They Cool Like That Series Part 3 | DJ SUPERFOX

The modern day Renaissance Man is clearly someone who can do it all. A Justin Timberlake, a Jamie Foxx, or even a Kanye West. It is an unofficial title given to some of the most talented and multi-layered people in the entertainment industry (at least in our case here). Sadly, there are plenty of woman who should get this title, but never do (unless your name is Oprah). A prime example of a wonderful female who is about to take the reigns of this title is DJ Superfox. She does it all. A DJ, a VJ, a vocalist, a producer, and event host, and even a branding mixer. And that’s barely scratching the surface.
      Don’t let this beautiful lady fool you. Sure, she likes to have fun, she’s remarkably sweet, but she’s all about her business. The girl is lightning in a bottle, but in terms of rarity and energy and has shown the country her talents on MTV, ABC, VH-1, and Comedy Central. If that isn’t enough, her work has displayed during the Super Bowl, Good Morning America, The View, and even World N ews Tonight. 
Evidently, DJ Superfox is all over the map  and your television.  


Not stopping with her music, Lady B (as she is also known) also dipped her foot in the advertising and marketing waters. This, of course led to her working with some elite fashion designers such as Kenneth Cole, some elite record companies such as Warner Bros, and some elite people like Russell Simmons. Superfox intends on touching every piece of land that there is in the entertainment industry, and being Brooklyn born and bred, you know that she has that rough, rugged, and raw mentality that will remain persistent and necessary to her success.
      For Part 3 of the TCLT series, IHD had a chance to catch up with Superfox and discuss various facets of her life in the industry. Of course, this interview flows in the same vein as the previous ones with the equally lovely Eternia and Lissa Monet. As a DJ, Superfox still has the difficult responsibility of being a “female that rocks the party,” but still, she may even use the X chromosomes to her advantage. We speak heavily about “Attention” in regards to DJs and those in the music world and why female DJs aren’t a “downgrade” from a male DJ. Lady B also gives us a behind the scenes look at the treatment of females in hip hop and helps explain why DJs have unfortunately become somewhat of a “faceless talent.” She also shares an interesting Craigslist story. Get a look at these hot topics from the eyes of Ms. Bianca Donaldson, aka DJ Superfox.
SD: What do you believe is the reason for the on and off attention span of others to the DJ? I mean, in 2008-2009, the DJ has resurged as a hot topic in hip hop and club scenes, why do you think so?
SF: Has it? Didn't even notice!  Most people I meet and know including myself have A. D. D., so not sure just how far that goes?!?! [laughs] Okay, okay, okay... Seriously, I have been a music LOVER my entire life so I have ALWAYS paid attention to the DJ's, The MC'S, the band, the music the background singers , dancers etc. Entertainment is entertainment.  If attention is what you seek then if done right you got "MY" attention.  The REAL question is for how long?  I am striving for LONGEVITY!  I honestly still see much more attention on the MC's plain and simple. That is just my opinion but rightfully so they are the ones with the microphone in their hands, correct?
I feel this so called attention has NEVER left! If you wanna go to a hot party, you’re gonna ask "Who's DJ'ing" and that makes a WORLD of a difference to whether or not you are going to the party half the time. If DJ JAZZY JEFF is spinning, best believe I am there, same as DJ EVIL DEE, Mark Ronson and so forth. The DJ's are responsible to get the party "CRUNK," the radio station on "FIYAH," etc... 
SD: Are they deserving of more attention? 
SF: Well, once again like I said previously, if attention is what you are looking for do the right thing and you might just get it. Howver, is "RESPECT" deserving or not? That's the better question. “Attention” may or may not be granted, but RESPECT is something one must earn.  Ya dig?  We can all get on stage and do the robot, I can wear a pink wig every time I spin and wear a cowboy hat just to gain attention. Sure, give it all to me, but RESPECT, THAT's my MISSION! 


SD: Interesting take, combining Attention and Respect. Sticking with the former though, do they, DJs, even want attention? 
SF: I think in some way or another WE ALL WANT ATTENTION! That's SHOW-BIZ?!!! The nature of the beast! FORTUNE and FAME!  Whether you are chasing after the dollar and/or the dream, you still need to get the attention of everyone around you.
  
