Music:
Member Since: 18/10/2006
Band Members:
Joshua Thomas' interest in music and the business behind it has taken him farther than most young people would ever dream................ At age 14, Thomas was already teaching himself to become a deejay, (knowing that his own charisma would some day make the clubs go crazy) on a pair of old turntables. At this point, though, Thomas settled for performing at friend's and family's gatherings and barbeques. And so it began. For his 16th birthday, Thomas' parents gave him the music connoisseur's ultimate prize: real DJ equipment. Thomas' appearances at parties and events around Indianapolis become more frequent, not to mention pricier as well. His "mix tapes" began making their way to schools around the Indianapolis area, and DJ Zeke was born.
Always ambitious, Zeke decided it was time to get real training. He obtained a position at a group of local radio stations, WHHH and WTLC, and was taken under the wing of renowned morning show host, Guy Black. Black taught Thomas the art of music radio, and soon there after, Thomas was a regular at the stations. During his time at the Indy radio stations, DJ Wrekk 1 and Big Baby Kenny J also played a role in helping Thomas find his comfort zone in radio.
The news came – Zeke and his family was moving to New York. Heartbroken friends grieved as Zeke said goodbye to them, and said goodbye to his listeners and colleges at WHHH and WTLC. In reality though, what better location for an aspiring young music businessman than the New York, New York?
Immediately upon arriving in his new home of Westchester, New York, Zeke's young music career blossomed. Under the recommendation of mentor Guy Black Zeke was encouraged to stick with radio and learn as much as he could. Zeke interviewed at Hot 97 and was quickly given a job in programming in the nations largest radio market at the nations leader in hip hop and r&b. Zeke couldn't resist however just sitting behind the desk in programming…..he wanted to learn more about on air, and who better to learn from then the "Voice of New York" Angie Martinez. What teenager doesn't want to meet, check that – what teenager doesn't want to be assisted along his way by the likes of Vic Latino, Jay-Z, Fatman Scoop, Cipha Sounds, Ebro and Mister Cee? Well, Thomas has been given that opportunity and he ran with it. Friends watched in awe has he founded Gorilla Records Inc. Jaws dropped when Thomas was spinning at clubs like 40/40 and events for the likes of Marquis Jet and Playboy. People called him insane when he and his father along with Warren Struhl founded Dale and Thomas Popcorn which is now the nation’s leader in Popcorn sales.
Time for college: Zeke picked George Washington University, and immediately began his take over of Washington DC. Not even a half a year at school, and Thomas is already a DJ at clubs like Republic Gardens, 1223/Spank, Platinum, Fur, Mai, Heritage, R&R and Coyote Ugly. Not to mention he was just named Vice President of the DC based promotion company, DC party Line.
The Return Home: Zeke choose to return back to Indiana in 2007 by transferring to Indiana University. Zeke has already made his mark. Djing at clubs and bars around Bloomington and Indianapolis in addition to returning to his roots and Djing the frat parties around IU's historic campus.
Zeke has also had the pleasure of performing and opening for Run DMC, DJ Vice, Vic Latino, Dj Finesse and more. Zeke has also had the pleasure of Djing the private parties and events for the likes of stars and companies such as The New York Knicks, Addidas, Marquis Jet, Remy Ma, Joe Johnson, Stephon Marbury, Diddy, and many more. Zeke is also the newest edition to the Moodswing360 family. Feel Free to check out the numerous other DJs, Hosts, and artists Moodswing has to offer and to book Zeke please go to Moodswing360.com
Amidst all the success, Thomas keeps it close to home – always being a wonderful son, brother and friend. He'd like to thank his mother, father and sister for their support, as well as his closest friends – Ian Goodman, Jay Harmas and Darren Thorton, Mike Bash, Jimmy Q, Omar Thomas, Mike Silverman, Jake Kalick, Jon Moynihan. He'd also like to thank Radio One Indianapolis and Hot97 for trusting him and sticking with it and really giving him his start. He'd also like to thank his cousin Blake who really gave him the inspiration to actually start DJing and being in the Music Biz. And big shout out to the Gorilla Records Family including my partner Derrik "Suits" Robinson, Lucky, Traye D, Jannine V, Anthony D, and the rest of family. Also thank all the hard working people at Moodswing360 and Dale n Thomas popcorn. And don't forget the many others who deserve a thank you he will never forget you ever! So, all this at such a young age? Zeke is just getting started!!
ARTICLE FROM NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Joshua (DJ Zeke) Thomas, Isiah's 19-year-old son and chairman of his own budding record label Gorilla Records, may have gotten his big break when renowned Hot 97 DJ Funkmaster Flex played "Spend It," a hot new single by Jannine V, an artist on Thomas' label. The cut features the Ying Yang Twins and was played all week.
For Flex - the most influential DJ in hip-hop - to play the record on Hot 97 - the most powerful hip-hop station in the country - is a huge deal. When Flex plays your single, it's as good as gold....or platinum.
"It's a big break for the label because to finally have a record that gets nationally recognzied is huge," said Joshua, who's a former intern at Hot 97 and currently attends Indiana University, where Isiah played for Bobby Knight. "For Flex to play the record in New York ... now everyone else is starting to play it all over. I'm thrilled."
And what does Isiah think about his son's big break?
"He told me, ‘See what happens when you put in hard work,'" Joshua said. "He had seen us really grinding, but always took a back seat. He loved the record from day one."
You can hear "Spend It" on Jannine V's MySpace page!
Type of Label: Major