E.D.,AND KANGOL. THIS IS THE NEXT MOVEMENT THAT WE ARE GOING TO FOCUS ON.
DirtySouthHipHop:What mixtape series are you working on now? And what's popping with Scorpio and Bobby Black?
DJ Mars : WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING A FEW NEW TAPES/SERIES:SUPERFRIENDS ARE THE FUTUREDOWN & DIRTYTHE GOLDEN ERAHEAVY METALRHYTHM AND BOOMR&B CHRONICLESTHE RULER RADIOLORD OF THE BOARDSHOTTER THAN JULYAS FAR AS SCORPIO AND BLACK GOES. SCORP IS BREAKING HIS ARTIST 4-IZE,DUDE IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED MC'S IN ATLANTA. HIS WORK ETHIC IS INCREDIBLE. OPEN YOUR EARS,4-IZE WILL BE HEARD THIS YEAR.BLACK IS GONNA SMASH THIS YEAR ON THE MIXTAPE SIDE. I CAN SEE HIM HAVING A BREAKOUT YEAR IN 06.
DirtySouthHipHop::Do you feel that DJs like Edward J and Jelly get enough credit for there contributions to the game not to mention you and
Greg Street....
DJ Mars : I DON'T THINK THAT THEY DO. THEM DUDES ARE GIANTS,I TELL JELLY THAT EVERY TIME I SEE HIM, ITS NO SECRET THAT THEY HAD CREWS BEFORE THIS MODERN DAY MOVEMENT. WHAT MADE THEM DIFFERENT IS THAT THEY BOTH OWNED THERE OWN RETAIL OUTLETS,THAT'S INCREDIBLE. I HEARD ABOUT THE J TEAM BEFORE I EVEN MOVED HERE. AS A MATTER OF FACT WHEN I WAS ON SO SO DEF RADIO I HAD A SPECIAL HONORING ALL OF THEM DUDES.ON ONE SHOW I HAD KIZZY ROCK,SMURF,TOOMP,AND JELLY DJ'ING. WE TALKED ABOUT IT ALL FROM THE DEATH OF BASS MUSIC TO SMURF AND JELLY'S BEEF. IT WAS REAL HISTORIC,ATLANTA NEEDED THAT SHOW. I GOT PHONE CALLS FOR WEEKS ABOUT HOW THAT EPISODE WAS CLASSIC. I TRIED TO REACH EDWARD J AND SHY D,BUT NO ONE COULD REACH THEM, IF I FIND THE TAPE MAYBE YOU CAN ALLOW LISTENERS TO DOWNLOAD IT.
DirtySouthHipHop:No Doubt!! Give me the top DJs in the Superfriends and where are now? Who they wit?
DJ Mars : EVERY DJ IN OUR CREW IS TOP SHELF.WE DON'T HAVE ANY ROBINS,ONLY SUPERMEN AND A CUTE LIL WONDER WOMAN NAMED BOOM BIP!!!
DirtySouthHipHop: Thanks Mars, keep makin it do what it do!!!!
I said it before and I'll say it again, Rasheeda is a bonafide rap star whether she was born in the ATL or in the BX.. And then she looks better than most without being too hoeish, too bitchy, too butchey or too vulgar. She 's just a good M.C. with a steady work ethic and doing all that while being a Mom to her baby boy... What a real Georgia Peach! She will have my vote no matter how long it takes for everyone to realize her talents and push her to the mainstream. And there's a saying that goes, about somebody being so fine, you would drink their bath water, well I would bottled Rasheeda's bath water and sell it. Call me weird but hey, who don't like peachwater! Nat Turner
Rasheeda: Hey What's up it's Rasheeda!!!!
DirtySouthHipHop : Hey Rasheeda!!!
Rasheeda: So you ready to knock this out?
DirtySouthHipHop : Yea! It's time for the Queen to come out and reign!!!
Rasheeda: You already know... I'm ready, it's my time.
DirtySouthHipHop : What's the name of the new album?
Rasheeda: Georgia Peach
DirtySouthHipHop : And you've signed with Big Cat Records?
Rasheeda: Well I'm signed to D-LO Entertainment and D-LO and Big Cat did a joint venture on my upcoming release....
DirtySouthHipHop : Touch Ya Toes is real sexy;How's the single doing?
Rasheeda: Extremely Well... the response is crazy and I'm really loving the street buzz it's creating.... I definitely think it will be a big summer banger.....
DirtySouthHipHop : Are you shooting a video for it?
Rasheeda: Yes... I was in a meeting last night about it....It's gonna be crazy.
DirtySouthHipHop : What's the treatment like or is it top Secret?
Rasheeda: No, it's not top secret... It's gonna be sexy, very sexy but tasteful... shot in a soundstage and performance but allowing the people to see how I get down and how we get down, down here... The dancing will be HOT!!!!!!
DirtySouthHipHop : I've been blasting you all over the net;People really like you across the board;you're very well liked and that's hard to do being female and not being classified as a bitch or a hoe;What's your secret to longevity?
