OHH.COM:what nationality are you and where are you from orginally?

DJ Caesar: African American and originally from Jersey. My bad “New Jersey” lol …

OHH.COM: When did u first get into deejay and why?

DJ Caesar: I first got into deejaying in 1987 because I have always had a love for music and being an entertainer. It only made sense to me – run the music and entertain!

OHH.COM:How long have you been spinning for?

DJ Caesar: I have been spinning since 1988.

OHH.COM:Do you remember the first time you dj’d and how did you felt?

DJ Caesar: I do remember the first time I deejayed. It was a Dr. Phillips High School dance and I was introduced by Dr.John (my chemistry professor?) and I was sweating like there was no tomorrow b/c I had been dancing all night. Got on to put the needle on the record and… choked on the mic! The other song ran out and there was dead silence.

OHH.COM: Top 3 favorite all time records?

DJ Caesar: My top three songs… Damn that’s a tough one!
·    Rock the Bells – LL Cool J (battle days…gotta flip that song)
·    Peter Piper – Run DMC (back to back all day… DJ tradition)
·    Planet Rock – Soul Sonic Force & Afrika Bambaata
·    Scenario 1 and 2 – Tribe Called Quest
·    T.R.O.Y – Pete Rock & CL Smooth
·    Looking at the Front Door – Main Source …. Oh damn you said three ….oOoops Yo Bad!

OHH.COM: How has deejaying changed since you first started and where would you like to see it go?

DJ Caesar:Deejays are not as aggressive to try and work the crowd and see what they’re vibin to. You have to play for the crowd and control them while doing your thang!

OHH.COM: What’s the craziest thing you’ve done or seen while deejaying?

DJ Caesar: The craziest thing I have ever done while deejaying was take a record off the turntable b/c it was skipping and then break it over my knee at a house party in BVL. The craziest thing I have ever seen done Is Kid Capri literally hit the record while the needle was on it b/c it kept repeating … lol

OHH.COM:All time favorite dj?

DJ Caesar:In the club – Kid Capri. Otherwise – Dj Jazzy Jeff

OHH.COM:Crate of records or serato?

DJ Caesar:I use Serato b/c I have too but prefer the crate of records all day!

OHH.COM: Choose one. House party or club

DJ Caesar: House party

OHH.COM: Have you ever been star struck by an artist you’ve met?

DJ Caesar: Yes – Dougie Fresh and Afrika Bambaata

OHH.COM: What advice would you give to an up and coming deejay?

DJ Caesar: Stay focused and do it for the love of music and entertainment!

OHH.COM:What do you gotta say to those dj’s who are in it for the money?

DJ Caesar: Stop deejaying and jump off a bridge.

OHH.COM: Favorite drink?

DJ Caesar: Favorite drink… Water on the rocks (damn I need one now)

OHH.COM: Worst club experience?

DJ Caesar: Rocking the crowd, maybe 1200 people, and the power went out 4 times.

OHH.COM:why did you choose to make your name in orlando?

DJ Caesar: Just happened that way… I love the area and the diversity.

OHH.COM:Passing out flyers or myspace?

DJ Caesar:Lol Flyers all day! That’s like the difference b/t Digital or using Vinyl for me.

OHH.COM:what are your weapons of choice? Turntables? Needles? mixer?

DJ Caesar:Technics 1200 or 1210 + Ortofon w/ the headshells  + Sony Studio Monitors = A good time.

OHH.COM:If there’s one thing people should get from dj caesar what is it?

DJ Caesar: Keep your mind open and respect the area your playing in and the crowd your playing for (even if it is not your type of music).

OHH.COM:What to expect when going to a dj caesar party?

DJ Caesar:Catering to the ladies first and rockin’ for everybody else at the same time. That includes the Ol Skool, HipHop (eastcoast), Reggae, R&B, Dirtysouth (most recently) and whatever else is at the club !!

OHH.COM: The Hip Hop Scene in Orlando has been through many changes. What are your thoughts on the current Orlando Hip Hop Scene?

