Sitting outside for a Noontime lunch break in South
Central Los Angeles I met with DJ Novakane for a bout
of delicious soul food at Grannys Cafe. Novakane,
24yrs "Legal Name Tony Briggs ", is an introspective and
motivated rising artist/dj. He easily breaks the ice to
open up discussions about his early formitable and
turbulent childhood- "I'm a Mississippi man, the home
of BB King and DJ Novakane!". Novakane admits that
even while in Los Angeles, "Indianola, Mississippi is
always in my heart".Born in Indianola, Miss., DJ Novakane lived with his
sister and mother spending days with family/friends
living the "Southern Comfort" life with hearty Blues
music influencing him at home such as BB King-"all of
his albums", Bobby "Blue" Bland's - St. James
Infirmary Album and Johnny Taylor's- Soul Heaven "set
the base for his soul's journey". He states
soul/blues influence such as Al Green, Marvin Sease,
Marvin Gaye opened his eyes to "the power of words in
music" and believes "Rap is doing the same thing now.
"I see how powerful Ice Cube, Snoop Dog and Young
Bleed (Baton Rouge, LA artist)are and how they connect
with their audiences all over the world, but keep it
real time you know?".Novakane enthusiastically pours out numerous Rap/RB
artists with zeal stating "I have so many influences".
"Personally I see the teachings in all their words-
it's what someone came through-hard times-bad
situations or good-really grabs my attention".
Novakane in his own life
situation evokes heartfelt attention as he relays his
childhood story with a straightforward attitude.DJ Novakane's mother died when he was just 9 years old
in Mississippi. He and his sister were quickly cared
for by his Aunt Julia who then raised him with her two
boys (Novakanes cousins) as one big family.
He has much respect for his family as his Aunt was
active in music/radio herself doing voice-overs and
featured spots for commercials- Novakane would listen
and learn sculpting his own dreams out of his Aunts
reality. After 3 years recovery from the loss of his
mother's passing another unfortunate event occured
when the families house burned down-this time the
family moved together to Detroit-quickly then back to
Mississippi when their new house was ready. "This is
when things changed for me, I realized I like to
travel". Novakane has support system in Los Angles
and the family moved from Mississippi to LA when he
turned 13 year later, after a year they moved back to
Mississippi...this time his sister, cousins and Aunt
stayed but he returned to LA two more times before
finally settling in LA now since he was 19years old.For the last 5 years Novakane travelled up and down
the West Coast in Sales working for Master G (of
Sugarhill Gang) selling magazines and products. He
has completed an Assoicates Degree in Computer
Operation Systems and works full time as a mechanic in
the Crenshaw District. He is also a member and project
manager for his crew-KRAK-TEAM , following
his dreams in music.
Novakane is a versatile professional DJ with the knack
for relationship building creating lasting
immpressions to his favor. He states, "In this
industry you must be on your game-always influencing
others to build bridges we all cross together".
DJ Novakane has a following of 900,000 listeners live
following his Hype Radio show on KLASfm.com 5pmet/2pm
Thursday . "This show allows me to
exhibit artists I feel have real talent with real
messages for my listeners". He admits to being
"project oriented" as "I am a good motivator of
others-outcome driven". He smiles saying, "Take a
shot and listen...with DJ Novakane you feel no
Pain!-I'm Pain Free Entertainment baby".