Rasheeda: Staying consistent... I don't portray myself in that manner.. I'm "the demand respect type of woman", who is confident 24-7....You are what you portray and I'm not putting myself out there, like that... Of course I enjoying looking sexy (most women do) but I like to be tasteful about my look and at the end of the day this is a small business and as a woman, the mistake you make in the industry will over shadow the accomplishments....
DirtySouthHipHop : Very well said!
Rasheeda: : Thanks
DirtySouthHipHop : Any exclusive collabos I should know about with any of your labelmates like Gucci or Maceo?
Rasheeda: : It's crazy but we didn't have time.. By the time D-LO and Big Cat did the paperwork my album had to be turned in so we didn't get a chance.
DirtySouthHipHop : I know Khia(Thug Misses) is a Mom and I've heard you are as well?
Rasheeda: : Yes I am and it's the best thing in the world, my son is my life.....
DirtySouthHipHop : How do you balance the bizness with your family life?
Rasheeda: Man I'm a hustler!!!!!!!! I just make it happen.. I bring him with me as much as possible and I make sure I make my schedule work for the both of us so that I'm not away too long.
DirtySouthHipHop : The South is ruling the culture right now;How do you feel about the level of music being put out there?
Rasheeda: For the most part the music is cool, I mean hip hop evolves so much and in the midst of that, you get some bulls*&^, but for the most part I'm proud of the South and the mark that is being made... People always say its just a fad or South music won't last but that is so untrue, we have so much talent, down here that we will not be overshadowed....
DirtySouthHipHop : The South always ran the music game; it's finally come back home to where most East Coast rappers' parents are from, The Dirty South!! Feel me?
Rasheeda: You already know....
DirtySouthHipHop : You are a rarity, being beautiful and a bonafide M.C., because we know most females got men ghost writers but you are one of my favs;What are some other interests you got going, like acting or modelling maybe?
Rasheeda: Thank you that was nice shawty!!!!! Yes, I actually work on radio, I work at V103 here in the ATL and I'm looking to get into acting, but my main focus right now is becoming a household name.. I also do real estate. I own a few properties..
DirtySouthHipHop : That's what sup!
Rasheeda: gotta hustle...
DirtySouthHipHop : Well I enjoyed this conversation and I'm glad you took the time;I have a mixtape dropping with Dutty Laundry in a few weeks;I'll definitely need a drop from your highness....I'll be pushing your campaign til the DJ scream, last call!!!
Rasheeda: I really appreciate that. I also appreciate you blasting me on your site too. Soon as you need the drops just send it over and I gotcha... Thanks for everything...Rasheeda "Georgia Peach" the album in stores April 25th... It's the Classy Ghetto- Fabolous Street Master Piece..........
DirtySouthHipHop : Keep makin it do what it do, Queen!!!
Rasheeda: you too.....Thanks.
DirtySouthHipHop : I'll Holla
Rasheeda: out
Brea S.- T.V. Host/Model/Singer/Actress/A DUB!Foreword by Nat TurnerInterview by MSPSometimes you see someone in your travels or in your lifetime that makes the world stop and start when they sleep and wake, and I think Brea is one of those of those people.....a star. Besides being talented, she has finished college and she's a fighter for what she wants. You may not know her now but give or take a minute, you will find out what one of God's plans is when you take notice of this destiny's child. Prepare for a beauty from the future......And Oh Yeah...A dubpiece!!!!Brea has taken the entertainment world by storm. Brea graduated from college with a degree in Advertising. She is involved both in front of the camera and behind the camera. Not only is Brea apart of a communications marketing firm called "Hot Ice", Brea is also a TV Host, Actress, Singer and Model.Brea was born in California, raised in Michigan and now living in Georgia. She is the oldest of 6 brothers and sisters. She began to launch her career with very little guidance, Marketing herself from life experience.She has appeared in independent films, Commercials, Calendars, Featured in magazines, was the host of an entertainment show, and has recorded her first demo. One of her songs has been featured in a block buster film. Brea has personally interviewed such stars as *Shemar Moore*Scarface*Killer Mike*Lisa Rae*Indiana pacers, Jermaine O'neal*Emanuel Lewis(webster)*Jazzy Phae(Atlanta Producer)*Joe Torrey(Actor)*Dameon Hall(singer)and many many moreWell This was only the beginning.........Brea took a year break to pursue other goals and interests but now she is back!!!!! Stay tuned because her Journey has just began. Watch for her as Brea has just landed a role in a major motion picture, has become a part of a company that will make history and is in negotiations for a few other shows.DSHH: What's up Brea!
Brea S.: What's Crackin
DSHH: Tell me a little history about yourself
Brea S.: I'll Keep it simple:
Brea S.: Born in Cali, raised in Michigan now residing in Atlanta. I was raised in a big family 3 brothers two sisters, I'm the oldest. I got a degree in Advertising, and I'm now really pursuing my music career.
DSHH: How long have you been in the ATL? Are U signed to a label as of yet?
Brea S.: I have been in Atlanta since 2000, but really lived here year round as of 2003. I traveled a lot and was never here for the summers. I am not signed to a label, but a entertainment company called"Hot Ice" Which is taking care of the label search for me. There is a Label in mind, we have met recently things are still in progress.
