DJ Absolut: R.I.P. New York Hip Hop?

Radio seems to be suffering from the onslaught of preachers and moral advocates. The rap music industry seems to be ailing from similar attacks. The vets in the game seem to have problems trying to do the numbers, which gives way for young guns to be able to take their stab at it.

Hoping to be a powerhouse in the game is DJ Absolut. The Heavy Hitters representative has been behind the scenes since working an internship with Stress Magazine in 1997. The pavement pounding general learned from everyone in the business and utilized his talents by grinding out duties behind the boards, behind the execs desk and on the airwaves.

With respect from the big dogs in the industry and features on television (BET, MTV) and in print (XXL, Vibe) the Future is rapidly gaining popularity for his skills behind the wheels and for his A&R ears. DJ Absolut talks with HHDX about Russell Simmons, gives his take on the DJ Drama and Don Cannon situation and explains why times have definitely changed in rap music.

HHDX: With so many people calling for rap music to change its ways how does this affect radio?
DA: It just puts the spotlight on hip-hop in general. It gives a critic, who may or may not be an authority, an opportunity to be critical on the culture of hip-hop.

HHDX: Russell Simmons wanted radio stations to ban words that stations already do not play. So, what sense does that make?
DA: I really havent been following all of what Russells been up to lately. If he wants to ban words from the radio that they dont play already, then it doesnt make any sense to me.

HHDX: Do you think that rap music is being made out to be the scapegoat for Americas ills?
DA: Yes but everyone knows that hip-hop is not the only form of entertainment that people can place the blame on. Theres the violent movies, video games and television shows. But our culture seems to be the scapegoats. I understand the easiest thing to do is to blame someone or something else. But to me its whatever!

HHDX:You have a strong team around you with the Heavy Hitters how does the situation with DJ Drama and Don Cannon change the mixtape game?
DA: Drama and Cannons situation messed up some opportunities that certain DJs had. It really scared off some of the potential growth in the mixtape game. But, this is how I feel when there is a demand, someone has to supply. So, I say, Check for my album coming out soon [laughs].

HHDX: With all this adversity what is still sacred in hip-hop?
DA: I really think that certain people keep the music sacred. There are individuals in this industry that have that genuine and true love for the game outside of just it now being a business.

HHDX: Being in New York, are the streets buzzing about Jim Jones and CamRon not seeing eye to eye?
DA: [Laughs] Yep Everyones saying, Not the Dips!!! So, I have to imagine that the Dipset fans are all a little bit disappointed with whats going on.

HHDX: A lot of people were screaming, Bring New York back, yet most of them (Busta Rhymes, Papoose, Saigon) are nowhere to be found on the charts and on the radio. What do you think is the problem?
DA: You have to think about it. its a crazy time, right now, in hip-hop, especially in New York. But I cant comment on any other artists in the game because Im trying to get my projects out there, as well. I guess you just have to adjust with the times or stick to you guns. Either way, New York artists have to figure it out in order to make it work.

HHDX: In your opinion, where do you see the music scene transitioning from? Do you think that itll stay in the South? Or is it about to hit a new regional scene?
DA: I think that the music is always going to constantly move. Youre going to hear hit records coming out of New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Houston. Hell, its going to be all over the place. This is big business, so I think that the time is over for one particular market to run hip-hop. Times have changed.

HHDX: Aside from all of whats going on within the culture whats new with you?
DA: I got some work coming out. Look out for my mixtape compilation featuring everyone! I also have the new Lifestyle Part Two DVD thats coming out soon. I have mixtapes that are hitting on the streets hard. I got Addicted 4 Life Beats -- shouts out to Frado and Dalor. I got my show, Absolut Heat that comes on Hot 97, Wednesday nights from 12 to 2am. You can also stream it on the net at http://www.hot97.com. Also, you can MySpace me at http://www.myspace.com/DJAbsolut1.

HHDX: On your new projects who are a few people that America should be looking out for to hear more from?
DA: I think that everyone on my project has something special about themselves. If they didnt they wouldnt be on the album. One artist that stands out is Mims. Coming from New York, hes been a breakthrough artist. I think that his future can be bright. You can expect to hear him on my project thats coming out soon called Addicted 4 Life.

HHDX: In this business, a hit is important; with so many new artists breaking out whos going to be a one-hit wonder and who is going to be a mainstay in the game?
DA: Man thats what we live for! I love to see how the game plays out! So, I tell everyone to just sit back and enjoy. All this should be interesting, you know?! One thing thats for sure Im coming! So, lets go!