Before we take a look at this trendsetter, "Gangsta Grillz" the long awaited ALBUM by Dj Drama hits stores 12.04.2007. It's bout to be critical! Hip hoppers, this is a pivotal moment in our history because it truly marks the beginning of a whole new platform for DJ's to build from; it will be interesting to see how fans and audiences respond to this new product.
Noteworthy Dj Drama Facts:
#1~ Dj Drama (aka) Tyree Cinque Simmons is part black!!! Yes, the dude is light-bright, light-skinned, fair complected, or however you want to put it. Dj Drama's father is African American and his mother is Caucasian. So next time you see a picture of this native Philadelphian and you ask yourself what was this white guy doing at Clark Atlanta University? It's because he's mixed!
#2~ Dj Drama INDEPENDENTLY sold over 50,000 mixtapes. To all aspiring artists take note as a matter of fact do your research on the entrepreneurial prowess of this 29 year-old. Dj Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtape series redefined the national perception of southern rappers. Artists like Young Jeezy, Bun B, P-Diddy, and Lil Wayne (check out 'The Dedication') can directly attribute the increase in their popularity to the success of their respective Gangsta Grillz Mixtapes. ****In 2005 Dj Drama released a record 17 mixtapes**** (that's pure insanity folks)
#3~ Dj Drama is a founding partner of the Aphilliates dj collective. Formed in April of 2003, the crew now includes DJ's Sense, Cannon, Jamad, Ox Banga, and Jaycee, each member of the Aphilliates crew is respected for owning a separate niche of the DJ market. I you want more information about the crew you can check them out at http://theaphilliates.com/
M16's DRAWN
Most people are familiar with the arrest of Dj Drama, but probably have no idea about the charges or circumstances. I didn't have any idea about the details either so I dedicated a day to researching the issue and this is what I found out.
-Dj Drama himself gives a first hand account of the details on his myspace page in a clip from MTV Raw.
-Drama's sister Aishah Shahidah Simmons shares her opinions regarding the situation on a blog she posted called "Thirty Strong and a Gun to his Head...Pay Attention?"
-There's also some NY Times articles and local news articles that all give a 'outside looking in' description of the events.
To sum it all up for folks this is what went down: Dj Drama and Dj Cannon were charged with felony violation of Georgia's RICO Act which is a law that protects the copyrights of record labels. The Georgia S.W.A.T was sent to the Ahilliate offices in Atlanta to seize all unlicensed compilations. In the end on January 16th, 2007 Georgia police seized over 81,000 CDs, most of the recording equipment, and several vehicles that were found on the property. Dj Drama and Cannon were jailed and released the following morning after posting $100,000.
NutShell
Yep, so that's the word on the street regarding Dj Drama. Get familiar with his work cause this muddasucka right here is making heavy moves- Get 'em!
Dj Drama is a gifted professional and front runner in today's hip hop world and I'm interested in reading what you think his impact has been or will be. Hit me up at lillythemusiclover@gmail.com or leave a comment!!!!
1 comment:
Peace. Most definitely Drama represents the independent spirit and ingenuity of a true hiphopreneur. Take what you got and go hard. Also his story shows how there are always the forces that strive to shut us down so they can continue to get the fruits of our blood sweat and tears in this country.
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