Introducing...DJ M.O.S

DJ Stats: Since 1994

Current Clients: Sobe Life Water 2009 Summer Series, Russell Simmons 10th Annual Art For Life (last 4 years with the Charity). Absolut 100 Event on the horizon & The Heineken Red Star Soul Tour

Residencies: Greenhouse, Tenjune and Avenue

Crème Magazine: What inspired you to DJ?

DJ M.O.S: I've had a lot of different influences. First, my parents and their musical taste had a direct influence on me. At my house I heard music from great artists like D-Train, The Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan and Miles Davis. Michael Jackson’s Thriller was the first record I scratched, my dad was pissed because Human Nature would skip...lol.

On the school bus kids would recite Ladi Dadi and Ain't No Half Steppin--I was 5 or 6, that’s where my love of hip hop began. As I got older, I would listen to DJ's like Kid Capri and Red Alert on the radio. Funkmaster Flex's Friday Night Street party on Hot 97 in the early 90's made me buy turntables and start practicing. In High School I'd sneak out to clubs like The Tunnel, Expo and Carbon and listen to the DJ's, then go home and practice. That's pretty much how it all started for me.

Crème Magazine: What is your regimen when getting ready for a party?

DJ M.O.S: I like to be relaxed before I work, so plenty of rest.  When you’re spinning, the crowd is feeding off of you. If you're tired, your set will reflect that. Other than that, I like to go through my music--that helps me keep my sets fresh.

Crème Magazine: What was the hottest party you ever spun?

DJ M.O.S: There have been a few really good ones; one of my favorite was Art For Life two Summers ago which honored Forest Whitaker. It was an amazing event. I got a chance to play for guests that included Aretha Franklin, L.A Reid, Russell Simmons and many others.

Crème Magazine: Do you have any pet peeves when DJ-ing?

DJ M.O.S: Yeah I hate requests...especially when someone taps me on the shoulder while I'm mixing.

Crème Magazine: DJ’s are famous for breaking records, what’s the last record you premiered in the club that had everyone going crazy?

DJ M.O.S: The best experience I've had breaking a record was a few years ago. I got my hands on Kanye West's - Stronger, which wasn't out yet. It was actually the week of his birthday. So I planned to drop the song at my Friday spot in front of 1500 people (it was a big mid town spot). Before I even had a chance to play it, Kanye West walks into the booth... He hands me a CD with the mastered version of the song. He got on the mic and the place went nuts. Then I dropped Stronger and everyone went crazy.

Crème Magazine: Do you think that the CD revolution has enhanced or spoiled the DJ art form?

DJ M.O.S: I think it's a little of both, technology has killed the record shops, so true collectors have been hurt. On the other hand deejays no longer have to lug heavy crates everywhere which is very convenient. Also you have access to so much more music via the Internet. If you truly love your vinyl, now you don't have to risk getting it scratched up in a nightclub...

Crème Magazine: What are 3 key business attributes to being a successful DJ?

DJ M.O.S:

Determination: It's a tough business and requires a person who isn't easily deterred. Never take no for an answer and be willing to put in the time practicing and learning.

Adaptability: You have to be able to read a crowd, know when to change the mood/energy. Also you have to be able to cater to a wide variety of people.

Consistently build your business: Your relationships are what gets you hired. Always maintain a great relationship with clients.

Crème Magazine: At the end of the day what’s your definition of a Hot Shot?

DJ M.O.S: We're in the business of entertainment; we all aspire to be hot shots. So I guess my definition would be someone who works very hard, is good at what they do, and approaches their profession with confidence.