DJ Iceberg is a versatile, creative, and enthusiastic mixer, music producer and personality. Born in New York, but having spent much of his life in Atlanta, Iceberg is known for blending New York-style hip-hop and entertainment elements with catchy, Southern rap to create a unique style for listeners.
How did you start your journey being a deejay?
I’m originally from Queens, but I went to college at Georgia State in Atlanta and started deejaying at house parties and college parties, and then kind of evolved from there. I started doing clubs, mixtapes, radio, and tours, and it was kind of just like an organic evolution. It’s been like 14 years, so the journey wasn’t quick.
What’s the difference between deejays in Queens and Atlanta?
New York is more so fast-paced, so you have to get in and out of songs a little quicker. Down South, it’s more of a vibe and you’re chilling. New York is also kind of a vibe, but it’s a fast pace. In New York, they also play a lot of reggae. They play reggae and Afrobeats in Atlanta too, but New York is more of like a Caribbean culture, so you’re going to hear reggae as much as you’re going to hear rap music in some clubs.
What are your thoughts about the recent wave of house music?
I think it was a great move, actually. When you go to a place like Miami and Vegas, that’s the kind of music they play. Just like how in New York they play reggae, you go to Vegas, and you’re going to hear that kind of genre mixed in with hip-hop all night. Outside of the country as well, hip hop isn’t just limited to America. So I think it’s great. If people get their sets right, it will give them the opportunity to DJ more places, nationally and internationally.
How would you describe your style of spinning?
I just try to imagine that whatever song it is, the person that made it is here listening to me play it. I try to deejay with a lot of sound effects and I keep the energy at a high level for the most part in terms of songs that might get you turned up, or songs such as Afrobeat and reggae. Or if I’m playing R&B that night, I just want to keep the energy consistent, whatever mood I’m in. It’s all about how you feel. Music is just a feeling, so it’s whatever feeling you give the crowd.
