Master Teacher: DJ Blaknificent

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Myspace Comments | Myspace Graphics | Myspace Surveys Hailing from New Orleans, La, DJ Blaknificent is a rare jewel in this crown called Hip Hop. Starting out as a rapper, then a producer, he says “I came in through the back door. I never intended on being a DJ. All of my friends were DJs and they always came to me for music”. He’s been producing since he was about 15. To his credit he has produced, composed and mixed various projects over the last 15 years. His first professionally credited project was “Stop Pause” by DJ Jubilee. That record sold over 50,000 units. Shortly after that, Blaknif, long time friend & collaborator Raj Smoove and other friends of his formed Psychoward a collective of DJs producers & MCs. Blaknificent was instrumental in the crew’s success contributing production, lyrics & all around guidance to the crew’s 27 members. “Steel sharpens Steel. I wanted to be the best & I wanted my crew to be the best so we would have sparring sessions that I like to call classes!” Those sessions created some of the best MCs in New Orleans. His career as a DJ began when the crews’ known DJs were all booked up and promoters were looking for DJs. At the urging of his partners, he took the gigs. “I knew how to blend, and I knew the music well, it made perfect since” says Blak. Between doing small parties and observing his crew (who are hailed as the best DJs in the city) something went off inside of him. Suddenly I got the urge to really do this!! His first real shot came backing up Big Cheeez (Kool DJ champion) at Rhythm City (and Later Club D-Plex) Night Club, after that Blak along with E.F. Cuttin’ did a 3 year residency at Club 735 on world famous Bourbon St. I really cut my teeth in there. I learned how to play for every race creed, sex & gender.” Returning to his Roots, Blaknificent could also be heard MCing for the aforementioned DJ Raj Smoove’s Essence Music Festival sets from 2003-2005. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit The Crescent City and forced Blaknificent to Houston, TX. Never one to accept defeat, Blaknif got on the grind and started doing anything he could. There he hooked up with Janky Joe, former General Manager of 735 and well known Houston party promoter. Janky introduced him to Coye Devareaux and DJ Hi-C. Coye was opening a club and promised he would call Blak when it opened. As promised, Coye made the call and Blaknificent became the resident DJ at The Libra Lounge. Hi-C was forming a coalition of like-minded DJs, MCs, Producers and promoters called Go DJ. Hi-C asked Blak would he be interested in joining and Blaknificent has been A Go DJ since. Blaknificent has played in venues such as House of Blues, New Orleans, Clark Atlanta University, The Knitting Factory (New York), Tipitina’s (A New Orleans Landmark), The Louisiana Superdome, The Reliant Center, The Kiefer Lakefront Arena, The Louisiana Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest), and a host of other clubs and parties.