DSHH: I remember the t.v. show "What'sHappeninTV"... What happened to What'sHappeninTV?
Brea S.: It is still around they air on comcast now and not UPN anymore, because they wanted an earlier spot. I am pursuing my music so I am no longer with them.We still keep in contact.
DSHH: Are you pursuing a career as a model and an actress, as well? Any movies to look out for in 2006?
Brea S.: yes both, I was recently cast in a movie called "THE FRAT" The sound track will launch first. Hot Ice is negotiating a huge role for me as we speak.
DSHH: You should do an exclusive calender w/ a mixtape because you are very marketable. That'll be something new!!
Brea S.: That is something I have already been talking about. The Calendar deal, but not the mix tape. Good Idea!!! I'll see what up with that.
DSHH: I know some top DJs if you're interested!!!!
Brea S.: I Will take you up on the Calendar , Mix tape deal.
DSHH: That's great!
DSHH: How's your love life with all this dream chasing?
Brea S.: Well I have someone who is very supportive and he is in the Entertainment field as well. So it works out well.
DSHH: That's great! You need balance.. I know you're like a college grad but have you ever danced in the scrip clubs in the Dirty South?!
Brea S.: Nope, I don't have the guts!!!
Brea S.: I'm not that brave....
DSHH: You cover the guts up very WELL!!!! Cause you're hotter than fish and grits!!!!
Brea S.: Thanks BOO! Always appreciate a compliment
DSHH: When can we expect an album from you, Brea? And what's the S for?
Brea S.: Well I'm working on my songs right now I hope by the end of the year.
Brea S.: The S stands for SEXY, no kidding I'm so lame, it really stands for my last name because it's so damn long.
DSHH: I agree with the Sexy!!!Nat Turner calls you a star already because of your humility and collaborating with DirtySouthHipHop before we take off..That's a good look...He works real hard!
Brea S.: Thanks, Nat Turner knows his stuff
DSHH: Well, I thank you for your time and we plan on promoting your campaign for the next month of March as ATL's Next Top Shawty!!! You're a DUB!!!!(20)And you'll be part of the blasts for February... Send more pics when you get them...And make some Tshirts for sale w/ your calender/mixtape!!!You're a STAR!
Brea S.: Thanks, I appreciate it, I'll be calling yall for some help on that. Peace
DSHH: Peace,Brea...
Brea S.: Peace DSHH
Check out Brea's website:Brea's World
He's The DJ ... I'm Broke!
I just had a talk with a friend of mine who's an aspiring rap artist and we both remininsced on the days of old when your DJ rock the party and everybody wanted to carry his crates or set up the equipment so we could be part of his royal court, his entourage. And the DJ was the star until the M.C. started making records like the Furious Five, Kurtis Blow or M.C. ShyD. But that made the DJs like Flash, Davey D and Smurf rock harder on stage and at the after parties to keep up with the power of the voice. They let their hands do the talking and their skills were impeccable, some were better than their M.C.s like Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince. But we still had our Edward J tapes, RonG tapes, and I remember when Jelly hit the scene. Those DJs were stars because they had skills and they never act like a star with fans or someone trying to get on the mic at the party for the first time. They were just your DJ... Now we have superstar DJs like Flex, Greg Street, Khalid, Irie who have become stars like rappers and we have other DJs like Drama, Mars and KaySlay who have grinded the mixtape game to be the next Clue. I salute the DJ who has grinded and can spend vinyl as well as Cds and the DJ who started their own label to push the next rap superstars like Mr.ColliPark(Smurf) or Mr Ernesto Shaw(Clue) but what's up with these DJs who join the ranks of these DJ squads and haven't even spinned on a stage or with a M.C. or never even touched a vinyl record before in their career. I heard a radio personality on a local hiphop t.v. show in Atlanta say that turntables were obsolete because DJs use CDs now! What!!!! This is HipHop! What self-respecting DJ that ever rock the crowd wouldn't have 1200s as part of their repertoire even if they did spinned CDs. But I guess only a real DJ would know that and that's the difference between a radio personality and a DJ., HipHop is sacred and it's an artform whether you're in it for the money or you have genuine love. These DJ unions that have been formed is because most DJs today aren't DJs at all so the only way they can eat, is to be part of a DJ organization(union). If I'm an artist and I'm pushing my new CD with one DJ crew and not the other DJ crew, I might be blackballed by every DJ that's in that other crew and that could be a hundred DJs or more. I thought it was about the music but it's really about the lifestyle and the money that DJs live these days.They are bigger stars than the rappers. And don't even bring them a CD in the club unless you got some money as well. It's worse now than ever and the real talent never comes through because the DJ has always been the A&R in the hood like Bigga Rankins and DJ Ace and my man DJ Funky.Thanks for staying true... But for the most, if you don't have a "Budget" these days to pay the "unions" , your CD might not ever be heard. Shame! One major mixtape DJ crew charges up to $5000 dollars for you to be spotlighted by their DJ crew and that's an impossible for the "little MC" who wants to be a rap star. But who am I but a fan and a M.C. who never made it big. But this is my mic and this is my stage so Mr. DJ, "Please listen to my Demo". Nat Turner
