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February 4, 2005

Man, what a way to start the new year . . . But, as always, it’s important to look to the future. I’m working hard these days trying to have things in place for ’05! Real excited about the launch party for PROPAGANDA in March. I am currently trying to finish up the CD that will help to usher the brand into your world. Just plugging away . . . My man Jalen is just getting more and more grown. He had us dying last week on the phone. After telling Gillian that he “talk to her already,” Gillian says, “Jalen! You’re lying!” He pauses and says, “. . . You’re a tiger!” Let that one sink in . . . As always, thanks for checking in. Please continue to get at me for all of your party needs.

- President Vader
(Please read below)


P.S. I missed out on birthday shouts for a LONG minute. Let me just start fresh for February: Happy Birthdays to Big Deed-a-muh, J Rice (what up, Miss!), B-Luv (we miss you in NY, Brande!), Lori, Len-Daddy, DJ Reptile, Minolie, Double E, Tracy, Philippe, Kathryn, Sistah Sher, Kerry O, and Aunt Hope!

“The State of the DJ, 2005”

My fellow music-lovers: The state of the DJ is strong!

In 2004, we faced many challenges. We wrestled with the shortage of good dances to accompany songs with the emergence of “Lean Back” (and the mutha f-in remix) and a host of reggae moves including row-de-boat, signal-de-plane, parachute, pon-de-river pon-de-bank, and give-dem-a-run.

We battled the lack of diversity in the music with a powerful program called “Reggaeton;” a movement that has allowed reggae lovers to keep in step while our fastest growing minority population no longer feels ignored by the mainstream.

And, we lifted the ban on fun practiced by velvet-roped clubs with restrictive dress-codes, high admissions, and stand-around oglers by offering an alternative: Chetty Red; a small oasis where the patrons actually decide how the space will look and feel.

But, we still have much work to do.

My fellow party-goers, I have a message for you: Let us enjoy ourselves more in 2005. Music, laughter, and happiness all contribute to better health. My health plan for the future is to celebrate more and sulk less! Be fiscally responsible, but do not stifle ourselves. I ask that you all spend time taking care of yourselves by experiencing good music and dancing more.

Which leads to my two major proposals for the year. The first is to help the average party-attendant understand the role of the DJ. It is the responsibility of a DJ to create a vibe in a party; to mold a positive experience. It is not required of any DJ to field inane requests at absurd moments in a party. So, check to see if A Tribe Called Quest is playing before asking for it. Don’t ask for “anything Lil’ Jon” after an entire party has just pointed from the windows to the walls and then screamed “Yeah!” in unison. I will continue to work to educate our nation on the timing of requests – if the old school has the party singing aloud together, your request must be in that genre, or at least the same decade. It is not time to “just want to see if you have that new Fity joint.”

The second proposal is to address dancing in America. Ladies and gentlemen, as the saying goes, “Work like you don’t need money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like no one is watching.” But, folks, we are watching. So, work on those dance moves – find those rhythms. Doing cartwheels and flipping off the stage during dance contests are only ways to get hurt. Learn the running man; if it is too difficult, start with the wop. Invest time in preparation – then, come out and have a good time knowing that you tried your best. We will all be better and safer for it.

Party-people, we must work to keep this union strong. Challenge clubs with homogenous crowds to diversify. Do not support DJ’s who play 2 or 3 songs 5 times each in one night. Let these spaces know that the music they play is important to you and to your experience there. As your President, I will continue to fight for your needs. Together, we will succeed.

Thank you, and may God bless the DJ.