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Interview with DJ Maj

In the world of hip hop, the DJ plays an important role. He plays music from all circles of hip hop and R&B and he provides the hot mix tapes.

You've probably heard of DJ Clue or Funkmaster Flex, but how about DJs such as DJ Allstar, DJ Lace and the very visible DJ Maj?

Maj has released his third mix tape titled, The Ringleader, on Gotee Records, enlisting the talents of GRITS, tobyMac and Kirk Franklin, Lisa Kimmey, Out of Eden, 4th Avenue Jones, Pigeon John, Sev Statik and others to make for a impressive mix tape.

Maj took the time out to talk about his new term for Christian rap, DJing and the Ringleader.

Gospelflava.com: What is it that you're offering with this new album?

DJ Maj: Well the purpose and agenda hasn't really changed all that much. We're just trying to fulfill the hole and the deficit that's there as far Christ-centered urban music is concerned.

We're trying to take on the role of what mix tapes have been, historically, to the community, and we're trying to use this avenue [to reach] the world. There's not a lot out there for media [to point at and say], 'This is the pick of the crop of what we call the God Music culture.' So that's pretty much the agenda of this project.

Gospelflava.com: What does it take for a song to get your attention?

The Ringleader: Mixtape III

"Ooh Aah" from Grits gets a facelift with the addition of reggae hitman Papa San. Maj also adds some urban dynamics to "J Train", with the Awlboard Mix that features the dynamic duo of tobyMac and Kirk Franklin. Rounding out the remixes on this project is a remix of "Showpiece" from labelmates Out of Eden...

See full mix tape review.

DJ Maj: Two main things: One, is it has to touch where I believe the culture is, as far as lyrical content. Where I am right now, a song has to be able to communicate truths beyond the four walls of the church. Secondly, production wise, it has to be right up with what's going on as. Maybe a third would be the heart of the person behind the music. That really plays a big role as well.

Gospelflava.com: You've thrown around the term "God Music", and you also have a song of that title on the mix tape. Can you explain the meaning and importance of that?

DJ Maj: There's been a lot of tossing back and forth of what we consider this music to be. There's Christian Rap. There's Gospel Rap. There's Holy Hip Hop. There are all of these titles. The term "God Music" came to me when I was trying to put a label onto what we do; something that's a little more universal and a lot less incubated.

I think that "God Music" kind of broadens us and puts us in a category with people like Common or with Erika Badu, Indie.Aire and Musiq Soulchild, Talib Kweli and some of those guys who are into the more conscious God-based kind of music. If we can establish a general genre or title for that style of music, I think it kind of evens off the playing field as far as us trying to get into those circles.

Beyond identifying what we're trying to do, it just calls it music. It's music that is influenced by God. It's positive. It's [injecting] God into the culture.

Gospelflava.com: Who are some of the artist whom have not been on any of your previous mix tapes that you would like to have in the future?

turntable

DJ Maj: I've always wanted to do some stuff with The Cross Movement. There's never really been a good time for us 'cause it seems like we're always working on records at the same time. Deuce (Ambassador) is finishing up school. They're spread out all over the place.

I'd like to get with people like Mary Mary. And I don't know if this is a long shot, but I'd really like to talk to some people like Indie.Aire and Musiq Soulchild and see where their head is (first of all).

There's a lot of things that I want to do and want to happen. We'll see if God allows it to happen. I'd like to get a few more unsigned artists again. I'd like to get the Percussions again. I'd like to get Sup again. It's a lot of unheard of cats that are on my Virtual Frequency radio show that I'd like to see shine a little bit.

Gospelflava.com: What innovations are needed in the God Music spinning circle?

DJ Maj: I think that we have to understand our role. The role of a DJ. In our community is a very powerful thing. It's like a barbershop. If we can do what we do from a servant mentality instead of a 'I want to take you out mentality.' If a DJ can see themselves as the power to break in new artists, that would really bring what we do into the forefront. There has to be a lot more networking. Cats have got to get together. Unity is definitely a very important thing and we need to just get educated on the business side of things. This is a business period. At the end of the day, it's about keeping the lights on and having more resources to get the music out there.

[I encourage others], don't be afraid to step out and do mix tapes. Get 'em out. Sell them on the internet. That's from a DJ standpoint. Then on the industry side, I think they also DJ Maj

have to understand the power and importance of a DJ and mix tapes in the culture. Education is needed on both sides and everyone needs to come together.

Gospelflava.com: What equipment do you use?

DJ Maj: I'm a technique 1200 turntable guy. I got the Denon 500, it's a CD Turntable and you can still get the scratch feel to it. It has the plate that spins and I think that it's only 8 inches in diameter. I also have a Ravtac mix and LPs and CD's. I record most of my stuff onto a VS 880, digital recorder and digital mixing console.

Gospelflava.com: What does it take to become one of the all-time great DJs?

DJ Maj: I'll tell you when I get there, but from what I heard, it's staying on top of music and having a passion for what you do. It can't be just be a hobby or something that gets you girlfriends or popularity. Time will weed you out if that's your motive. It's mainly about passion and having an understanding of your calling.

I can't emphasize enough to stay on top of music; not just in your circle, but all over the world. The beauty of MP3.com and all these other websites is that it allows us to research to find out what's happening outside our community.

In a world that can you leave you spinning, it's clear that DJ Maj understands his calling. You can catch what he's all about not only on his new mixtape on Gotee Records, The Ringleader, but maybe you'll see him do his stuff live as he tours with tobyMac in the near future.

— interview by Dwayne Lacy —