Get Right Music presents: "15 with Mick Boogie"

Exclusive Get Right Music interview with Mick Boogie. Click on the "READ MORE" link to read the interview.




1.) You are from Cleveland, correct? Have you lived there your whole life?


I am originally from Youngstown, Ohio, but moved to Cleveland in '96 to go to school. I've been here in Cleveland ever since.


2.) How long ago did you start making mixtapes?


Around 2002 I started making mixtapes on a national level.

3.) Who or what influenced you to get involved in mixtapes?


I thought it would be a natural progession as a DJ to see how I could do on the national level. I didn't enjoy alot of the mixtapes out because I didn't like the lack of creativity or the way they were put together. I found my lane in the mixtape scene and ran with it.

4.) On most of your mixtapes there are always some remixes from the Kickdrums. What is your connection with them?


The Kickdrums and I have been good friends for a few years and we have mutual respect for each other's talent. It works out great because they may pick up new fans from being on a tape of mine and at the same time they add an original production angle to my mixtapes. It's a win/win situation.

5.) What is your involvement with The League Crew and what is that exactly?


I started the League Crew about 2 or 3 years ago; we are just a group of DJ's who are also great friends. We all share similiar ideas and have our own specialities and do our thing in our own respective regions. Some members of the League include: Joey Fingaz, Tapemasters Inc, Wally Sparks, DJ Jon, Terry Urban, Steph Floss & Baby Yu.

6.) You are one of the only mixtape dj's to actually produce a mixtape, as in, not just putting tracks on a cd and shouting over them. You actually create remixes, showcase freestyles, blends, as well as playing exclusive tracks. Have you always made your mixtapes with this format or is this a new direction for you?


First off, thank you for the recognition. I think it's important in mixtapes to not follow anyone else and have your own identity. I strive with every release to have a concept or theme that will be fresh and well received. In addition, It's important to put together a complete package: the song selection, remixes/blends, freestyles, the intro, interludes, hosting and the artwork. Everything is important and plays a role into how successful a mixtape is.

7.) I think I have seen your name on various nightclub flyers and promotions. Are you involved in the club dj aspect as well?


Very much so. I DJ in the club several nights a week. I also do alot of special events, corportate events, afterparties, etc. I just did a party for Lebron and Jay-Z in Vegas. I'm doing something for Serena and Venus in Miami this month. This past Fall I went on my first European tour and it went over really well that I'm headed back to Europe this Spring.


8.) Do you still Dj home games for the Cleveland Cavaliers?


Yes. Go Cavs!

9.) Are there any other areas of music and Djing that you are currently involved in?


Besides Mixtapes, Clubs, Cavs, I'm also on the radio. I've been on Z107.9 from the start and I have been on Sirius for awhile now. Every week you can catch The League Crew's show on Sirius Radio's Hip Hop Nation. Also I'm starting to get involved in some A&R work.

10.) What mixtape Dj's do you respect, and feel competition from?


Mostly the creative DJ's I respect are, Clinton Sparks, Green Lantern, Neil Armstrong, Statik Selektah and DJ Drama & The Aphilliates.

11.) How closely are you involved with the record label when you make your mixtapes, or are you in contact more with the artists?


Both, it depends on the case. Most of my artist themed mixtapes are done in conjunction with the artist/label. Usually I'll either meet up with them when they come thru Cleveland, meet up with them in NYC, or they will fly me out to wherever they are. Sometimes it's not done face to face with the artist due to scheduling, we'll just email back and forth.

12.) Your mixtape artwork is the best in the game in my opinion, do you design it yourself?


Thanks. I wish I did it myself, but I'm not talented as a graphic designer. I do work very closely with whichever designer I have on the project and I put in alot of ideas on how I want it to look. I'm very picky with covers because I have a creative vision on how I want it to look or come across to the consumer. In this time, the cover is very important to the entire mixtape.


13.) What are you thoughts on the recent arrests of Dj Drama and Don Cannon?


DJ Drama and Don Cannon are not what the RIAA are portraying them to be. They are not bootleggers or anything along that line, they are not hurting music, they are helping it. DJ Drama & Don Cannon have developed alot of artists who may not of been on the radar of the music consumers and through their mixtapes they put artists in a better position. As a established artist, releasing a mixtape of new material is a great way to stay connected to the streets which is an essential thing in Hip Hop. Mixtapes are part of the foundation of this music.

14.) Can you brag about yourself a little bit, any awards and achievements?


I actually have skills and I'm a real DJ. Alot of mixtape "DJ's" aren't really DJ's, other than putting together a tape they can't find success or compete in any other field of this craft. I can do clubs, mixtapes, radio or whatever. Also I have a rich musical backround and record collection. I can play versatile types of music and satisfy almost any audience.


15.) Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I don't know. Hopefully still living my dream of DJ'ing and branching out into other areas of interest.


Mick Boogie Links:
http://www.mickboogie.com
http://www.myspace.com/mickboogie