Many times, the moniker of a hip-hop DJ says lot about his or her style. The name “Grandmaster Flash” brings to mind words like “swift” and “mighty.” “Afrika Bambaataa” may summon thoughts of the Motherland and even enlightenment.
For Atlanta’s DJ Drama, there’s a distinct attitude and energy rightly associated with the maestro’s brand of hip-hop.
“What’s dramatic about me is when I get behind the turntables and the mixer,” said the rising mixologist and arguably the industry’s most influential DJs right now. “When it comes to the parties, I make it very dramatic.”
DJ Drama, who’s up for DJ of the Year when the BET Hip Hop Awards films Saturday at the Atlanta Civic Center, has been on the scene since the 1990s peddling mixtapes in Philadelphia and trying to make a name for himself. He’s now T.I.’s right-hand man and personal DJ and is enjoying a rise not really seen since the days of Dr. Dre and Kid Capri.
“I go very hard,” said the DJ, whose Top 20 hit record “Oh My” is in heavy radio rotation. “I love what I do and I’m grateful for my position in the music business. I’ve been able to stay very relevant with my work and my creativity and what I bring to the culture.”
And with the backing of such heavy hitters as Lil Wayne, an ability to produce sounds that represent the flavor du jour, and a new album dropping in October, DJ Drama is enjoying the ride.
We caught up with Drama (real name Tyree Simmons) by phone recently to talk about his award nomination and T.I.’s recent release from federal custody.
What should we expect from the new T.I. now that he’s released from his halfway house?
I think we’re going to see an honest T.I. He’s clearly a grown man that’s made mistakes, but also one that’s made some very positive things happen in his career, city and with his family. So I think we’ll see a more honest T.I. — not new, not old. When he came out [of prison] the first day, he had about 11 songs, now he’s probably recorded about 30-35, so he’s definitely back to work. I just hear a lot of honesty in his music. That’s one of the things people really appreciate and love about him. He been through the ups and down, and he’s going to keep it real when it comes to his career and his obstacle, and even the system.
You’re nominated for a BET Award this year for DJ of the Year. What happened between last year when you didn’t win and now that makes you certain you’re going to take home the prize?
I’ve been very dominant in the game. I just finished my third album, which is being released on Oct. 11. I put out five or six of the biggest mixtapes in hip-hop. I’ve just been consistent with putting out quality work. I take this all as quite a blessing.
If you were not in this hip-hop game, what else would you be doing?
I’d probably be a film director. I’ve always been fascinated with that side of the entertainment business.
What would be the genre?
Drama.
DJ Drama and T.I. host a block party Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the historic Castleberry Hills district celebrating T.I.’s release and the upcoming BET Hip Hop Awards taping that evening at the Atlanta Civic Center.
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