Dear Mixshow/Mixtape DJ Family,
We’ve got a serious problem within the DJ community and we’re going to have to find a way to solve quick because we’ve got more pressing matters than the issue I’m about to address.
First things first, effective immediately, I am officially withdrawing my affiliations with The Core DJs & The Shadyville DJs. Be it known that there is absolutely NO BEEF or ANIMOSITY toward either organization. I have the utmost respect and gratitude for Tony Neal (The Core) & Whoo Kid & John Monopoly (Shadyville). If there is anything I can do as an INDIVIDUAL for any of you feel free to reach out. I’m still DJ Impact, I’m still here, I’m still the same guy.
Well last night after receiving a reminder to the brewing issue within the DJ community I sat and thought about the following:
Most mixshow DJ do not have health insurance
Mixshow DJs are usually the least paid and the first to be let go at their stations when the numbers are down and the budgets get tight.
It’s still illegal for Mixtape DJs to sell mixtapes because the RIAA considers them bootleggers. There’s a lot of cats undercutting & throwing each under the bus for the few mixer/mixtape slots that are out there.
For the DJ coalitions, some set out to fix that, but are we accomplishing that mission? Right now, all I personally see it as is another reason for tension within the DJ community.
The tension is wide-ranging. "I can’t get down with so and so, he’s a Pitbull." "I can’t be on the bill for that show with him – he’s a Heavyhitter." "I can’t publicly show my support for him, he’s in the Core." "I’m not playing her record, she shouted out all the other DJ crews in her album credits except the Violators." "I can’t let you be my tour DJ, the Hittmen might not play my record." "I can’t support your event, the Superfriends might feel I didn’t show them the same love." "Why you let them be down with our crew if they are still in that crew." And I could go on and on.
But I’m here to tell you, family, it needs to stop cause it’s stupid as hell.
We sit around as DJs and complain that we’re tired of the dis records rappers make and about the hip-hop beef but here we sit as the gatekeepers to the ears of the people and we’re running around have DJ crew beef. What part of the game is that?
Fam, I can’t be apart of that confusion anymore. I’m DJ Impact. I make mixtapes, I do mixshows, I consult A&Rs, and I promote a concert or two every now and then when I feel like it.
That’s what I do. I’m about the music. I get paid to do something that I love. Without a boss, without anyone telling me what or how to believe, or who to associate with. And I’m not about to start doing anything differently. I sat down last night, had a brief "What Would Jam Master Jay" advise me to do session (those that know my history know the meaning behind that) and this is what we came up with.
I’m about being the best DJ that I can be and I always strive to do it honorably. And, on my own merits. No affiliation or crew will change my abilities.
Core DJs, Shadyville DJs, Pitbulls, Heavyhitters, Violators, Aphilliates, Hittmen, Soul Selectors, Bum Squad DJs, and any crew that I missed (right now a DJ is sitting there saying…|”Yo he didn’t mention us!”) please find a way to sit down on one accord and try to come with ways to bring the DJ community together rather father apart. As DJs we all have the same common goal of GIVING THE PEOPLE GOOD QUALITY MUSIC. Let’s focus on that and making sure we work to make sure the DJ continues to get just due in the hip-hop legacy.
With Love & Respect,
I.M.P.A.C.T.
DJ Impact