to find out who I was inside. Once I realized that I was worth so much more sober I decided to get my life right and that's when everything seemed to start falling into place.
Do you ever look at your son Braxton, after having a bad day and his smile makes you wonder what you have to complain about? Of course. He always reminds me why I deal with all the drama and headaches.
What are your main challenges as a DJ? It can be a challenge when your crowd is always changing.
What is it about DJ’ing, compared to, say, producing your own music, that makes it interesting for you? A true DJ is a producer. So I was a producer before I ever mixed, which is why it came easy. Making a beat is one thing. You spend hours or days on perfecting it before putting it out there for your 4 minutes of fame. DJ’ing is a whole other world because you have to entertain a crowd for 4-5 hours with your song selection.
So how is the music scene in your eyes at the moment? Depends on where you go. I can't say there isn't good music, because there is but my type of good music is something where the lyrics have meaning. If I played the music I consider "good music" then my venues would be empty not because the songs suck but because people want upbeat krunk music. Happy music so to speak.
Are you ever approached by artists to provide free beats? Oh yes. I normally say no. But if they are good artists, I don't mind the free promo. Heavy and Chris Chirp are really the only two I enjoy giving beats to because I love what they make of them.
What do you think about MC’s and their role in hiphop/dance music culture? It depends on what you consider an emcee. My definition is someone who uplifts the crowd with crisp, deep, well written words that inspire people to be better in life. I think a lot of people believe they are emcees, but they are really just rappers. Some even follow a popular artists words or use mainstream beats for a mixtape, which completely lacks originality. I know a few emcees who just make me happy to know that there is still good hip-hop left in the world. Not this bling bling, cars and girls.
What are your future plans in terms of the music business? I hope to be owning my own club before 2016.
What advice would you give to up and coming DJs/Promoters? DON’T TRUST EVERYONE! Count your money in front of them and bring your own cables. You have to set the standard by example. Be a leader. Some won't like it, but all of them will respect it. www.versusproductions.com
Joseph "DJ Versus" Vaughn (continued)