Without some kind of attention, no one would give a damn who you are! You have to get your audience’s attention and KEEP THEM CAPTIVATED so they can stop, and realize who you are and what you are doing, what ya about and where ya trying to take them to. This place I like to call PLANETROCK!  whooooo hooooooo [laughs]. 

SD: What differs the Female DJ from the Male DJ?
SF: There are major differences between female and male DJ's in my opinion. I'm not necessarily even talking about the "skills" either. BEHIND THE SCENE alone, the FEMALE DJ gets treated differently!  As a female DJ, I have to work harder to prove that I deserve to be even RESPECTED as a "DJ."  When people see a female they automatically feel that she is going to be inferior or some sort of a down grade from a male DJ.  However, when I start my set folks become surprised: "WOW she really is a DJ, NOT just a pretty face. Oh, wow, she is playing some HEAT," like duh what the hell did you expect?
So, as a female DJ, especially being one that is NEW on the scene, I gotta work harder to prove to the world that I am NOT some kind of a GIMMICK. I am not going to wear a BIKINI and 15 inch stilettos to this party. I am gonna ROCK you till you DROP!  It's honestly, in my opinion, definitely more of a male driven arena we are playing in, that includes the MC's and all. 
Then there is always, for me, that extra element, the digital DIVIDE. Vinyl verses MP3, VJing verses DJing, turntables verses midi controllers, Serato scratch live verses Serato itch or traktor, etc. I am coming from the NEW-er breed of the DIGI DJ's. I am a huge tech nerd but we can talk about that some other time! [laughs]. 
I see it all the time, if there is a 2 floor party most of the time the FEMALE DJ is place in the smaller level or the level with LESS of a crowd.  It's a shame but that is honestly taking it back to the whole topic of "Venus vs. Mars" [laughs]. Guess what? I come from the planet JUPITER, so what does that say?  [winks] 
Also, one more thing. So, there was an ad in Craigslist, a club was looking for DJs and I answered it. They asked for head shots, so I sent them that. Then pow! "Please send body shots!" OK, COME ON, would they honestly ask a MALE DJ for BODY SHOTS? So, would ya like that with or without my bikini on? Whoa! Needless to say I didn't bother to respond. Whatever happened to listening to a DEMO?  Ya wanna see pictures? Go to my website in my gallery take a look, have a ball, but when ya done, check the technique and go to my downloads section. LISTEN to why I am called DJ SUPERFOX! [laughs].


SD: Why has it gotten so bad in music, that even the DJ's who really are “faceless talents,” even get judged by their looks/sexuality?
SF: Ok, “"faceless talents," I got one word for you, ya ready?
... BRANDING! Branding is EVERYTHING!  Hell yeah, you will get judged on your looks as a FEMALE DJ especially. at first glance!  We have the Beverly Bond's and the Sky Nellor's. Come on, image sells. Then ya open up the package and you take a listen, and then ya ULTRA surprised when you actually like the music! But, it was the BRANDING that made ya buy it in the first place or it made ya bother to pick it up and look at it (CD's, book's, magazines, DVD's, etc.) Why on earth do ya think BEYONCE is one of the HOTTEST chicks in the game; looks and then TALENT!!!
Look at the India Arie's... hmmm... ok, I won't go there but,  as a female, once again new to the game, I am going to always get judged on my looks especially with the name DJ SUPERFOX.  Seriously how WACK would that be if I looked like a SUPER-MESS with that name [laughs]. But, back to the seriousness of it all; it's BRANDING AND TALENT... CRUCIAL!
SD: Here, be honest and don't hold back. Do you ever use your sexuality to your advantage, similar to how female emcees like Lil Kim and Foxy Brown did?
SF: Oh boy, here we goooo!!!!  [laughs]. Well, a little smile here or there, yes, but my "sexuality,” NO!
I am not a porn star so I want you to respect the "DJ" skills dammit! [laughs].
Every now and then I will wear some cool sh*t. Why? Because I LOVE FASHION and just having fun with doing what I LOVE to do so why not!?  But, using it to my advantage... hmmm... maybe I should! I might be spinning in VEGAS by now, doing calendars and such, but as of right now, NO! I want my work to speak for itself, not my body and the way I shake my hips! THUMBS DOWN! [laughs].


