ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

Episode 68: Classics vs Classics This week the fellas discuss the Redbull 3Style competition and congratulate this year’s 2019 world champion J. Espinosa.  They recap their most recent trip to the NAMM Show where they attended a DJ showcase featuring Z-Trip, Miles Medina and Justin Credible. They examine the numbers in Drake’s multi-million dollar Vegas residency at XS as well as Cardi B’s residency at the new KAOS Day/Nightclub opening in April 2019. Questions arise regarding Kanye’s new alliance with Dame Dash and his lawsuit with Roc-A-Fella Records. Finally, the fellas chime in on Chance The Rapper’s new Dorito Commercial with the Backstreet Boys.

Episode 67: SKRATCH BASTID Canada’s very own dj/producer/turntablist, Skratch Bastid joins the crew this week and takes us back to his hometown of Bedford, Nova Scotia, his intro into the hip-hop scene and how he earned the name “Skratch Bastid”. He talks about his early beginnings competing in local DJ battles which led to his infamous “Star Wars” DJ routine at Scribble Jam. Bastid explains the motivation behind his move to Montreal, and later Toronto where the legendary “Bastid BBQ” was birthed and continues to grow. With the Redbull 3Style World Finals commencing this week, Bastid shares his judging process for the competition and also touches on the new Technics 1200 MK-7 turntables which he helped launch at the CES trade show in Las Vegas...

Episode 66: DJ EXCEL & DJ IMPULSE Philadelphia native DJ Excel and Baltimore native DJ Impulse join the fellas this week to discuss the CES 2019 Trade Show in Las Vegas and the difference between spinning clubs vs corporate gigs. Excel shares a recent experience playing R.Kelly in the club and everyone chimes in on a discussion regarding compromising their personal politics for a pay check. Impulse speaks about Baltimore Club and DC Go-Go. With the word “Culture Vulture” being thrown around in the media recently, everyone tries to define what a “Culture Vulture” actually is.

Episode 65: JHO to the MF’ing LOW! On the first R.O.A.D. podcast of 2019, Crooked, Neva, Jaime and D-Miles all give their recap of DJing on New Years Eve. The fellas discuss the R. Kelly “Surviving R. Kelly” documentary and how this changes ever wanting to play his music in the club. They discuss the strength of the 2019 Coachella line-up. Crooked and D-Miles recap their real life experiences with supposed Malaysian weapons dealer Jho Low and how he blew millions in Vegas nightclubs.

Episode 64: JUSTIN CREDIBLE On the final week of 2018 LA’s very own Justin Credible joins the crew on the R.O.A.D. podcast. Justin starts off talking about his upbringing and background, how he grew up in LA and would take summer trips to New York to see his extended family. Justin talks about getting involved with radio straight out of high school, taking jobs in smaller markets and learning the ropes of the industry in the process. Justin mentions how he initially wanted to be a producer, and how he has a big background in imaging and production. The fellas and Justin talk about DJing, and how clubs were reluctant to hire radio mixers. Justin gives his opinion on the difference in style between East Coast and West Coast DJs. Justin also goes in detail about a transition period that took place in LA radio. Justin elaborates on how big LMFAO was to the music scene in the mid 2000s. Justin credits the importance of @DJMustard , and the movement his sound created in radio and club scenes. The fellas discuss their “Year End Wrap Up” of music for 2018. Justin poses the question of what DJs will be playing at midnight to bring in the New Year. Justin gives his personal opinion on Tekashi @6ix9ine , and why he refused to play his verse on the “FEFE” record live on air. The fellas discuss with Justin about @TravisScott potentially performing at the Super Bowl, and the impact it could ultimately have on his career. Crooked tells the story of how him and Justin first met.

