On Sept. 22, Kid Capri was the featured DJ at The Shrine in Chicago. For over two hours, Kid Capri spun a diverse mixture of hip-hop records that included hits by Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, Master P, Tela, Nas, Twista, Jay Electronica, Common and Kanye West.
After rocking the turntables at The Shrine, Kid Capri spoke with rolling out about the evolution of DJs and what the mixtape means to hip-hop. –a.r.
What are your thought on the role that DJs play in hip-hop?
The DJ was at the beginning of hip-hop. It was the DJ that got all of the parties started. But everything comes around. Although rappers have become the front men, DJs continue to hold it down. I think it’s going real good for the DJ.
What does the mixture game mean to hip-hop?
The mixtape game got big with DJ Starchild, DJ Brucie B and Hollywood. At the time, it was about the DJ putting out music. I got into the mixtape game early and I left the game as the Michael Jordan of the mix game. I left at the top. Then 50 Cent came and used the mixtape to create a buzz. Fifty Cent was on my label grinding and trying to get it on. The mixatpe became a tool for rappers who [were] not known to get a chance to put music out and the whole world could hear them.
What’s your mind-set when you’re called to DJ at parties and events?
I want to be looked at as an artist, so I want to always put on a show as a DJ. I think the music comes from being a real fan of the music and what’s going on. When i get on stage, the idea is to make sure people will make sure people have fun and experience a great show. The day it’s not like that, I’ll stop doing it.
