Chevy recently hosted a ride and drive at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. DJ Drama took the opportunity to test drive the 2015 Chevy Tahoe. During his drive, DJ Drama discussed his SXSW journey and why the festival serves as a barometer for upcoming music.
How does being at SXSW inspire you?
Being here for this week, a lot of the inspiration comes from gathering up a lot of energy. Because I’ve been doing what I do for 20 years and in the position of dominance for 10 years. It’s all about soaking up the energy and seeing the eyes of the new talent and the guys who haven’t made it yet, who are on their way and watching that. One thing about hip-hop and one thing about me, is it’s like being addicted to new music. I think that’s one of the things that’s kept me in my position this long, because I’m addicted to what’s next and what’s hot, and still staying involved and relevant with who’s up-and-coming. This is just a great place to watch some of the stars of tomorrow and just soak up the energy of so many different things going on.
New artists come to get discovered. Why is it important for big artists like Jay Z, Nas and Kanye West to still come and perform at SXSW?
SXSW has become such an established brand and so important to the culture. From the corporate side, they’ve realized how many eyes and ears and trendsetters congregate in one place and one time and how many people pay attention, and that’s really what it’s about. You have to understand that all the people who make the decisions are in one spot. So you will see Lil Wayne, Jay Z and Kanye here because it’s the place to be. You’ll see some of the up and comings get with some of the bigger names and get that energy from each other in a lot of ways. You know that’s what a lot of things are built upon at SXSW.
How do you like the new Chevy Tahoe?
Right now, I feel too comfortable and it’s like I’m gliding. It feels like the perfect car for this setting, I really want to turn my music up and blast it. The seats are buttery soft, the color is right up my alley. The steering wheel is mighty friendly too. I had a Tahoe before so it feels good to come back home. If my phone is about to be low on the battery I can charge it right here. I got my screens. I like to see what’s behind me when I need to reverse. It’s a 2015 model so I don’t always want to use my mirror, I can now use my screens. You always need a good car to make you feel comfortable. You want to feel like you’re at home and I feel like I’m sitting on my nice leather couch while I’m driving.
