Atlanta’s emergent Hip Hop industry is home to some key players who shape the next trends. Not only is the Aphilliates the premier DJ association based in Atlanta, but they are creating a movement that is being recognized nationally and internationally. This group was established in April 2003 after DJ Drama, Sense, and Don Cannon decided to join forces and embark on their own entity. Being that they are all natives of Philadelphia, the DJ’s coined the name- the Aphilliates. Since then, the Aphilliates has grown in size and reputation, making Atlanta and the world “Pay Attention,†as their motto suggests.
The Aphilliates is comprised of six entrepreneurs: DJ Drama, DJ Sense, DJ Don Cannon, DJ Jamad, DJ Ox Banga, and DJ Jaycee. Each individual has their niche, but they stand strong as a unit and team. DJ Drama is the official DJ for Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist T.I., but he is most well-known for his achievements in the mixtape game. Recently, Vibe Magazine crowned DJ Darma’s Gangsta Grillz mixtape series as the “Mixtape Series of the Year†in 2005. Additionally, DJ Sense, is known for his Rhythm & Streets mixtape series, as well as being the official DJ for Mase, Monica, and I20. On the other hand, DJ Don Cannon, is recognized for his King Series mixtape and is currently BME recording artist Lil Scrappy’s official DJ. What many do not know is that Don Cannon is also a music producer who has upcoming placements on major albums. Another member, DJ Jamad, is known for his Afromentals mixtape series and has his own Sirius Satellite Radio show, also called “Afromentals.†DJ Ox has been taking over the college scene for years and has also started his own sound company, DTS Sounds. The most recent addition to the Aphilliates is Jaycee. He is most well-known for being Ludacris’ official DJ, touring to places such as South Africa, Brazil, and Japan, as well as being a World Champion Battle DJ.
Moreover, after conquering all of the above, in September 2004, the Aphilliates crew launched their own radio show, “Aphilliates Radio Streetz Iz Watchin,†airing on Eminem’s channel, Shade 45, on Sirius Satellite Radio, and recently launching their second radio show the highly anticipated “Gangsta Grillz Radio†airing on Atlanta’s own WHTA-FM HOT 107.9. Thus, they are able to brand themselves as the hottest collaboration around, and they prove this true with undeniable talent and skills, passion for success, and diverse goals. The Aphilliates have put the fire back into events and have added uniqueness to an often homogeneous industry. In order to maintain a strong following, the Aphilliates are also partying every third Saturday of the month as they host and spin at one of Atlanta’s hottest night clubs, The Mark. It would be in the best interest of tastemakers in music to get affiliated with the Aphilliates.Dj Young Mase- IM READY
