Referred to as the “hottest chick in the game,” DJ Blazita is establishing herself both statewide and on the international scale. Best recognized for her 90’s “Sex and the City” mixtape series, Blazita has emerged to rock out on two turntables and a microphone, being awarded at this year’s Latin Mix Awards for Best Female DJ and as UMA’s DJ of the Year. Urban Magazine caught up with Brooklyn, NY, native fresh off her return from India, to discuss the difficulties of being a female DJ in the music industry, the power to break records as a DJ, and her experience cutting it up on Funkmaster Flex’s “The Take Over.”
Describe the development phase of “DJ Blazita.” What was the defining moment in knowing this was your destiny?
I would say when I bought my turntables. I had been practicing on a friend’s setup as he taught me how to DJ, but he said, “if you are serious, then you will get your own and start buying records.” I was still in college, so it was a huge investment and I actually had to buy them on credit. I got them and then made up my own name “DJ Blazita.” I never looked back.
Have you ever experienced or do you continue to experience discrimination as a female DJ?
There are advantages and disadvantages to being a female in this industry. Sometimes I get gigs because promoters think it’s “cool” to have a female DJ, but when it comes to hiring us on the regular they act funny. Or we get ripped off or paid less because we are female. I don’t let it get to me though. I feel if I work hard and I am a dope DJ, they can’t keep denying me.
Having just won at this year’s Latin Mix Awards for Best Female DJ and UMA DJ of the Year, how does it feel to be recognized as the “hottest chic in the game,” in addition to being recognized as an important female figure within the Latin community?
It’s great. I’ve accomplished many of the goals I set out for myself and I haven’t been DJing as long as most people, so I feel blessed. There is still so much more I hope to do and more of an impact that I want to make in the future.
How does your skill set identify who you are as a DJ (a signature/trademark)?
A lot of people know me because of my 90s mix CDs, especially the “Sex & The City” series. I love 90s music though, so at parties I always throw in a set. I know a lot more about “classic” music than most of the newer DJs. Overall, I just like playing the hottest music to get the crowd going.
What inspires the creativity behind your mixes? Do you have any rituals when preparing a mix?
The music is my biggest inspiration. If I hear a couple of really HOT tracks I might do a whole mix just because I love the music so much. Then I work with my design team to think of a really good way to market the mix with artwork. Usually, it has to do with current trends or whatever is happening in the industry to make it interesting.
Is there a specific genre you favor when spinning? Who are your favorite musical artists currently?
I like spinning Hip-Hop and Dance music (Top 40) mostly. Some artists I really like and I think are pretty consistent in creating hits are Usher, Jazmine Sullivan, Fabolous, Nicki Minaj, Red Cafe, and Trey Songz.
Name your “go to” track to hype the crowd:
Jay-Z – Just Wanna Love You
Given today’s musical landscape, and the power as a DJ to break records, do you cringe at a lot of today’s music?
Yes (lol). I think if the industry wasn’t so political and everything wasn’t necessarily about money, we would have a better selection of music getting rotation.
What is the most important element of spinning for you? Is it showcasing your skill set (scratching/beat juggling, etc.) or are you more focused on the “mix” and creating a vibe?
The vibe is the most important. As a DJ, I want the crowd to dance and I want them to have fun, so I play for the people. I take skills very seriously as well, so I definitely incorporate mixing and scratching into my sets.
Where do you stand on the vinyl vs. CDs debate? Is every DJ truly a “DJ?”
Everyone pretty much uses Serato now. I like using vinyl with the Serato because I learned to DJ with vinyl. I personally hate using CDs, but I guess if you are mixing and using skills and tearing the party down it doesn’t matter either way. Not every person who plays music is a DJ though. If the party or mixtape is wack, you will be able to tell the difference.
You recently finished DJing in India. What’s your feel for the international scene? How does it differ in comparison to the states?
The scene in India is interesting. I was surprised, they listen to the same hit records that we do here and the parties are LIVE. Techno and Dance are big there, but a lot of people love Hip-Hop too. I had a lot of fun DJing there. The people and the food are great. Although their lives and culture are definitely different than ours, you can see that the music ties us all together.
In addition to rockin’ international venues, you were featured on Hot 97 during Funkmaster Flex’s “The Takeover.” Describe the experience.
HAHA. Yea, rocking with Flex during his show on Hot 97 was so crazy, people still talk about it! They picked me for “The Takeover,” and I was so excited to meet Flex. Mister Cee was there too. He took me through the whole process behind the scenes-they are such legendary DJs! I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. I felt ready to rock and I had a good time. I look back and think I could have done better or sounded better, but really it was fun. I was so hyped, Flex asked me for the blend mix I did to Dream & Snoop’s “Gangsta Luv.” He wouldn’t let me leave the building until he snatched it. LOL.
What do you hope to attain in the near and distant future?
I want to be on FM-it’s time I get a mixshow slot on Hot 97.
Any shout-outs?
Hit up my website www.djblazita.com for the latest info. Also, follow me on twitter @djblazita. Thanks for the interview!
Words by Keir Bristol & DJ GooTz
