DJ WAFFLES

ATLANTA, GEORGIA   DISC JOCKEY

VALIDATED: Where are you from and what's the story behind your dj name?

DJ WAFFLES: I was a host on a morning show. We came up with the name Waffles and all else fell in place. Plus I love Waffles! Lol

VALIDATED: Growing up, what kind of music was played in your household and how has it influenced your ear for music?

DJ WAFFLES: My mom would send us to laundry every Saturday so we had to clean all day to get free of all chores. Moms would play James Brown, Marvin Gaye, Frankie Beverly, etc. It influenced my ear cause I got to know what good music was once I got older.

VALIDATED: Which dj's influenced your style of dj'ing? What, if anything did you borrow from them?

DJ WAFFLES: I was inspired by Brick Squad Monopoly Dj's, Dj Buss and Dj Big Tiny. These guys gave me game and I learned marketing from Dj Irie.

VALIDATED: What's your earliest memory of hip-hop, the culture?

DJ WAFFLES: Well I'm from Brooklyn and I lived on Lefferts Place, 2 blocks away from Biggie. So I got a chance to see the growth of Lil Cease and Junior Mafia as a kid growing up. Graffiti, I had a hand in that. But you know that was then, I hope they painted over those murals. Lol

VALIDATED: How do you gauge a hit record; by club play, radio play, streams, crowd reaction, etc?

DJ WAFFLES: I gauge a hit record by sounds, melodies, artist, potential, marketing, lyrics, etc.

VALIDATED: What was the first piece of dj equipment you purchased... first record?

DJ WAFFLES: The first dj equipment was cdj's then I got use to boards. They're light to travel with. But I can rock turntables also.

VALIDATED: Describe your first dj'ing gig.

DJ WAFFLES: My first dj gig I was a little nervous so i brought some family with me. It was at a beauty shop but it was packed and they were forgieners so I had to figure it out quickly. I gave them some hip-hop then went reggae and WON! You've got to be well verse in this game.

VALIDATED: How do you feel dj'ing has changed most due to technology? Is there a lack of skill with "push button" dj's verses the "crates era" dj's?

DJ WAFFLES: I think technology has made things a little easier for dj's. It's really how you play the records and how creative you can be when you deliver to the crowd. Some of the best dj's get on boards and kill it. Technology was great cause it helped us to not carry crates. Just imaginge a dj carrying all of those crates from the 80's to now.

VALIDATED: Who's the better dj, the "crates era" dj or the "push button" dj? Why?

DJ WAFFLES: You can't say who is better because they can do the same thing on both pieces of equipment.

VALIDATED: Please explain the dj's role  in hip hop and the importance of that role.

DJ WAFFLES: Dj's are important because they dictate what goes into the ears of the listeners. They have the decision to help spread the sound of whats next.

VALIDATED: As a dj that plays on FM Radio, I see that you play a fair amount of music from new artists. Are there any restrictions when it comes to breaking underground artists on FM radio?

DJ WAFFLES: On WFRG 89.3FM its a progressive station so with the indie artist it just has to be good and dope quality and music with substance. If not, then you get the picture.

VALIDATED: What has been your biggest moment as dj?

DJ WAFFLES: I had two big moments dj'ing. First, dj'ing for the Atlanta Dream in Philips Areana in front of over 6,000 people and second, dj'ing for an artist name Cyrus Smith in Missippi in Landers Center in front of thousands opening for Cardi B and Migos.

VALIDATED: If you could pick 3 artists that you would love to dj for, past or present, living or not, who would they be and why?

DJ WAFFLES: Biggie, because I grew up on him. I know all his lyrics so it would be easy to hype him up! Jay Z, because I'd incorporate some dope ideas into his set. I know the business aspect outside of me being his dj would be so much more rewarding. Bruno Mars, because he goes so hard. I'm so diverse and can work several crowds so I know we would fit together.

VALIDATED: Where can the reader support you and your movement online and social media?

DJ WAFFLES: Follow me at www.iamdjwaffles.com

Instagram: Dj_waffles

Twitter: DjWaffles1

Facebook: Dj Waffles