Episode 63: MAD SKILLZ The legendary rapper @SkillzVA , who formerly went by the name "Mad Skillz" joins the crew on the R.O.A.D. podcast this week. Skillz starts by talking about his recent move to LA, as well as his epic battle with Supernatural in 1993 that helped put him on the map. Skillz goes on to discuss the art of freestyle rap, and how it's losing it's cool factor. Skillz recalls the story of the 2010 BET cypher in which he was not chosen for, and in turn made his own. Skillz sheds lights on record labels, and the difference between Hip-Hop and R&B budgets. Skillz talks about his first album dropping, and how it was released on the same day as two iconic names in the rap industry. Skillz tells of how he met @Timbaland for the first time, as well as meeting @Pharrell before he was into production. Skillz brings up Rawkus records, and his time spent on the label. Skillz talk about "The Wrap Up", how it all started, and what keeps him motivated to do it every year. Skillz opens up for the first time about his relationship with legendary @DJJazzyJeff as well as getting into the DJ game.

Episode 62: ...Please Play Like Him This week on the R.O.A.D. podacast, the fellas discuss how music is mastered in 2018, and is this current process good or bad? The fellas talk about having a really good sound system, and how this affects the music listening process. The fellas discuss social media, and what it's doing to us mentally. Crooked tells a great story of this past weekend when DJ Scooter decides to play a prank on him. The fellas discuss the "New Age" of 1-Hit Wonders, and how social media ultimately helps prolong their shelf life in the eyes of the public. The fellas talk about what new music is working in the clubs, and what songs are starting to fall off. The fellas run through the upcoming Grammy nominations, and who will be the potential winners and losers. The fellas debate on what is Drake's biggest commercial record of all time. Crooked and Jaime bring up the the Cardi B and Offset situation, and what's the best way to get your significant other back after cheating.

Episode 61: DJ POLITIK LA based DJ Politik sits down this week with the fellas of the R.O.A.D. podcast. Politik starts off talking about how he got his start in the DJ game, growing up in LA, and his first gigs at the legendary Playhouse Nightclub. He shares the story of landing his first Vegas residency at LAVO Nightclub, and later opening Marquee Nightclub’s Boombox Room in 2011, where he held down marathon sets on Friday nights. The fellas discuss how DJs only start to reach their full potential after turning 30. Politik speaks on the importance of deep music knowledge, taste, instincts, and having older mentors as key components of being a successful DJ. The fellas shed light on some of the obstacles they face from managers when playing bottle service venues. Politik discusses the importance of building your own identity as a DJ and the challenges faced when transitioning to a DJ/Producer. The fellas debate how crossover music affects the industry and whether it’s good or bad for club sets. Politik continues to share his thoughts and memories on the LA/Hollywood club scene and how it has transformed over the years. He gives some unique insight on his relationship with a certain super-producer, and how they have recently collaborated on projects. Lastly, the crew talks about the pros and cons of having management, PR representation, and overall advice for aspiring DJs.

Episode 60: Hair Whisperer The fellas start out discussing the newly released and highly anticipated Meek Mill album. Each of the fellas give their opinion of the best tracks on the album, as well as the best features. Crooked gives a critical analysis of the Jay-Z verse on "What's Free". D-Miles and Jaime Da Great share their thoughts on the new Anderson .Paak album. Crooked talks about the art of "Quick Mixing" and how it isn't done properly by most DJs. The fellas disuss who had the best features in 2018; Drake vs J. Cole and Nicky Minaj vs Cardi B. The fellas talk about the ongoing beef between Joiner Lucas and Tory Lanez. Crooked questions Tory Lanez' style. The fellas talk about the continued drama surrounding Tekashi 6ix9ine.

Episode 59: THE CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY 2.0 The Captians of Industry(DJs Stonerokk and Graham Funke) make their return to the R.O.A.D. podcast this week. With the recent fires plaguing Southern California, Stonerokk talks about his foundation and how he's doing his part to help save the city. Crooked and D-Miles give a short review of the movie "Mid 90s". Crooked questions the validity of the film, and asks Stone & Graham for their opinion as they came up in LA during the era depicted in the film. Graham Funke and Crooked discuss the importance of having a well rounded catalog of music when DJing open format clubs, and also when is it a good idea to play "old school" classics, and for how long. Graham explains why he feels it's important to play a heavy dose of new music when he DJs. Stonerokk brings up the debate of "Greatest Producer of All Time" which leads to a lengthy conversion by the entire crew, everyone agrees that this discussion is essentially a 3-man race.