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Back in the day it was often said that "everything revolves around the DJ." While the elements of hip-hop are constantly being rearranged, the DJ stands in the middle and keeps his records spinning. One of the DJ's most effective weapons is the mixtape, a hand-picked compilation consisting of exclusive tracks, remixes, freestyles, guest appearances, and just about anything else that a creative DJ wants to include.
Any record label that is serious about hip-hop will appreciate a good mixtape. And Beatmart Recordings is serious about their hip-hop. From the very beginning Beatmart knew that they wanted to reach the streets in relevant ways. Enter DJ Morphiziz. Shortly after Todd Collins met Morph, the pair started putting together the first DJ Morphiziz project. "I signed with Beatmart because they believe in getting the message of Christ to the urban culture, and not just in one style," explains DJ Morphiziz. "Beatmart's diversity can appeal to everyone in hip-hop culture." Morph continues and tells the story of how he hooked up with Beatmart. "It was a dope blessing from God," begins Morphiziz. "I started DJing for KJ-52, and he showed me mad love and hit up Todd Collins about me. I met Todd at the Holy Hip-Hop Awards '04, politicked a minute, hit him up with some of my stuff, and God put favor on Todd's heart 'bout me. A few months later we went to work."
DJ Morphiziz is a tireless worker, and now that he's releasing his third Beatmart mixtape, his persistent drive is more noticeable than ever. You could even say that Morph has an overdrive switch. Over the last few years Morphiziz has successfully balanced a large variety of projects all at one time. Just peep this brother's schedule and then pick your jaw up off the floor. Morph was a full-time DJ for the world-famous KJ-52, he helps run his own crew down in Florida, he holds it down as Beatmart's only official man on the wheels of steel, and he is the host and co-instigator of the annual Best of the Submissions mixtape. It takes an incredible work ethic to get all of that done each year.
When it comes to the road, KJ-52 knows Morph better than anyone else. With that type of a personal relationship, KJ had a unique view of Morph's everyday life. "I've seen Morphiziz get two hours of sleep, fly all day, drive for two more hours, and still have a positive attitude," KJ marvels. "Then he goes and gives 110 percent at the show that evening."
For Best of the Submissions: Volume 3 DJ Morphiziz decided to switch up his game once again. Laying down the groundwork for a phenomenal record, Morphiziz reached out around the globe and pulled in the best underground emcees the industry had to offer. Next, with a slew of top-notch vocal talent in hand, Morph hooked up with producer Todd Collins to cover the beats, continuing the tradition that began with the very first volume. Putting it all together, DJ Morphiziz locked himself in the studio and didn't come out until the project was just right. And what a project it is. When you experience the skillful scratching, authentic emceeing, and gritty beats that DJ Morphiziz brings to the table, you'll find yourself remembering what hip-hop was meant to be. We're talking about that snap-your-neck type music, son.
Morph drops some insight on the recording process. "Well, it's really just the turntables and me," laughs Morphiziz. "I can't really pinpoint the behind the scenes of doing a mixtape, I just lock myself in the studio and grind it out." KJ-52, everyone's favorite plain white rapper, has spent many hours with DJ Morphiziz in the studio and adds his own perspective. "Morph and I have pulled all nighters working on projects and he never once complained or slowed down," KJ shares. "His goal is excellence. I can honestly say that he's one of the few people who can match me toe-to-toe with his work ethic. He always desires to get the job done correctly and professionally."
So why record a mixtape with Beatmart? "We're trying to stress that the mixtape culture is another way to spread the Gospel," explains Morph, touching on the marketing aspects of a mixtape. "Mixtapes appeal to a specific part of the hip-hop culture. They're huge in the general market because they're so diverse with different emcees. Beatmart has granted me a voice in the market to showcase mixtape culture, and we'll influence the market in whatever way God desires. I just try and put it in His hands and let Him grace it however He pleases."
This time around, Morph and Beatmart are pulling out all the stops. You want truly creative material to work with? Are you looking for interactive media? Look no further than Best of the Submissions: Volume 3. Once again, Beatmart is preparing to launch their annual submissions contest. Emcees from around the world will enter and compete for a spot on the fourth volume, which will release summer 2007. Here's how everything works: After you purchase Best of the Submissions: Volume 3, follow the enclosed instructions to send your best hip-hop jam to Beatmart. Each month Beatmart will take the best independent offerings and let the people choose which song will make the final round of competition. The winners of that last round will be featured on the fourth DJ Morphiziz mixtape.
Wait, there's more... for the very first time, producers and beatmakers can now get in on the game! Included with Best of the Submissions: Volume 3 is the access to instrumentals and accapellas for the entire mixtape. Yes, you read that correctly. Break out your best remixing tools, because there's never been an opportunity like this. And if you bring your A-game to the table, you might just find yourself working with DJ Morphiziz. How seriously tight would that be?
On every record, certain songs have that feel good vibe, and Best of the Submissions: Volume 3 is no exception. Take the song "Kick That" for example. Over a heavy club bounce, Soul P. and Sharp Skills kill it with their lyrical gymnastics. This is one of those cuts that gets the whole party moving every time. But what do you do when "Kick That" runs out? With DJ Morphiziz at the helm, you just keep listening. "No Cargo Metal" is one of the multiple reggaeton joints on the mixtape, and a monster in your jeep. Mesianico, Godsent, and Rafito break it down bilingually and spit a gripping portrayal of spiritual warfare. Keeping you in the club is "You Know You Want This", a crunk track that features the talents of AppleJaxx, Cash Hollistah, and Probly Pablo. Supported by a seriously insane track, each emcee keeps the club jumping and holds his own weight with no problems. And taking it back to the reggaeton, "Noche De Fiesta" brings out BlesSon, King Dave, Mercy, and DJ Pure for your listening pleasure. BlesSon throws in a bit of dancehall steez to make "Noche De Fiesta" an unforgettable jam.
"Once again it's an honor to be repping the King on this project," shares DJ Morphiziz, breaking it down to the basics. "God's grace is awesome. I don't understand His love and mercy on me, but I fully accept it and I'm very humbled that the Lord would consider using me on my mixtapes."
With so much talent, DJ Morphiziz is a man who is always in demand. His work has taken him around the globe, and has connected him with some of the most respected figures in the industry. Morph has worked with artists including Switchfoot, tobyMac, Audio Adrenaline, Third Day, KJ-52, Thousand Foot Krutch, Kutless, Casting Crowns, Hawk Nelson, Falling Up, 12 Stones, DJ Maj, GRITS, John Reuben, LA Symphony, Pigeon John, New Breed, Souljahz, Bobby Bishop, The Cross Movement, Pee Wee Callins, Seventh Day Slumber, and many more. But no matter who he's performing with, Morph keeps the party moving with his turntables. "He has a huge ability to get the crowd up," says KJ-52.
Oh, and did we mention that DJ Morphiziz has also shared the stage with former New York City major Rudy Giuliani, all-pro quarterback Peyton Manning, and world-famous comedian Jerry Lewis? That's what you would call experience, and experience gets recognized by peers. "His discipline in his career is only matched by his desire to grow in Christ," KJ-52 relates. "DJ Morphiziz is an example of what it means to be on your grind spiritually and professionally."