DJ Drama

Ask any southern rap fan to name the most prominent DJ in his region right now, and they will say, “DJ Drama.” Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as number one DJ in the Hip-Hop universe, his hits are certified platinum before hitting the stands. Introducing the rap world to platinum-selling Def Jam artist Young Jeezy and many other Hip-Hop sensations as well as exclusive pre-albums from Lil Wayne, Young Buck, Bun-B of UGK, Eightball & MJG and Project Pat with his Gangsta Grillz mix tape series, Drama has supplied stirring street soundtracks to every block, back alley and trap house like a pirate radio station on disc. The Gangsta Grillz series of mix tapes is the Cadillac of this decade’s demo tapes.

DJ Drama has performed at the 2006 MTV Awards, 2006 and 2007 BET Awards, and as the official DJ for the BET Hip-Hop Awards in 2006 and 2007. He has also made appearances on The OC, Jimmy Kimmel, TRL and Sucker Free, 106 & Park and Rap City, and in such movies as ATL and Stomp the Yard, and on the cover him of The Source Magazine, Billboard Magazine, and NY Times Magazine.

DJ Drama is currently battling with the controversial issue of the legality of the “mix tape,” a promotional, album-length CD that has long been favored by the promotional arms of hip-hop labels, but is also sometimes targeted by record labels’ legal departments.

At the end of 2007, the Atlanta-based mix tape messiah brought this street music to the mainstream with the release of his Grand Hustle/ Atlantic mix tape album Gangsta Grillz: The Album. Following the same formula that branded his trademark, the album flows with blended, mix tape transitions between songs and features many of the hottest names in rap music.

His controversial Gangsta Grillz mix tapes have not only awarded him felony charges, but Vibe Awards best mix tape series, Ozone Awards best mix tape DJ, Radio One Dirty Awards best DJ and best mix tape, and many more. He continues to make an impression on the youth of America not only through his music, but by staying active in the community; acting as the host for a youth leadership summit in Atlanta, the Saggy Pants Initiative in 2007, and as a panelist for a Rolling Out: Youth Leadership Initiative: Feeding Minds.