SD: [laughs]. Okay, last question. End on a positive note. If you were a rapper, would you prefer to be more of the Nicki Minaj-Sex Pot, or the Bahamadia-Street Professor, or even somewhere in between?
SF: To be honest, I would love to be FERGIE! [laughs hysterically]. No, seriously. Hm. Good question!  Some where in between: Lyrically gifted with looks to kill, but on a naturally sexy vibe, NOT in a raunchy way. I wanna just be ME, Lady B aka DJ SUPERFOX!  
-Sean Deezill (www.twitter.com/seandeezill)

Contact Info:

www.djsuperfox.com

www.twitter.com/djsuperfox

They Cool Like That Series Part 2 | DJ Lissa Monet

A humble undertone in hip hop is the DJ. Sure, they may be the Johannes Gutenberg’s of the musical industry, considering they relay music to a wider audience more than any pressed LP could, but they are greatly underappreciated and pushed to the background. With the recent passing of Roc Raida, DJs have come out of the woodwork and even an appreciation for the DJ was been reemerging. Enter: DJ Lissa Monet, a Toronto representative, award winning, highly respected turntable queen.

            As if the challenge of being a DJ isn’t hard enough, DJ Lissa Monet deals with being a female DJ in one of the hardest-to-please markets in North America (Toronto aka The Screwface Capitol). Of course, someone as stone-tough as Lissa wouldn’t let a mere gender issue get in her way, and she has become a part of hip hop’s elite DJ core. Extending passed the regular club DJ sets, Lissa has also put out a mixtape with Andreena Mill (Ready to Fly) and continues to seek marvelous talent around the continent. Even spinning for high profile celebrities like Lebron James and Jay-Z is one thing, but taking full control of the driver seat in the so-called man’s road of hip hop is an even more powerful statement. This self-proclaimed Go to Girl is certainly a go-getter.

            IHD got to chop it up with Lissa during her busy schedule and was able to discuss her goals, her obstacles, her thoughts on “playing the background,” and the role of the DJ. Peep it!

SD:  In 2008, we saw a resurgence of going "back to the DJ" similar to the mid 80's to early 90's. That gave the spotlight back on the DJ's for a bit. With the death of Roc Raida, that spotlight has been shone back upon DJ's everywhere. What do you believe is the reason for the on and off attention span of others to the DJ?

LM: That’s a great question because even though DJs somewhat “play in the background” we are the most important element to an event. I mean, I always say, "if [we] don’t show up, then who will play the music?"

SD: So, they deserve attention for things beyond the turntable spinning?

LM: I believe DJs are deserving of more attention for their talents and ear for music more than anything else. Like, if a DJ discovers a critically acclaimed artist or producer he/she should be credited. If they produce a song, they should be acknowledged. It shouldn’t be about anything more than their god given talent and love for music.

SD: Did Roc Raida have an influence on you at all or at least affect you after his death?

LM: Unfortunately, he had no influence on me. It’s always sad when a highly respected person passes away before their time, but I don't think I was old enough to understand the impact he had on the hip hop and DJ community. I grew up listening to totally different genres of music (pop, r&b, soca & reggae) and didn't immerse myself in hip hop until the late 90s.

SD: Do you think there's an emphasis on being a remarkably fast, tricky, and skilled DJ, such as he was, in today's artform of DJing?

LM: To have that kind of talent is remarkable. Since the death of Roc Raida, I have actually been bugging my older guy friends to lend me videos and footage of DJ battles. It’s always good to learn the culture and see how it started to what it has evolved into now.

SD: So, what's your goal as a DJ?

LM: My goal, as a DJ is to just expose people to different types of quality music. To just spread the word about every amazing artist - Drake, Melanie Fiona, Andreena Mill, Trish - that crosses my path. I still love to rock a party, and I feel like I’ve kind of mastered that. Still, my heart really lies in spreading the word about music. If I could sit at home all day on Facebook, Twitter, and my blog (http://lissamonet.com/blog/) and hit people up with quality music, I totally would.

SD: Does this or can this differ from your goals of being Female DJ? Certainly, the gender aspect must include some certain extra weight you might have to bare?

