Martin
Smith, a.k.a. DJ Graffiti, is formidable. With degrees from U of
M’s business and law schools, a record label, a clothing line,
a promotional company and various DJ residencies (he’s currently
at Studio 4 on Sundays), Smith is poised to make a difference. In
addition to his qualifications, he has a vision of a “self-sufficient
hiphop community.” As a master of the mixtape, he has release
a series of CDs on his label Bling Free; Bling Free Volume 3, subtitled
“It’s Official,” was released in January 2004.
Ann
Arbor Paper: What’s the meaning behind “Bling
Free”?
DJ Graffiti: I coined the term as the title of
a mixtape in 2001. At the time, I was tired of hearing so many songs
on the radio that revolved solely around expensive material items
or “bling.” The success of Bling Free Volume 1 and the
acceptance of the concept in general prompted me to release volumes
two and three.
For me, being Bling Free also has a spiritual meaning. As a child
of God, I’m already entitled to all of the material things
that God created. I believe God put the material wealth here on
earth to serve us, not for us to serve it.
A2P:
You talk about a self-sufficient hiphop community. What do you mean?
DG: Originally, many people viewed hiphop as just
a fad. Often the very people funding the growth of hiphop as a culture
felt they had to capitalize on it before the trend died out. In
my eyes, a lot of what is commonly seen as being “wrong”
with hiphop is due to commercial influences fed from the outside,
without regard for the lasting effect on the culture. Hiphop is
now more than 20 years old, and as time goes on more people in positions
of power are members of the hiphop community. I believe that there
will be a point where whatever is needed to strengthen the hiphop
community—doctors, lawyers, teachers, financial investors—will
be able to be obtained from someone who understands and lives hiphop.
A2P:
Which local artists are doing under-appreciated work?
DG: The 7 Chakraz and Matt G & Justin Bardic
are two A2 area hiphop groups that I don’t see popping up
too often in the press, but are doing notable work. The 7 Chakraz
have quite a large catalogue of songs to their credit, having completed
(at least) two albums and an EP. Matt G and Justin Bardic released
their first album, The Family and Friends LP, in 2003 and they currently
host a weekly open mic night at Theo’s in Ypsilanti.
I also have to give props to some of the Ann Arbor area DJ’s
who regularly keep listeners captivated. DJs Chill Will, Irwin+,
Potatohead, Virus, C4, Handlez, Illigan, K-Boog and the Unfadeables
Crew all make regular appearances rocking shows, clubs and radio
around the Ann Arbor/Ypsi area.
A2P:
You have a pretty intense background (classical and jazz musical
training, law school, business school). How does that all come together?
And how do you keep it all going? Do you ever sleep?
DG: For a few months after finishing law school
at U of M, I literally never slept, at least not voluntarily. I
kept telling myself, “I’ll sleep once I get successful.”
I almost had a nervous breakdown. Since that, I’ve kept a
healthier sleep schedule. I spend a large portion of my time doing
business and legal consulting that doesn’t involve music at
all. However, marketing and business development, legal consulting
and music all come together under the umbrella of my company Rapture
Enterprises. I’ve managed to fuse my passion with my business.
I’m working now to build the entertainment brokerage section
of Rapture, setting up sponsorships of concerts and other promotional
activities.
A2P:
Any advice for up and coming DJs?
DG: I’ll keep it short and sweet on this
one. Practice! Practice! Practice! Also, try to learn something
from every DJ you come in contact with. A2P
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