DJ Soul, a staple in New York's nightlife, shares his journey from hand-writing mixtapes to producing sounds that resonate in clubs. He discusses his influential role alongside famous DJs like Mark Ronson and DJ Neva, and the evolution of the hip-hop scene. Soul recalls a pivotal boycott against Bad Boy Entertainment and the nomination of his mixtape by Vibe Magazine. Balancing nostalgia with innovation, he reflects on the vibrant culture of early 2000s nightlife and the challenges faced by DJs in an ever-changing industry.
DJ Soul reflects on his journey in nightlife, emphasizing the importance of personal connections and mentorship in the DJ community.
He shares his experiences of blending hip-hop into high-end venues, illustrating the competitive nature of New York's nightlife scene.
Mixtapes played a crucial role in DJ Soul's career, showcasing his skills and helping him gain recognition in the music industry.
His mixtape 'Assorted Donuts' was a significant success, combining tracks in tribute to J Dilla and expanding his audience.
DJ Soul highlights the resilience of nightlife venues during the pandemic, showcasing their ability to adapt and foster community support.
Looking ahead, he expresses a commitment to creating innovative nightlife experiences that honor hip-hop's legacy while embracing modern influences.
Deep dives
Introduction of a Special Guest
The podcast features DJ Soul, a highly influential DJ in New York's nightlife scene who has been respected since the early 2000s. His involvement with prominent figures like Mark Ronson and Stretch Armstrong highlights his role as a tastemaker in the industry. DJ Soul is known for his work in radio, fashion, and music, with notable mixtapes including tributes to J Dilla and Big L. The hosts express their admiration for DJ Soul, emphasizing his deep understanding of the cultural landscape of DJing.
Tribute to DJ Never
Early in the episode, DJ Soul pays tribute to DJ Never and shares memories from their time in the industry. They recall meeting during a party at Jet Lounge in 2001, establishing a connection that would last through their careers. DJ Soul's acknowledgment of Never's passing serves as a reminder of the close-knit nature of the DJ community. The hosts and guests emphasize the impact of DJ Never on the industry and the friendships formed over the years.
The Evolution of NYC Nightlife
Reflecting on the evolution of the New York club scene, DJ Soul reminisces about competing for DJ slots in premier venues like Cheetah and Rebar during the late '90s to early 2000s. He describes how hip-hop began to infiltrate high-end clubs, creating a competitive atmosphere among DJs eager to showcase their skills. This competitive spirit drove DJs to hustle harder and innovate, shape the nightlife landscape they inhabit today. The conversation highlights the changing dynamics of venues and the significance of patience in climbing the industry ladder.
Influential DJ Relationships
DJ Soul explains his early relationships with influential figures in NYC nightlife, including Stretch and Mark Ronson, which significantly shaped his career. These connections opened doors to opportunities in major clubs and events, allowing him to learn from established DJs. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking within the industry. This foundation paved the way for Soul's future success and collaborations in the nightlife scene.
The Impact of Mixtapes
The importance of mixtapes in DJ Soul's career is highlighted, particularly how his passion for mixing led to renowned projects like his tribute to J Dilla. He discusses how mixtapes serve as a platform for DJs to showcase their skills while innovating within the genre. The conversation touches on the shift in the mixtape landscape, especially during the 2000s with the rise of digital sharing and the implications for DJ culture. DJ Soul's mixtapes helped establish his reputation and led to increased recognition in the industry.
Creating Assorted Donuts
DJ Soul reflects on the creation of his acclaimed mixtape, Assorted Donuts, as a tribute to J Dilla following the producer's passing. The mixtape combined various hip-hop tracks with Dilla's signature sound and remixes, contributing to its widespread success. He recalls the overwhelming positive response upon its release, particularly during its first day, with thousands of downloads. The mixtape's exposure further solidified DJ Soul's place within DJ culture and expanded his audience.
Partying Through the Pandemic
During the pandemic, DJ Soul navigated the challenges faced by nightlife venues, including the temporary closure of SNS Bar. Despite the adversity, he highlights the bar's resilience and ability to adapt during turbulent times. Conversations about reopening plans illustrate the excitement for a return to normalcy. This period also emphasized the importance of community within the DJ and nightlife industry.
Reinventing Club Experiences
DJ Soul elucidates the processes behind curating exciting club experiences through thoughtful programming and guest DJ appearances. By collaborating with notable artists and personalities, he was able to create a unique atmosphere that drew diverse crowds. The importance of capturing the right vibe and maintaining energy throughout the night is emphasized. His success in this area demonstrates a keen understanding of the nightlife landscape and a commitment to quality experiences.
The Legacy of DJing
Reflecting on his extensive career, DJ Soul emphasizes the continuous growth and evolution required in the DJing profession. He highlights how adapting to new trends, technology, and musical styles is essential for sustaining a successful career. The podcast illustrates the significance of legacy-building moments in nightlife, as DJs create memorable experiences for their audiences while evolving their own identities. DJ Soul's journey serves as an inspiration for upcoming DJs aiming to carve out their own paths.
The Importance of Community
Throughout the episode, the hosts discuss how essential community is within the nightlife and DJing culture. DJ Soul shares stories about the bond formed between DJs and performers while fostering a collaborative spirit in the industry. These relationships contribute to the overall experience and richness of the nightlife scene. The conversation highlights the notion that, despite competitive pressures, support and understanding among peers ultimately strengthen the community.
DJ Soul's Vision for the Future
DJ Soul speaks about his aspirations for the future of nightlife, including the desire to create innovative environments that cater to diverse audiences. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the spirit of hip-hop alive while incorporating modern influences into events. This vision reflects his dedication to nurturing the next generation of artists and creating lasting experiences. Ultimately, DJ Soul aims to continue making an impactful contribution to the urban culture he loves.
Episode 327: DJ SOUL “The Last Taste Maker”
On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome New York’s finest @DJSoulNYC. Souls speaks on getting his start in nightlife (02:24), details the early sighting of blends which encouraged him to sell his own (18:22) and reminisces on working with his DJ peers @IAmMarkRonson @DJNeva @DJEricLaPeau and @DJGoldfingerNYC (38:30). He remembers hand writing his first mixtapes (1:06:01), landing a residency at #Bungalow8 (1:13:01) and talks working in music journalism for @MassAppeal (1:43:22). Soul explains why he boycotted @BadBoyEnt after a beef with @Diddy (1:53:50), his mixtape ‘Assorted Donuts’ getting nominated by @VibeMagazine x @VH1 for Mixtape Of The Year (2:05:10) and how he got involved with Santos and @JustBlaze via Q-Tip (@QTipTheAbstract) (2:16:40). Finally, he speaks on programming @snsbar.nyc for @sneakersnstuff in New York (2:40:01).
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