LM: There's no [different] goal being a female DJ. At the end of the day, I’m a DJ and I have to learn how to play with the big boys. I should get no “easy button” or special treatment for being a female. F*ck that. The only thing that I can do different  is spin in heels for 5 hours and get it in doing that too [laughs].

SD: Just to wrap up, you're mixtape with Andreena Mill was extra dope. It was refreshing. Really, a quality hip hop female group hasn't been seen/heard since Salt-n-Pepa. How hard would it be for a Female DJ and Female Emcee duo to emerge in hip hop?

LM: I think “groups” [in general] are becoming extinct. There's not enough money to go around. It’s like every artist for themselves in the music industry these days.

SD: Thanks for your time DJLM. All the best.

-SEAN DEEZILL (follow on www.twitter.com/seandeezill)

Contact info:

http://lissamonet.com/blog

http://twitter.com/djlissamonet

They Cool Like That | ETERNIA

Have you ever stepped back to think how truly criminal our society is? In the most miniscule ways, we are all systemically sexists, racists, and flat out jerks. Now I’m not saying everyone is (on another topic, I may, but I’d employ Thomas Hobbes logic, then things get kinda graphic), but, when one steps back and says “Name the Top 5 Female emcees of all time,” and on another totally relevant conversation ask one to “Name the Top Emcees of All Time,” and 9 times out of 10 won’t include a female emcee in there, isn’t there something slightly subtly wrong in that? I can’t say I’m not guilty of this, I believe most hip hop fans and critics are. What’s my point here? My point is that Michie Mee was the first Canadian rapper to sign a major record deal with American label First Priority/Atlantic. Lauryn Hill damn near won every single Grammy she was nominated for with Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Eve, Erykah Badu, and Jill Scott all claimed a Grammy for being a part of “You Got Me,” by The Roots. In hip hop, the success of the female over looked and tossed aside as another “whatever,” unless some excess cleavage is shown (See: my last article for iHD).
      Going beyond emcees and even further behind the music is the ironic forgetfulness of the DJ. This is ironic because without the DJs, who on earth would play the music? The all important role of the DJ has been relegated to a low-level priority for those not directly involved with the performance or show at hand. What we saw in 2008 though was resurgence; a return to the DJ. Keep in mind, in the early 80’s to early 90’s it was all about the DJ. Emcees would always refer to the man making the music and weren’t so enthused about feeling themselves all the time. Moreover, I recently wrote a piece for OkayPlayer regarding a masterful show I witnessed that involved 2 DJs and one beat-boxer (http://www.okayplayer.com/stories/music/scratch!-skratch!-scratch!-three-noisemakers-go-toe_to_toe-on-the-skriz_atch.-200912029387/). Skratch Bastid and DJ Starting From Scratch are Canada’s most prolific DJs, and the beat-boxer was Scratch, formally of The Roots crew. It was ultimately one of the best experiences of my life and it was remarkably refreshing having it, once again, all about the DJ.
      However, the DJs are still more often forgotten about. So imagine life for a female DJ, not only having things hard behind the scenes as it is, but being a female and having to work twice as hard for everything. I’ve always respected hip hop; the music, those who make them, and those responsible for helping to make them. To truly appreciate hip hop, we have to get to know the personalities behind the turntables, behind the SP1200, behind the microphone, and so on. Hence, this spotlight features three wonderful ladies who’ve contributed immensely to hip hop: Eternia, DJ Lissa Monet, and DJ Superfox. Over the next three weeks we’ll be showing off a little somethin’ somethin’ in terms of some words I’ve had with these three and their opinions on hip hop, ladies in hip hop, and the forgotten art of hard work!


Eternia's about to drop an album with a DJ Premier co-signed (and signed) producer, MoSS, entitled “At Last.” She’s been featured on numerous major hip hop websites (Hip Hop DX, NahRight, KevinNottingham, 2DopeBoyz) and really only receives positive criticism. The bottom line is that when you are as dope of an emcee as Eternia is, there’s nothing to complain about. Skyzoo even once said something along the lines of this girl being cute, but once she started spitting, nothing was cute. It was all gritty. Jeru Da Damaja speaks highly of Eternia as well, “She’s really a good emcee. She’s got flava.” The legends praise doesn’t stop there. The aforementioned DJ Premier gave her props, KRS One, Pharoahe Monch, Common, etc. The list goes on. So, why is it that not enough people have heard of this marvelous emcee? She can be seen sporting her “My Favourite Rapper Wears A Skirt” t-shirt from school to school on her Girls’ Rights tour (alongside another very overlooked emcee, Masia One) by day, and ripping up the hip hop circuit from East to West coast by night.

