DJ Drama, the iconic mixtape DJ, talks about his influential mixtapes, his battle with opioid addiction, and his signings to Atlantic Records imprint Generation Now. He also shares the story of Lil Jon recording his drops in Drama's laundry room.
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Quick takeaways
Mixtapes serve as a platform for artists to experiment with their music, collaborate with others, and generate anticipation for their upcoming projects.
DJ Drama developed a distinctive hosting style for mixtapes, adding personality and excitement through his signature drops and ad-libs.
DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtape series played a crucial role in elevating the careers of artists like Lil Wayne and Jeezy, providing them with a platform to showcase their talent.
Deep dives
Understanding the Purpose of Mixtapes
Mixtapes serve as a platform for artists to experiment with their music and release content that may not fit into their official albums. It allows artists to showcase their skills, collaborate with other artists, and generate buzz and anticipation for their upcoming projects.
DJ Drama's Unique Hosting Style
DJ Drama developed a distinctive hosting style for mixtapes, going beyond simply introducing songs. He added personality and commentary, creating excitement and enhancing the listening experience. His drops and ad-libs became signature elements of his mixtapes.
The Impact of DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz
DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz mixtape series gained significant popularity and became influential in the mixtape culture. It provided a platform for artists to showcase their talent and helped elevate the careers of artists like Lil Wayne and Jeezy.
Overcoming Addiction and Getting Sober
DJ Drama struggled with opioid addiction, battling with the habit for years. After a near overdose and receiving treatment, he decided to get sober and sought professional help. He found support through therapy and medication, working towards long-lasting recovery.
DJ Drama's Success and Future Endeavors
DJ Drama has achieved success as a mixtape DJ, record label founder, and artist. He continues to make music, tour, and expand his endeavors. He is currently working on a book, managing artists, and exploring opportunities in film projects.
DJ Drama is one of the most iconic mixtape DJs of all time. His legendary Gangsta Grillz tapes helped propel artists like T.I. and Young Jeezy to stardom. His classic Dedication series reinvigorated Lil’ Wayne’s career in the early and mid-2000s.
By 2007, the underground mixtape market was booming. But in January of that year DJ Drama and his longtime business partner Don Cannon were arrested by federal agents and charged with bootlegging and racketeering. The much publicized raid only boosted DJ Drama’s profile. In the years since, DJ Drama has built a successful record label and he’s continued to make mixtapes. Tyler The Creator even crafted his latest album, Call Me If You Get Lost, with DJ Drama’s classic adlibs all over it. It won the Grammy for best rap album in 2022.
That same year though, while DJ Drama was professionally at the height of his success, personally he was battling an addiction to opioids—an ongoing struggle he’s only recently started to talk about publicly.
On today’s episode Leah Rose talks to DJ Drama about how he got sober after being what he calls “a functioning junkie” who spent six figures a year on opioids. He also tells the story of how Lil Jon recorded his iconic “gangsta grillz” drops in Drama’s laundry room. And Drama explains why he decided to sign Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow to his Atlantic Records imprint, Generation Now.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite DJ Drama songs HERE.