The elements of Hip-Hop -- kids, you should know them by now. The MC, breakin’, graffiti, and the DJ. Back in the day, the DJ was more important than the MC. The DJ was the master of ceremonies, the mover of the crowds. From DJ Kool Herc to Grandmaster Flash to Kid Capri to DJ Jazzy Jeff – the DJ put the groove to the mood that flooded your airwaves.

With that said – get familiar with DJ Clinton Sparks. Already named one of the top ten mixtape artists by Rolling Stone magazine, Sparks has been setting the mixtape world ablaze with his various mixtape series and is commanding fans to Touch the Sky. This mixtape pairs DJ Clinton Sparks with the three-time Grammy award winning MC, Kanyé West. Mr. West gets to rest on this one as all the production duties are handled by the prolific Clinton Sparks.

The album contains guest appearances from Pharell, D-Block, Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Slim Thug, Dipset, Freeway, Nas and plenty of others.

Sparks, ever the vigilant perfectionist, strives to continue his trend of hard work by preparing the release of his first full-length album, “Get Familiar, Vol. 1” for later release. HHDX.com gets a chance to speak with the 2005 Justo’s Annual Mixtape Award winner as he discusses the mixtape, Justo’s passing, and why he won’t do a Kanyé West-inspired Rolling Stone cover for his next mixtape.

First things first – how did you and Kanye come together to do this mixtape?

CS: Basically, I have a good relationship with the G.O.O.D. music camp. I was coming out with the mixtape and they enjoyed the idea. They were basically game to be involved in the project from the jump. I produced the entire album. After that, I flew up to Toronto. There Kanyé and I got together and we banged out the breaks, the skits and whatnot.

In your opinion, what do you think was the highlight of the mixtape?

CS: In my opinion… the highlight for me would have to be… umm… I’d have to say it was the D-Block record because they’re going to use it to be the lead single for their new album that comes out in March on Koch Records.

What do you think about 50 Cent’s impact within the mixtape game?

CS: Honestly, I think that 50 put a chokehold on the mixtape game when it came to promoting himself. He built his own brand through G-Unit. I don’t think people are like, “Word, mixtapes from 50!” Moreso they’re knowledgeable about who and what is out there. Especially in New York, where there is that culture of the mixtape awards and all that comes with it. Continued on page 2 »