@djbigspade is highlighted as TRUE magazine’s newest Wheels of Steel DJ
TRUE: What are the benefits of being a Violator All-Star DJ?
DJ BIG SPADE: Violator’s resume in the music business is very impressive. Being associated with the company who’s managed artists from 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Soulja Boy, EPMD, Foxy Brown, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and so many more definitely has its perks.
TRUE: What and who made you want to start DJing? Who has been behind your career since day one?
DJ BIG SPADE: I am a third generation dj. My uncles were djs, I gravitated to the turn tables as natural as my 6 year old son has today.
TRUE: You have shared the DJ booth with a number of famous DJ’s, name some of them and which one was the best experience for you? Why that one in particular?
DJ BIG SPADE: Dj Jazzy Jeff has to me the most impressive and like-minded dj I can identify with. I have shared the booth with Dj Jazzy Jeff and Mad Skillz twice. Kid Capri is always a delight. We’ve shared the booth on a couple major events. Out of them both, I respect Jazzy Jeff’s technical turntablist techniques and Kid’s vast array of music keeps the party interesting. I would say out of them both, my best experience was with Jazzy Jeff at Club Vinyl in SOCO District.
TRUE: What is the most fulfilling part of being in the DJ booth to you? What do you look for in the crowd that makes you feel like you’ve done your job?
DJ BIG SPADE: The most fulfilling part of being in the DJ booth is being blessed to make a living doing what I love.
TRUE: You have worked with a lot of superstar artists and DJ’s, have you ever been star struck? If so, tell us who it was and what happened?
DJ BIG SPADE: I can’t recall being star stuck by any one artist, yet. Since I was a kid I’ve met artists that I’ve respected. As a teen I’ve opened up for Wu Tang Clan, accompanied Lost Boys, did shows with Outkast, Redman, and so many more during my teenage years. I don’t recall being star struck, but I do recall the most humbling experience. Right before Guru of Gang Starr died, I opened up for him for the third time and we built a strong connection. I respected Guru and was a long time fan of Gang Starr since I was exposed to their positive hip hop messages. Meeting Guru and Premier for the first time was probably the closest encounter I’ve had to being star struck.
TRUE: You have DJ’d everywhere around the country, tell us what about Colorado nightlife and hip hop scene is different from the rest of the country?
DJ BIG SPADE: Colorado’s media outlet is slim. One major radio station makes it difficult to be exposed to new music on a steady basis. As slow as it may seem in Colorado, it’s faster than any of its surrounding states. The hip hop culture in Colorado is coming around to be some of the best music I’ve heard in years. The artists desperately need their local supporters to have a stronger presence in order for hip hop to become profitable in this state.
TRUE: Certain artists have their own way that they want their set to go, who that you have worked with has the craziest ideas and is the hardest to work with? What kind of requests do you get a lot from artists when you are DJing for them?
DJ BIG SPADE: Most artists I’ve worked with are humble and like to stick to the routine of the music. They are never too concerned with being so creative during a live performance that it sacrifices its familiarity with their fans. I can’t blame them, it’s safe.
TRUE: Certain DJ’s get angry when they are asked to play a certain song, are you one of those guys? Why do you think that DJ’s are offended by that?
DJ BIG SPADE: The only time I’ve had any issue with a request is when someone in the night club, who doesn’t normally listen to the music that ties with the theme of the night, complains about not hearing something they are familiar with. For an example, if a 50 Year old mother comes out with her 25 year daughter, she’s wanting to hear a certain type of music that doesn’t’ tie with the promotion of the night. I’ve had Moms ask for Country music right in the middle of playing a Lil John song, while the club is packed and rocking. She just doesn’t know any better.
TRUE: Since you have been to a lot of places, what place would you say has the best crowd that fits your style? Where do they request you the most?
DJ BIG SPADE: I love being in New York, but I’m extremely comfortable with Colorado. Colorado has supported me for more years and more than most djs that were born in Colorado. So, naturally I’m most requested in Colorado. Their respect for me humbles me, so I always have CO’s back!
TRUE: Do you want to stay in the DJ lane for your entire career or do you have aspirations to break into other avenues of the business? What avenues are you interested in?
DJ BIG SPADE: I have already tied myself into different areas of this business. For 7 years I’ve been doing graphic design, I’ve ran my own studio, I have 1 Audio Engineering Certification, and 2 Accounting degrees. But dj’g comes first. I am what I am, and undeniably one of the best at it.
TRUE: What projects are you working on for the rest of 2013?
DJ BIG SPADE: I just released my latest mixtape, EAR CANDY VOLUME 3 – The Cotton Candy Edition. From the gate you hear celebrities such as Toni Braxton, Missy Elliot, Twista, Tank, and Jeremih appearing on it. I’m excited about this project, so excited that I made it into a Double Disc Set. You can check it out and get your copy at www.earcandymixtape.com.
I am planning on doing some out of state club visits, so if you want to me to mix it up at your club, get at my publicist Dave to set it up. He can be reached at 720-261-0968 or [email protected]. You can also text DJBIGSPADE to 313131 for more info on my whereabouts. Make sure you connect with me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DjBigSpade.aka.Dr.Xclusive or on Twitter @djbigspade.
