DJ Kurupt Interview 2006

First off, for the people that aren’t familiar with you, give us a little introduction, and tell us about yourself and how you began your career.

I started out from DJ’ing at house parties on the block I lived back in the 90’s. I wasn’t really sure yet if I was going to be the DJ Kurupt I am today. It eventually all came together after doing so many house parties weekly. I got in the mixtape game in like 95’ and went from house parties, to clubs, to major sold out concerts. I met artists and started networking, which allowed me to see the game first hand. I looked at everything I had done and went in with that. When radio came into play, I started producing records, doing blend tapes and everything else. I felt it was the right thing to do in order to keep my fan base happy.

DJ’ing is an essential element of hip hop, but with all the bootlegging going on these days, is it hard for a man like yourself to make a profit on the mixtape circuit?

At this point in the mixtape game, mixtapes are not for profit they are a tool that you can you can use to promote talent and bring in new artists. Bootlegging just adds on to that promotion, so it’s all good.

What’s your relationship with murder inc. records, have they offered you a spot on their label as an in-house DJ?

Me and Murder Inc are almost like a family situation. I have been offered a situation with Ja Rule, but haven’t inked it yet. I’m still waiting on that one-on-one with Irv Gotti the boss, to let me know what it really is.

'Murder Was The Case', 'Change 'Gon Come', 'Live From New York', and now 'Mpire Presents MI3'. Which of these releases did you find most enjoyable to work on, and will we see you on any new Inc releases to come?

This is a hard question. They were all hot and were all my favorites. I feel that “Murder Was The Case” stood out the most because it was a mixtape responding to beef already established with a prior artist. “Live from NY” I put in a lot of work in getting all the INC artists on it, so I mean they all meant a lot to me. As far as having any other production coming out, I’m pushing for the Ashanti album.

There's another tape which you’ve done called 'Soldiers Story' by Caddillac Tah. Why have you decided to hold the mixtape back, is caddy re-doing it?

Sort of. We were going to make a few adjustments to the tape. We’re just waiting on production. We’re waiting on Caddy to do some new tracks then we’ll be done.

With the south dominating hip hop at the moment (mainstream wise), New York has been labeled the mixtape state. Major NY veterans record sales have been maligned, and young MCs like Papoose, Jae Millz, Newz and Maino have serious talent, but no major label backing to speak of. What’s your response to people saying New York has been limited only to mixtapes?

I wouldn’t say that the South is dominating, but they are definitely having their time right now just like the West and East Coasts had their times. Not to say that good music doesn’t come from all the different areas, but as far as mixtapes that’s more of a NY thing. There are definitely more mixtapes being pushed out here. If these cats like Papoose and Maino keep making good music and working hard, their time will definitely come.

Who are you feeling right now, anyone we should be on the lookout for or you just like to work with?

Yeah you should be on the look out for my album “DJ Kurupt” coming soon to a hood near you. I like to work with hot artists. Right now I am working with an artist by the name of Opium Black from CT. I will be producing the album so be on the look out for that too. Again I am working real hard on that Ashanti album coming out at the beginning of the year.

What are you currently working on and what are your plans for the future?

As I said right now I am finishing up tracks for my first album that’s coming out ASAP with the movie. In the future I am not ready to let the world know about it, simply because there are biters out there reading this interview, so I will keep the future plans quiet until the time is right. People will see it when it comes out on www.djkurupt.com

The turmoil caused by rap beefs over the past couple of years have put a lot of strain on DJs. You often here stories about a certain DJ being confronted by various crews because he or she put out a record by the enemy crew. Where do you stand in terms of playing diss records or supporting an artist who’s currently having a feud with some other MC?

I’ve never had that problem so I wouldn’t know how to answer that question. I play what’s hot. I don’t have any signed contracts so I play what I want. Mixtapes are made from a DJ’s creativity and that’s the way it should be.

You have a project with DJ Khaled out, is there any chance of a team of well known DJs like you two, plus others such as Envy, Clue, Kay Slay etc for example, coming together for one big project? It would sure help unify hip hop a lot more, especially in NY.

I mean it’s possible, but at the same time there are too many DJs ego tripping.

Finally, thanks for doing the interview Kurupt, anything you want to say to the people?

Just want to say thank you to all my peeps, my fam, and my fans for sticking with me and supporting me through the years. I just want you all to know the kid is here, so stay tuned to the website. www.djkurupt.com