There
are allot of DJ’s in Vegas but there are only a few that have been putting it
down since the beginning of Sin City’s urban / hip hop scene that started to
blossom in the 90’s. There are so many DJ’s who never touched a Technic 1200, or
a needle for that matter, and don’t really have the love and experience for the
real authentic DJ. Now a days technology makes it so easy to pick up a lap top
and spin at a multi million dollar club and get away with not really having
skills. Even though many DJ’s have converted to the new technology to stay
current, the original DJ still can spin with wax, cd’s, a computer, or whatever
you put in front of him or her. Not only that but they can beat jungle, show out
with tricks, and still know how to mix , for real, and not just slam
records. I
was blessed to meet one of the most talented brothers who possesses all these
characteristics, who resides right here in Sin City. His name is DJ Prinze
Paul.
You
already know how passionate I am about shining the light on DJ’s and their true
talent that continuously gets over looked. On today’s Hip Hop corner I will shed
a little more light on DJ Prince Paul. I got a chance to chop it up with
Prinze. So check out this interview and prepare to recognize the real.
Vudu
Spellz: Hey what’s good Prinze. My column is called the hip hop corner where we
talk about local issues in Vegas that relate to hip hop and we also try to
showcase people, like yourself, who keep hip hop alive. The first thing I wanna
do is just introduce you to the people and let them know who you are. Just give
the people a brief introduction about DJ Prinze Paul, where you spin, and how
long you’ve been putting it down in Vegas?
Prinze: I was born in the year of the D.J. in Baltimore, Maryland. I started
out like every D.J., doing push button mixes. At that time, I had one tape
player and one record player that I used to make a 30 minute mix. Then I
graduated to belt driven turntables and then of course to the Technics 12’s and
I have not looked back since. This all started back in the day when Kurtis Blow
, Whodini , The funky Four plus One , Kool D.J .Herc, and Kool D.J. Red Alert
were all doing there thing. I remember going to a concert and seeing Grand
Master Flash doing his thing and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’ve had the
opportunity to play in many venues in several states including New York,
Virginia , Florida, Texas , Denver, California and of course Nevada. I’ve also
spent several years spinning beats in the Pacific, mainly in Japan and Guam
while serving in Air Force.
Vudu
Spellz: Cool. That’s what’s up. I know being on the radio can get crazy at
times, but I also know it helps DJ’s out by reaching the masses. What do you
like more spinning at the club or on the radio?
Prinze:
I love both, in the club you get to create your own energy and feel the
vibe from everyone in the building. On the radio there is no energy to feed on.
You have to make the energy yourself and this is definitely a challenge. The
mind set is also different because at any time the listener can flip the
station, which is what you do not want. Keeping them focused on you is the key.
My 1st choice is the radio because you can reach any where between
50,000 to over a million listeners at any one time, but I also enjoy being up in
the club because it gets spicy and hot with energy. Just the closeness of the
listeners and seeing the instant reaction for the crowd is mad cool.
Vudu
Spellz: I feel you. Now let’s focus on what hip hop is doing in Vegas. Do you
think it gets a bad rap or do you think it’s growing in a positive way that
could hopefully shine more on the strip and not just underground?
Prinze:
I will say at one time hip hop in Las Vegas was getting the blunt of
bad publicity. I contribute this to politics and several mistakes made by
several individuals that just happen to be in the hip hop industry or are
associated with the rap game. What I see now is more of a combined effort to do
the right thing. As long as we can support each other as artists and work
together as a team, Las Vegas will gain the edge we need to be placed on the
same level as the bigger markets. There is so much talent in Las Vegas it
bewilders me. Of course, the bright lights from the inner city (casinos) over
shine talent, but what I have learned is to stay true to the game whatever you
do and success will come to you. The shine is always there we just need to keep
polishing the wax.
Vudu
Spellz: I definitely agree. One thing I wanna elaborate on is what do you think
about Jay Z’s 40/40 club coming to Vegas and how the media tried to show him in
a negative light by saying “former thug” in the press?
Prinze:
The press is full of “Haters”. For the longest time rap music and
rappers have gotten a negative image just because. I remember back in the day
Donnie Simpson said on BET, “Rap is just a fad and will be short lived”. Now
look at it, if Garth Brooks or someone that represents a genre other than rap
spent their money building a club inside a casino on the strip, would they get
the negative publicity as Jay did??? This is just reality… the main goal is to
just keep it moving through the obstacles that are set before us. If there were
no barriers to overcome or knock down, how would we progress?
Vudu
Spellz: Cool. One more question. With power 88 getting a new start where, does
that put you and what goals or projects do you have in the present and in the
future at power 88, and in Vegas ,for that matter?
Prinze:
At the present time I am the mix show coordinator for Power 88. Organizing
numerous disc jockeys daily on the radio can be challenging at times. However,
there is a good supporting team surrounding the station, Benzo, Ashton and
Smooth C aka (Craig Knight) and the other wonderful staff members. I know
everyone there sees the potential that the station has in the city of Las Vegas
and in the radio industry abroad. I am passionate about DJ’ing and I have always
loved music. Being a disc jockey and especially to be able to last as long as I
have in this industry has truly been a blessing. Just the satisfaction of
having people listens and making them forget their troubles through music,
whether it is for an hour or several hours is priceless. God has truly blessed
me with this gift and I love to share it.
Vudu
Spellz: That wraps it up. I would personally like to thank Prinze Paul for his
time and wisdom. I always like learning from people who have paved the way for
cats like me. Much respect to Paul and all the other DJ’s over at power 88 and
the Icehouse Lounge and a special shot out to Smooth C who’s opened up his
company and heart to brothers who need that push. We outta here.
Peace
and Positivity. More love and less hate in 08’.
