It's 3:30 in the morning, and to most of the world the party is over - yet for DJ Karee the night is just beginning.  Not only did this busy DJ just get done rocking Club Twist in Hampton, he also has to hurry to his radio station in Norfolk so he can pre-record his weekend show for one of the hottest hip-hop and R&B stations in Virginia, 103JAMZ.

Normally, DJ Karee is live on the air every weekend, but this weekend he has been requested to DJ in Maryland.  And with all he has going on, Magazine33 has been given the chance to hang out with one of the most popular mix show DJs in Virginia.

Excited to observe what a day in the life is like for a DJ, I didn't realize just how late - or should I say how early - I would have to be up for this interview.  As we walked outside I noticed how energized and alert this night owl was by just inhaling the nocturnal air.  He takes in a deep breath and asks if I am ready to ride out.  I respond with a slight yes and pull out my little recorder.

33:  How old were you when you got your first set of turntables?

K:  I was young, around 11 or 12. While most kids were playing outside, I was indoors practicing.

 

33:  What made you want to get involved in the music industry?

K:  I was always around it! My father was a DJ and I really looked up to him and what he did.  I can remember being like six or seven sneaking on my dad's equipment, trying to mimic what I saw him do the day before.

 

33:  Wow! So did your dad teach you the basics?

K:  I observed him a lot and watched him, but he really never gave me a lesson you could say.  My dad did teach me rhythm or blending like many call it. I also was blessed to be around a lot of other DJs at a really young age.  DJ Law (with the Boodah Brothas Morning Show) and DJ Bee really gave me a lot of advice and inside tips.

33:  So you grew up with the Boodah Brothers?

K:  Yeah, I've known them for a long time. I can remember their show on Saturday nights; I think it was called "Live from the Hood." That's when hip-hop was still taboo.

 

33:  Have things really changed in the world of hip-hop since then?

K:  Definitely!  It became more watered down. The message isn't the same or should I say the balance isn't there any more.

 

33:  What do you mean?

K:  Ok when I say the balance I mean there used to be as many lyrical records out as party records.  Now the game is saturated with just party records, there really isn't a message anymore.

 

33:  How old were you when you rocked your first party?  

K:  Wow, let me think... I was 13 years old, and it was a house party. If my memory serves me correctly it was '93 and I used a boom box to hook my turntables to.  I didn't have a real sound system then so I used my LL Cool J Boom Box (he laughs) but it worked! The party was a success, you know, I did my thing!

 

33:  At that time were there as many DJs spinning hip-hop or was the game pretty open?  

K:  I was probably the youngest DJ in this area for a minute. Back then to be a DJ it cost a lot more money, because you had to buy actual vinyl records. Whereas now days everyone has Serato or some other DJ program and can copy someone's hard drive for free.

 

33:  How did you get on the radio?

K:  DJ Law called me up on a Saturday because everyone was attending DJ HeartAttack's (previous music director for 103Jamz) wedding and they needed someone to fill in that Saturday night shift.  I told him 'Hell Yeah' and I actually was suppose to DJ at this club called 1851 in Hampton that night and ended up calling to cancel. And then two weeks later K.J. Holiday - the program director at that time - called me up and asked me if I would like to work for Clear Channel every Saturday from 10PM to 2AM.  I said definitely, and that's when the legend was born (he laughs extremely hard). No, I'm just playing! That's when I got my first shot!

 

33:  Now ten years later and with more knowledge than most behind the turntables, do you see yourself doing anything else?

K:  Oh yes! I've been making beats since 2002 and have been blessed to have some of my beats shopped to a few recording artists. I'm also on an internet station called World Wide Radio every Thursday and Friday.  And I just opened up a recording studio called "Music Theory" that incorporates everything from production, to recording commercial spots for major agencies, to our latest venture adding a music appreciation program for at-risk youth.

 

33:  Wow! You're a busy guy, how do you keep up with it all?

K:  Basically, it's just prioritizing your time.  I am a true night owl so I get a lot of work done when people are sleeping.  And also I really love what I do, that's what keeps me hungry.

 

33:  What advice would you give to an up coming DJ?

K:  Practice, Practice, Practice.  Go to clubs, listen to your local radio stations DJs.  Open your ears and take in everything that you like and put your own style to it.  And if this is something you truly want to do just keep at it, don't quit.  Before you know it doors will start opening up and people will start calling you for help or advice or hopefully a paying gig.

 

This ten-year veteran has been on the radio since he was 19 years old, and shows no signs of retirement.  If anything he has proven just how hungry and ready he is to take on new opportunities. Make sure you check out one of the freshest and most down-to-earth DJs in Virginia every Friday from 2AM-4AM and Saturday 10AM-2AM on 103Jamz, or go to WWRadio.net on Thursday from 10PM-Midnight and Friday from 11PM-1AM.  Also if you are interested in recording, check out his website for his recording studio Music Theory at MusicTheoryStudios.com.

By Author: Jazzarae Mitchell

Jazzarae Mitchell is a San Diego, CA native raised in New Jersey and currently residing in Virginia.   An outgoing artist, Jazzarae does everything from dressmaking/fashion design, home décor creations, painting, poetry, to music.  This ambitious young lady has attended Carolina School of Broadcasting, as well as Norfolk State University where she is studying Fine Arts with a minor in Business. Jazzarae has written for several publications as well as having the opportunity to work for an array of radio stations on the east coast. Which has lead to a healthy relationship with many major record labels. Jazzarae is also the Founder and Co-Owner of the hottest recording studio in Virginia called "Music Theory" MusicTheoryStudios.com.

 

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