DJ Finesse: A World-Renowned Icon in the Music Field
1. Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a successful DJ?
I have to say being a successful Dj started long before I saw my man Dj Buck spinning when I was just 13. Although he was the first Dj I saw, the love for music came from my parents. Music has always been a huge part of my life. I say that because in my opinion, it’s not the equipment that makes the Dj, it’s his/her knowledge of music that separates those who are good and those who become well known.
I would also say my love for Hip-Hop as a culture had a lot to do with my success. It was Hip-Hop that helped me appreciate the different genres of music. At 54, I grew up with Hip-Hop. I remember hearing “Super Rhymes” by Jimmy Spicer and Sugar Hill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” and knowin exactly where the music originated. My knowledge of music is definitely a huge part of my success as a Dj.
Lastly, there is no way I’d be where I am today without some of the relationships I’ve created over the years. I would still be Dj Finesse but not in the capacity I am now without Hip-Hop legends Masta Ace and Special Ed. Ace and I met in college when he was a senior and I was an incoming freshman at the University of Rhode Island. Ace introduced me to Hip-Hop on a grand scale.
After he graduated and moved back to Brooklyn, I went to visit him every chance I got. Those weekend trips to NY in the late 80’s definitely set the stage for my future.
Special Ed I met because of Ace. It was Ed that brought me with him to Bet’s 106th & Park to be his Dj for a performance of his classic hit, “I Got It Made”. After shooting that show, Ed set it up for me to shoot Rap City The Basement with Big Tigg. After recording those two shows, every record label came calling and from that point, it was game on! Like Ace, Ed and I are still friends to this day.
2. You’ve had the opportunity to work with some big names in the industry, including Bad Boy Entertainment. What was it like working with them, and how did that experience shape your career?
Working for that record label was an amazing time in my career. When you are connected to that label and its rich history of iconic artists, you can’t help but feel you are a part of something special. Although my introduction to the label came from Hen Roc, my main guy at the label was Rich Dollaz. From 2004-2011 I was able to do so much as a DJ. A lot of what I was able to accomplish happened because I shared
© 2024, Tedfuel. All rights reserved.