DJ Caesar: The current Orlando Hip-Hop scene today is representative of the current Hip-Hop scene up/down the east coast. My only complaint is… I know there is more representation of the culture (Hip-Hop) in Orlando then the dirty south – they just need to stand up!

OHH.COM: There are several DJ Affiliation Organizations around nowadays. You are a proud member of Hitmen Productions. Can you tell me more about them and also your views on DJ’s having affiliations?

DJ Caesar: Myself, Dj Nasty, Dj Khaled, and Julian sat down one day after a big party and came up with the name and logo in 1990. It eventually ended up being the three of us while Julian pursued his rap career. DJ’s having affiliations served as a means of unity originally. Hand in hand with the culture of Hip-Hop such as B-boy crews. This goes with Reggae as well – Stone Love for example. I think they’re good. I just don’t like the originators of the crews making money off the DJ’s they have elected to be down by way of them putting in all the work.

OHH.COM: Many people may or may not know that you have spent sometime in the Air force. How did that affect you becoming a DJ?

DJ Caesar: Being in the Air Force definitely made me a better DJ b/c I learned how to play a more diversified crowd. It was crazy! Deejaying in Korea for a whole year was an experience that I was blessed to have.

OHH.COM: With the exception of few, many Dj’s here in Orlando are afraid to break new music. When I walk into certain clubs I feel that I am listening to Power 95.3 or 102 Jamz. Why do you think it’s difficult to get club goers to be open to new music?

DJ Caesar: It is a bit more difficult now b/c club goers are so trendy. The DJ just needs to take control of that situation and just run it. Get on the mic and hype the new music and let everyone know – “Get use to it… New Shit!” After that song come back with something very familiar and keep it moving.

OHH.COM: On your websites you have a quote from KRS-1 that says “Rap is something you do, Hip Hip is something you live”. Why do you follow that quote?

DJ Caesar: Because it could not be more clearly defined than that. From CNN to BET. It can be understood. You Rap in making music. It is an action. Hip-Hop is a culture that embodies Rap as part of its elements. Graffiti + Deejaying + Emceeing + Breakin’ = Hip-Hop. This could be West Coast, East Coast, Mid-west, or whatever…

OHH.COM: Corporate have now become more involved in playlists at radio stations across the country. How has it made a difference for radio dj’s?

DJ Caesar: Corporate and playlist. Hmmm… the easiest way to say that is… It’s not Hip-Hop. DJ’s are creative artist. We do our best job when you allow us to do our thing.

OHH.COM I have to ask all DJ’s this question because I want artists to know. Can you please explain to up and coming Artists what is the proper way to submit music to a DJ or to get you to play their music?

DJ Caesar: It’s ok to give DJ’s music at the clubs. Just don’t be so pressed about having it played immediately. DJ’s need to know what they are playing before they play it (most of the time). If you come up at prime time and the DJ is vibin you can’t disturb his/her groove. Just understand. Likewise, if you submit something and it never get’s played accept the fact that it might not be hot or work for that matter…Feel me?

OHH.COM: What’s the legacy that you want to leave in the music industry?

DJ Caesar: Expose the different sub-cultures within the diverse world of Hip-Hop through Emceeying, Graffiti Art, Deejaying, and Breakdancing.

OHH.COM: Any Shout Outs? Anything you want to promote?

DJ Caesar: Shout out to my son and daughter, My moms (R.I.P.), my wifey, Dj Nasty and Khaled, Dj Jesse Jazz, my 407partylink.com family, OrlandoHipHop.com, my 102jamz family, Pressure Promotions, Mr CC Productions, Dj Prostyle, Deepvision.net, Frontline Promotions, Zulu Nation and of course my HITMEN PRODUCTIONS family for life!

OHH.Com: If someone wants to contact you, how should they get at you?

DJ Caesar: if anyone wants to contact me you can do so by emailing djcaesar@hitmenproductions.com or djcaesar01@gmail.com.

–vrsoul & Orlando Hip Hop Staff