A. I was born to a mother who is very musically inclined, so I’ve always had a strong love for music from Gospel to Hip-Hop to Soul. I’m also a rapper and have wharfed into Djing, I was making “mixtapes” in college for people and didn’t even realize it. Starting off with UGK and ending with the Clark Sisters. Pray for me! I have a passion for music in general. DJs are musicians and whether its two turntables and a mixer or a controller, its an instrument, you can manipulate songs with mixing and creativity.
Q. What differentiate you from the rest of the DJ?
A. I think fusing all of my God given talents and my ear of music. I would say I’m not just a DJ or even profess to be the best DJ but more of a music connoisseur. Being a rapper and also a radio personality, I try to fuse all of these together in a mix and my profession in general. Also, my ability to mix old school and new school, no matter the genre is something I love to do. Even when I’m playing urban contemporary gospel (My Main Genre), I’m going to incorporate some old school Hip-Hop like “Let Me Clear My Throat” to create the Eclectic Experience.
Q. Who is your favorite DJ of all time?
A. That’s a hard one to name but I’ll talk about who I grew up on like Jazzy Jeff and Kid Capri. They were so dope and still are to this day! They have longevity in this game. And then I have to give it up for the women and shout out Spinderella from the female Hip-Hop standpoint!
Q. Q. Can you give any advice to upcoming DJs?
A. Keep God first and find a mentor. I’ve been blessed to have a few. Shout out to Grandmaster DJ Mix and DJ Soul. They keep you grounded and on point. Also, learn the business side of the industry and know that there are so many outlets for Djing outside of parties and clubs. There is radio, award shows, concerts/tours, and too many to name. Seek the opportunities and rock them.
A. I started singing at around 3 and a half, but officially at age 4. I sang on stage with my sister and dad at one of his concerts.
Q. How did you get into the industry?
A. For the most part, I took an in depth look at the industry by reading books on it, watching artists that inspired me, and attending workshops. I applied the knowledge I received so that at some point I would make the necessary global impact.
Q. Who inspired you?
A. It’s a long list, but I’d say firstly, my dad-Tony Gonzales, Also, Kirk Franklin, Ron Kenoly, John Legend, Ray Charles, Deitrick Haddon, Johnny Cash, and Maxwell inspired me as well.
Q. Tell me about your single?
A. In wanting to have no limitation placed on my sound, and being known for my Contemporary releases; the first release for 2019 showcases the worshiper in me that many have seen and experienced in my life performances over the years.
The single is entitled “I Choose to Live” and it speaks to the heart of every person that wants greater in all aspects of life and is a reminder that through it all they must speak “Life” into their own lives even when the odds look stacked against them.
The new offering was written/produced/ arranged by Lesroy ‘AP’ Byers and co- arranged by Sade Sealey of Audio Predators (out of Antigua), with mixing/ vocal production done by Sherwin Gardner of Flow Master Records and mastered by La Masseria Estudios.
Q. What advice can you give others in this industry?
A. To answer that question I’d say this: I watched the Netflix Quincy Jones documentary the other day, and in watching his story, I am reminded of some things that some people might say are cliché. Things such as “Keep going! Keep growing! Continue to educate yourself within the field. Never give up if you’re serious about making this all that you do. Even when you start to collect the nice checks and gain more power, never lose the drive necessary to continue to cause change and be great”!
Q. What projects have you been doing in the community?
A. Annually I try to host at least two outreach events in different communities, as well as a lot of food drives and free outdoor music events.