“The DJ’s influence has diminished somewhat. I am from the school of breaking records and paying your dues,” says DJ Broadway Streetz, a New York City breed, Chi-town living DJ who recently celebrated his new zip code with an all Chi-town mixtape, The Chicago Conspiracy. The mixtape, released digitally via RubyHornet is also available in hard copies, something not found too often in the new digital age of distribution.
“The internet is a great avenue, yet it allows so many people who have no idea of what this culture is and what it is to be a DJ in, Streetz told us. “It over saturates and real DJ’s sometimes get lost. My idea is to keep my principles, but I also have to think modernly. So I do both, and understand the new ways of the machine.”
Broadway’s new mixtapes, Chicago’s talent levels, and the Sox vs. Cubs is all up for discussion in this new RH interview.
RubyHornet: A couple weeks ago we featured your Common Mixtape, Stony Island Rashid. What was your approach in putting the mix together, from track selection to transitions. What was your goal for the vibe of the mix?
DJ Broadway Streetz: The vibe of the mix that I and Steve came up with is that we wanted to do a mixtape for the true Common Sense fan. Of course the world knows him now for his latest LP’s, but we wanted to give the fans something that they don’t get. We wanted to give you a 80 minute trilogy where his lyrics are main focus all the way to where perfect production meets Common’s flow. The main idea is that Common’s lyrical abilities are overlooked, and he has remained relevant in Hip Hop for the last 15 years throughout the changes in Hip Hop music and culture. He is a true survivor. We wanted you to not skip one track….That is why we mapped it out musically so well.
RubyHornet: Your new mixtape is The Chicago Conspiracy. The biggest conspiracy in Chicago is:____________________
DJ Broadway Streetz: The end of the mixtape explains the whole conspiracy. After you listen to the talent on this mixtape you will want to know what I’ve said and want to know why Chicago’s Hip Hop talents are so untouched. You will want to end the conspiracy. You have to listen to the mixtape.
RubyHornet: Is there a link between the artists you decided to feature on the mix, besides their Chicago background?
DJ Broadway Streetz: No real links, and the majority of them I have never met personally. However, I am a music lover and as a DJ you must listen to the music and feel it out. I was amazed on how much talent was here. You always get the Common’s the Kanye’s, Twista’s and Lupe’s..but this new young generation’s music is good, in fact radio and mixtape worthy.
RubyHornet: Are there different types of DJs? When someone asks, ‘what do you spin,’ what is your answer?
DJ Broadway Streetz: My answer is usually everything. I can spin everything…my love is and always will be Hip Hop, but I can spin any venue.
RubyHornet: With the rise of the internet, has the DJ’s position or role changed at all? Where does a DJ’s power and influence lie?
DJ Broadway Streetz: The DJ’s influence has diminished somewhat. I am from the school of breaking records and paying your dues. The internet is a great avenue, yet it allows so many people who have no idea of what this culture is and what it is to be a DJ in. It over saturates and real DJ’s sometimes get lost. My idea is to keep my principles, but I also have to think modernly. So I do both, and understand the new ways of the machine.
RubyHornet: I’m assuming the Broadway is a nod to NYC, not the street on the North Side of Chicago. When did you come to the Windy City, and do you feel like a Chicagoan at this point?
DJ Broadway Streetz: I moved here two years ago with my brother “Gravity” and since then I have learned so much. I simply love spinning here, not sure if I like Itailian beef or polishes, but I do feel like a Southsider when I’m here. I feel the struggle of the Southsider. I will not trade in my Yankee hat for a Sox hat, but I am a Chicago lover.
RubyHornet: How does the Mets vs. Yankees rivalry compare to the Cubs Vs. Sox? What’s better to watch no matter either team’s record?
DJ Broadway Streetz: The rivalries are very similar because of the subway. It’s a little more heated here though. I’ve seen real fights here, and I dare you to wear a Sox hat on the northside…..pure punishment. New York’s rivalry is more subtle. If you were speaking Red Sox vs. Yankees, there is a good chance someone will die.
RubyHornet: What’s a record that recently hit your crate and you can’t take it out?
DJ Broadway Streetz: “Fly People” by Gravity….The song has such energy…….and it feels like you are in an arena losing your mind to an infectious beat.
RubyHornet: What’s a record you’re glad is not popular anymore and you can put to rest?
DJ Broadway Streetz: D4L, “Laffy Taffy”
RubyHornet: When and where can people pick up the new mixtape? Where can they catch you live?
DJ Broadway Streetz: They can download it here or pick it up @ Succezz 1329 S. Michigan Ave, and check my facebook posts to find out where I am. I got all sorts of fresh shows.