This week, Ms. Drama TV caught up with the infamous Kid Capri, who is coming back for a second season of B.E.T.’s hit reality TV Show “Master of the Mix”, scheduled to air this fall.  In association with Smirnoff Vodka, Capri joins fellow DJ/super-producer Just Blaze in a search to find the next ultimate DJ. Capri talked to us about his thoughts on rappers/personalities turned DJ’s, the evolution of the mixtape, and homosexuality in hip hop.

Check it out after the break:

First and foremost, I just want to say what an honor it is to be doing this interview, thank you very much for your time.
No doubt, thank you.

Let’s get right into it.  How do you feel about the new wave of rappers/celebrities turned DJ’s?   For example, Q-Tip, who deejays here in NYC, Idris Elba, Nicole from Nina Sky, and so on?
Well, for one thing, Q-Tip is my man, I really dig his stuff, Redman as well, he also deejays, so – all in all, coming from a business perspective especially in the music industry, it’s not dependable.  At all.  The business is not selling, at least how it used to; it’s messed up.  Although, I have rapped on some of my previous releases, like I’ve dropped a few lyrics on my mixtape “The Tape”, I’ve always tried to stick to my bread and butter as a DJ.  But any artist is always looking for that new wave, that next hit – something to make it big.  I believe, the way that you play is very important, as a DJ – even though I also think if you’re an artist or a DJ, whatever, it’s the same thing.  DJ’s don’t need to rap, but as long as you win the crowd, I think it’s definitely a great thing.  I’ve taught Solange a little on the turntables at different parties, so I am all about just, perfecting your style – whatever that may be.

Is it important for a DJ to know how to scratch – and can you still call yourself a DJ if you don’t know how to?
Of course, I think if you’re a DJ and you deal mostly with regular turntables you aren’t a “full” DJ.  You need to know how to scratch; you need to know how to use vinyl.  I don’t even use serato, I use it on absolute, or regular mode, myself.  So definitely, it is absolutely important for a DJ to know how to scratch.

With all of your years as a DJ, have you ever thought about crossing over to the other side exclusively, and just simply tried being a lyricist?
Well, like I said before I did some rapping on “The Tape”, I’ve rhymed with Busta, done some stuff with Nas for my second album release, “Soundtrack to the Streets”.  The single I have out right now actually, called “I Turn It Out”, you can check it out on Youtube if you haven’t already – is a statement for hating DJ’s, not made for the radio or nothing like that, but for hating DJ’s.  You know, I think you should keep doing different things, never stick to just one thing.  Quincy Jones has been a big influence for me, and I strongly believe you should try to do as much as possible.

A lot of these R&B/rap artists are using mixtapes as a primary medium for getting their music out – what are your thoughts on this?  Considering in the past, how DJ Drama got caught up in the controversy of distributing “illegal cd’s”, and now, it seems to be one of the premiere ways of getting your music heard as an artist – especially unsigned artists.  What do you think?
You know what…you gotta get it how you can get it.  The way the music industry is, you gotta find ways of getting your music out, and getting your music heard.  People got shows off of my mixtapes – it’s an element that gets you heard.  I think it’s a great movement.

Last question, Capri – being that the industry is flooded with so many different flavors and DJ’s with different tastes, what are your thoughts on DJ’s/rappers who live alternative lifestyles?  Do you feel they should be accepted with open arms in hip-hop?
Alternative lifestyles…gay people?

Yes.

Listen, do what you do, preference is preference.  I really don’t care what you do, just play the music.   Besides DJ’s, it really doesn’t matter, gay people in the military, sports, army, whatever, it really has nothing to do with sexuality, but with professionalism.  Do what you do.  Live your life, preference is preference; I don’t have a problem with it.  As for DJ’s, just play the music, that’s all I care about.

Reported by: Raquel Feurtado