DJ Mentplus Interview (El Da Sensei Remix Contest Winner)

Meet The Producers - Where are you from?

Mentplus - Originally, I'm from B.K....Now I live in Brickz (NJ). I rep both to the fullest.


MTP - When and Why did you start producing?

M - I've been a Dj for 10+ years spinning here and there. I started making beats around 95'. I got serious around 99'. It was a natural progression. I played music for so long, I just wanted to start making my own. I wanted to be like the greats you know....Premo, J Dilla, Pete Rock, Diamond D, Large Pro, etc. People heard my beats and wanted more, so I never looked back once I started.


MTP - Do you scratch and do tricks?

M - Yes sir, I cut, scratch & trick mix...My partner Dj Priority and I are known as "FREEHAND". We've done our part in keeping turntablism part of this culture in Jersey. "What is a DJ if he can't scratch??"...hahaha.


MTP - How do you feel about the digital turntables and there effect on the "Hip Hop" dj?

M - In my opinion, its just a natural stage in the evolution of Dj'in as a whole. Serato ,for example, helps a Dj with thousands of records bring his entire collection anywhere he does a set without having to lug around those heavy ass crates. I can testify to that; 10+ years of doing that I paid my dues. If there is an easier way, I'm all for it. But don't let it take the place of learning the fundamentals. Learn analog as well. You might have to do a set on analog turntables. Trust me its close but its not the same....so don't get fooled. You just might get thrown out of a party you're supposed to be spinning at..haha.


MTP - What was your first piece of equipment and what do you use now?

M - Ha..wow, my first pieces were a Boss Dr. Rhythm drum machine and a Gemini scratch master mixer/ 8-12sec sampler (With my turntables of course). I'd use 2 tape decks to put beats together. I only wish I could find those old beat tapes. haha.

As for now, I'm using an akai MPC 2000xl, Reason 3.0,
EMU MP-7 sound module, an akai DPS-12 (for effects and cuts), DIGI 002 (tracking with protools), korg ms 2000, a snare drum, microkorg and a shit load of records. And I'm still using my 1200 tech turntables till this day.


MTP - Do you collect records? How do you feel about the diggin culture?

M - Yes I have a couple of records..haha. You got to have that. I'm a Dj who just happens to be a producer. So naturally the records just fit in my way of life. It's not like i collect them just as a hobby, its part of my sound. Either for inspiration or sampling.

I fully support the digging culture because I am a part of that culture. If you are a "real" Dj who spins breaks as well as cuts or rocks a party, you already know!


MTP - What type of records do you collect?

M - Some old some new...really great sounding stuff ya know. I don't stick to just one genre I'm all over the place when it comes to diggin. Thats all I'll say..ha.


MTP - What should up and coming diggers know about collecting?

M - Listen before you buy. Theres always a place that has the record you bought for $40 that sells it for less so shop around!!!! If you see Dj Kaos with a crate of records for sale you better cop them sh-ts EARLY!! Big shouts to the Art Of Diggin Crew.ha. Don't just buy for the hell of it you better know about what records you buy do research. You never know where that dope break will pop up.


MTP - Whats it like being in a beat battle?

M - It is what it is.....a learning experience for any up and coming button pusher trying to make his or her mark; and most importantly MOVE THE CROWD (and the judges). I've been in just about every beat battle in the tri-state area except for that "fight club : beat club" joint...but i'm comin...haha. But I've paid dues and won a title in all of them. In my last beat battle "just blaze" told me keep searching for my sound....even though he he said, "I had madd skills"...so I have what the people want, I just have to focus a little more. Eventually my time will come. Thats what its like taking constant criticism from your peers. You have to learn its what the people want....move the crowd!!! (and the judges)


MTP - How can it help a producer?

M - It teaches a producer how to pay dues. Producers are also exposed to other ways of making music. And how to perform using what you made at the crib to entertain the masses. You might think your hot; your boys might tell you that ya beats are fiyah...ha.. even your moms might say you nice. But once you get in front of that crowd, "they" are your audience. And trust me if the crowd don't like your beats it will be known.


MTP - Who are the AKAI PROS?

M - J.S Krillz, Def Dom, Copicoo, Trindezzle, Dj Priority, And myself; we make good music. Producers who've just about won every beat battle there is as well as have releases you can cop in stores! We have many different styles & "we" move the crowd (and the judges..ha). If you go to a beat battle and one of us is performing, be sure to purchase a neck brace..ha



MTP - Whats your thoughts on the whole keyboard vs.sample beat discussion?

M - I'm a sample based producer. But wait a minute, I also make keyboard based tracks as well....i even incorporate the two at times. As a producer, you shouldn't limit yourself to just one genre. Just use what you have because as a producer, you will eventually get to a point where you want to try something new. That will make you just like the greats. Being able to make a dope joint with just about anything....a sampler, keyboard, whatever!!!!


MTP - How do you feel about the beats that are used in music today?

M - Some of its good; some of it is horrible...I don't even listen to the radio anymore...its a shame...cats are f-cking up the game and they know it. But its that money you know. I'm just gonna play my position to the fullest and make good music....That is timeless. I want my great great grand kids to be bumpin my sh-t!! haha!!


MTP - What is the worst studio session you have ever been involved with?

M - Back in 2000 before I started to engineer my own stuff i use to track my stuff at a big studio in East Orange. My old engineer...lets call him bob, use to fall asleep during sessions!!! I was paying like $40 an hour!!! I just saved up and bought my own recording equipment to save money and aggravation.


MTP - What projects are you currently working with?

M - Working on my solo instrumental album....Kice of Course's 2nd album....Mentalcase's album.....A couple of joints with BullyMouth. This new stuff should make Mr. Len very happy. I'm also doing some Delinquent Soundz joints also. You'll be able to hear cuts provided by your truly with my homie Dj Priority on the next Written on your Psyche album. All due out later this year or the next who knows. Oh yeah maybe a couple of beat battles..haha!!


MTP - Whats going on with Smacks Records?

M - Smacks records is my home and where: BullyMouth, Kice of Course, Mentalcase, the Dix and Dj Porno are the artists. We make good music. The work I've done with Kice has been featured in the Vibe and Elemental magazine. If you don't know the label is owned by Mr. Len; and if your a real hip hopper you should already know who he is. Our Label manager Dj Phillie Blunt takes care of all the details and makes sure everything runs accordingly. We stick with the formula to bring timeless music to the masses. Just make sure you buy two copies of our ish when we drop single or albums!!!


MTP - Whats something the readers may not know about you?

M - The song "miracles" by Kice Of Course produced by Mentplus was just featured in a soccer commercial over seas...crazy!!!! I just found out this past weekend.


MTP - Whats your contact info?

M - For beats!!!! mentplus@gmail.com or mentplus@comcast.net
SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY!!


MTP - Any last words?

M - Like to give a huge shout-out to God for blessing me with all i have.... and without him i would be nothing!!!


DJ MENTPLUS (El Da Sensei "Frontline" Remix)