 iHD’s Sean Deezill got a chance to sit and chat with Eternia, and talk about certain obstacles she faces as a female in a man’s game of hip hop, as well as her views on the word “femcee.” And while she does talk about her upcoming project with producer, MoSS, we’ll find out what she thinks about the possibilities of a female duo breaking out. Without further ado, here’s a short, but sweet little interview with the very busy, the very delightful Miss Eternia.

SD: E, let’s jump right into it. As a female emcee, what obstacles occur that prevent you from working your craft at an ordinary pace/standard?

E: Hmm. Interesting wording.  I think sometimes my opinions, especially on technical stuff like mixing, or mastering, or production, is just… not taken seriously. But if a dude in the biz, who just happens to have the same opinion / musical preference as I have, states his opinion… then I’ve noticed that often his opinion is immediately weighed in, and viewed as valid and informed.  It doesn’t matter how many years I been in this game, or how many albums I’ve released independently, or how many good songs I’ve made… I often feel like in that area my opinions and views are unwelcome, which can put a serious dent in the recording, mixing or mastering process.

But that’s just one example, and by no means reflects every individual experience I’ve had with every individual person. It’s just a general experience.  And there’s many more examples that I could get into… just multiply not being heard in the studio with [opinions on] a live show, or with the sound man or even a business meeting or a video shoot with a male director, etc...  I’m just stating facts since you asked.

SD: Naturally though, you don’t “complain” do you?

E: I don’t complain. I do what I need to do. It comes with the territory.  But when I find people that actually value my professional opinion (key word: professional. I have 15 + years experience)… it’s a SUPER HUGE breath of Fresh Air.  I notice it when it happens, ‘cause it’s so rare.

SD: I recently made a short post on Female DJs and their, I guess, how they are so overlooked. As an emcee, what can you say differs the Female DJ from the Male DJ.

E: It’s hard for me to answer that, but I can tell you all the female DJ’s I know are exceptional perfectionists. Like DJ Shortee in LA, who I just toured with last year. She’s retarded. Her routine is ridiculous. And DJ Chela kills it.  Those are just a few. It’s hard for me to answer that question because I prefer to promote equality, not differences. Although, to be fair, I’m sure there are some differences. I’m just not the one to notice or highlight ‘em.

SD: How hard would it be to break into the biz as a female emcee AND female DJ/producer duo? Wouldn't that be wanted, considering how rare it is?

E: I personally feel that at this stage of the game, when the industry as we know it is crumbling and record stores are closing their doors, that any ‘risk’ with a ‘product’ is a risk labels or investors are too scared to take.  So, sure! A female emcee and female DJ duo would be amazing! What would be even more amazing is if they were both at the top of their craft, and just as good as if not better than popular male duos you can think of. It shouldn’t be about gender, it should be about the person best qualified for the job, getting the job, regardless of gender! Right?  It’s just a fact that some women are qualified! *smiles*. 

SD: Ah, so risk is at the core of this all?

E: Yeah… I think that forward-thinking, risk-taking, artist-developing Hip Hop labels barely exist now, just because the industry is in such shambles. I think if times got a lil more cushy again, especially financially, that labels would take risks. And myself, or a duo that’s both female, would be an example of one of those risks. You know?  It’s never personal. It’s always about the bottom line.  Unless you’re putting yourself out, independently. And if so: who cares what anyone thinks???!!! Ha.

-Sean Deezill

FREE Download From Eternia's "Get Caught Up" digi-mix by DJ Law, dropping for free on Dec. 15th, presented by 2DopeBoyz.com & KevinNottingham.com

Click on the link below to download "FOUL CHILD" produced by Ant B. aka Mr. Cincinnati http://www.zshare.net/audio/698056842c68c412/



For more info on Eternia:
www.myspace.com/eternia
www.twitter.com/therealeternia

Photograph's provided by:

First photo: Jessica Kaya 

Second photo: B.Fresh

Third photo: Helene E.

Fourth photo: Asa