Name: DJ Merk
Title: Founder and CEO of NGenius Entertainment
Artist roster: Dorrough Music, Yung Nation, Lil Tony, Ace Boogie B
Location: Texas
Most Recent Mixtape: Swush University
Years Active: 11 years
Describe your DJing style?
I grew into myself as a DJ in college at Prairie View A&M University. It’s a college where if you suck as a DJ, the crowd will not be afraid to let you know. I run at a high energy and focus more on blending, on cue remixes, and quick mixes.
How is DJing profitable from a business standpoint?
From a business standpoint, being a DJ can be very lucrative. Once you’re a DJ, you’re always a DJ. You can make money until the day you die if you keep up with current music. In my situation, being a DJ has led to other avenues such as finding, developing and managing artists.
How did mixtapes change hip-hop?
Mixtapes allowed the DJ to spread himself beyond the realms of his party. A DJ could be in New York and get heard in California if his mixtapes were spreading, allowing DJs to grow as celebrities, spread new music and artists.
Top three mixtapes of all-time?
Swishahouse – Before Da Kappa 2K1 (that’s a classic to me for many reasons),
Wiz Khalifa – Kush & Orange Juice
DJ Screw (all of them!)
Five songs that will get the party started?
Juvenile – Back That Azz Up
Lil Keke – Southside
Bell Biv Devoe – Poison (for the 80s babies)
Frankie Beverly & Maze – Before I Let You Go (for the old folks)
50 Cent – In Da Club (for diverse crowds, it will always work)
Five songs that will help partygoers meet their significant other?
Young Jeezy – Tear It Up
Usher – Love In The Club
T-Pain – Buy You A Drink
Adina Howard – TShirt & Panties
Jamie Foxx – Unpredictable
What is the future of he DJ?
There will be more and more DJs as technology makes it easier for individuals to pick up ‘DJing’. DJs will need to continue to progress and keep up with technology.
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