 By encompassing supreme turntable skills, the ability to connect with any crowd,
and a strong marketing finesse, it’s no surprise why DJ Smallz is considered to be one of the nation’s premier DJs,
leading him to the type of success that has eluded many in his field.
Best known for his “Southern Smoke” street brand, DJ Smallz has played a monumental role in catapulting major and independent artists
to the attention of national and international markets, while primarily focusing on southern hip hop trends.
To date, the “Southern Smoke” brand has been co-signed by some of the biggest names in the music industry.
DJ Smallz has collaborated with such established figures as Grammy Award-winner Big Boi of Outkast, southern hip hop pioneers UGK, Master P and Three 6 Mafia.
As well as multi-platinum superstars Lil’ Jon, Ludacris, and T.I. With the immense success of his brand, DJ Smallz turned his talents to the national radio scene with “Southern Smoke Radio”.
A weekly mixshow that aired on Sirius Satellite Radio & DISH Network for 3 years. He's toured and performed in various venues throughout the United States.
As well as Afghanistan, Austria, Canada, Germany, Kuwait, Japan and Switzerland. In addition to his daily musical duties, DJ Smallz shares an extensive amount of time on his artist development entity and production company,
Fear Factor Music Group, which landed its first major placement recently with DJ Khaled's "Welcome To My Hood" single featuring Rick Ross, Plies, Lil' Wayne & T-Pain.
With so many accomplishments, he has successfully gained media attention and industry accolades by appearing on several music television shows including MTV’s “Direct Effect” and gracing the pages of such publications as Rolling Stone, XXL Magazine, The Source Magazine, USA Today and New York Times, to name a few.
Follow Dj Smallz:
  
Where you living, where you holdin it down? I was born overseas in Japan when my father was stationed in the military. I moved to Florida when I was 3 years old and been here ever since. I'm 23 years old now and presently reside in Tampa, Fl. The majority of hip hop music I listened to was southern hip hop music, so naturally when it came time to DJ I would break the newest and hottest southern hip hop music.
What is the significance of your name? The name came in my middle school days. I used to be the shortest kid in class height wise, and when I played basketball that was my nickname "Smallz". When I was djing in high school it stuck with me so I kept it.
When did you first become introduced to hip hop? My head was really into school. I got a scholarship to college and everything. I was DJin' as a hobby ever since middle school and I was ready to get my club game poppin in high school. The first southern smoke CD was really a demo for me to get into clubs. It was the hottest southern music put together, mixed by me. People passed the CD around in high school and clubs, word of mouth spread and one thing led to another. That's how the southern smoke movement really began.
What djs/people in your life intrigued you to start djing? DJ Clue - the godfather of mixtapes. When I first came into the game, mixtapes weren't even a movement down South, it was an east coast thing. DJ Clue really helped make mixtapes commercial, especially be establishing a DJ Clue album ("The Professional" series) that you could go cop at major chain retail store like a Best Buy or Circuit City. So I definitely looked up to Clue when I tried to establish that same formula down south.
How would you describe your style? I'm known for breaking new artists and new music in the South. I continue to do it and do it well
What artists are you currently going to be working with? I've been working with the new crop of artists that are going to be the next generation of hip hop. I've established "Fear Factor Music Group" directed to strictly help with the record breaking process for artists and record labels. If you need your music broken the correct way or you need a campaign created, hit up FearFactorMusic.com.
Who would you enjoy to work with? Andre 3000 of Outkast. He is the hardest artist to lock down in the studio!
Tell me about your current projects, are you going to do a "Dj Smallz" retail album? The South will never be the same once this album drops! It's the official soundtrack to the hottest brand in the south - Southern Smoke! As far as DJ albums go, I'm raising the bar with this Southern Smoke album release. I have album concepts and marketing strategies that have never ever been done with an album of this caliber. I am planning to release the official single sometime very shortly…. Stay tuned!
Who is doing the production? You will find out shortly (Smiling).
Who are your favorite producers? I like Kane Beatz. He's a young producer from Florida. He's produced several records for Trick Daddy, Lil' Scrappy, Flo-Rida, and Plies as of late. Watch out for him!
What producers would you like to work with? I like to work with the new cats. The next crop of producers that are going to represent the next generation of hip hop. I'm scouting for them now as we speak. (12) What one reason would you give your fans, to go out and buy your album? It's going to be something they never heard before. Simple as that.
What would you say makes you different from the average DJ? "I'm me!" in the words of Lil' Wayne.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years in hip hop? I see myself dominating this industry.
Where do you see hip hop in 5 to 10 years? I see it getting way more money than it is now.
So you have any final words for our community and the prospects of hip hop? Visit djsmallz.com for all your Smallz inquiries. More tours coming, If anyone wants to perform or sponsor the tour, log on to SouthernSmokeCollegeTour.com for more information. Speaking of the internet check out my official daily blog! Go check that out at www.SmallzSpace.com Once again, don't forget to check out the official website DJSmallz.com. I love breaking new artists and new music. If you me to host your mixtape or DJ your next party or event, please call me at (305) 490-2143. Big shout to HipHopOrg for holding me down always!!!
Make sure to Tune into SOUTHERN SMOKE RADIO (SUNDAYS 4-6PM EST)
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
