The Charismatic DJ Fadelf

Ever been on the dance floor just feeling the vibe of the music when the DJ switches songs and makes you completely lose your mood? You try to get back into the groove, but things just don’t feel right after that. Well, that feeling you’re having is what gets a DJ fired and lose fanbase. A DJ can make or break your club experience, especially if they don’t know how to mix and transition well. We’ve all experienced them! And sometimes we give them a one-time pass because their personality, appearance, and energy is on-point. But we usually won’t endure a second infraction and would most-likely move on.

I can’t tell you how important a great mix is. I think it’s more important than a DJ’s playlist and we all know everyone out clubbing wants to hear their favorite songs from artists they idolize. However, a DJ’s appearance, style, ability to mix and transition from one song to the next takes precedence over their playlist, personality, and hype, because those things can make or break any club experience. Why? Well, a DJ is the life of the party! They should be able to get the party started, set the mood, flow, and level of euphoria club-goers experience while out partying. They are also responsible for keeping the party going. DJ’s provide courage and boost for those wanting to appear in control, wearing a persona, and looking to get lucky. A good DJ with talent, style, and charisma identifies with the in-crowd, and people who feel they are a part of the upper echelon; the beautiful people.

This was how I identified with DJ Fadelf and one of the reason’s why I decided to feature him in this issue? I’ve seen his face around at a few events he happened to deejay. One event, in particular, was the Mix Masters event in Atlanta, during the BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend. Thanks to a colleague, James Brashears III, who invited us out; we were able to witness one of the most unique party experience I think I’ve ever witnessed, aside from Givenchy and Loreal Paris parties in Miami. There were actual artists (painters) at the red carpet painting their idea of what mix-master meant to them, and they were pretty talented. Celebrities tend bar to the masses, while street dancers break-danced in classic old-school hip-hop get-up. Numerous DJs took a turn at their chance to keep the party going. And most of the sets were off the chain (a throwback word… I know). There was a time during one DJ’s set where he just couldn’t keep the vibe going and we all know what happened then, people left the dance floor. To make a long story short… I had a great time overall and DJ Fadelf stood out because his crew put me in reminiscence of my stomp-the-yard days in B-More and D.C. His stature and how he handled himself so professionally was noticeable too. But the openness he gave to anyone who came into his bubble was the clincher and a lasting impression. We often never think how important perception and preconceived notions can build-up or tear-down one’s image. And, “it’s the smallest things people notice that stays with them the longest…” You never know who’s watching and just because you don’t know someone, it doesn’t mean they aren’t as important as you. Kudos DJ Fadelf.

So I had the opportunity to get him to answer a few questions. Some of which are typical, but others like his type, style of deejaying, passion for his craft, and others weren’t so obvious. Read for yourself and let us know what you think…

Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say “when I dance, I transcend into my own state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?

The experience that I tend to go through when I reach the peak of my artistry varies in every situation. I enter every atmosphere with a competitive mentality, challenging myself to be better than my last performance. The versatility of my entertainment profile puts me in so many different arenas and around so many different cultures that it makes me excited and eager to hit the stage. I feel my best when I’m performing. When I hit the stage in any platform my alter ego Mr. Hypjuice appears and shows out!

How would you describe your style of deejaying?

When I’m spinning I consider my performance to be an experience for the audience, a well-crafted production. My style is versatile, charismatic, detailed, and lifestyle-influenced. I try to create an atmosphere where anyone will dance to anything because they’re lost in the moment.

So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What piques your interest?

My love life is great. I’m a happily married man with two beautiful daughters. My type is my wife! I’m into outgoing, god-fearing, spontaneous, health-conscious, smart, financially savvy, sensual, romantic, and the “obvious” type of woman.

If you weren’t getting paid to DJ or create music, would you still do it?

Man listen, I ask people this question all the time! I started doing this for no money; I still do certain worthy events for no money. I’d definitely be involved with music if I wasn’t getting paid. It’s who I am, it’s all I think about, and it wouldn’t let me leave “it” alone if I tried. I DJ because of the art, the joy it gives me and others, the love of technology, and all music.

We know that sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self… What are the elements that makeup who you are and is the persona and you as a person one within the same?

I don’t put on a persona, I am me in front of the cameras and off, I walk what I talk. I’m big on inspiring, uplifting, and motivating through doing right, being better, and giving. Too many times artists, entertainers, etc… put on personas because they fear to be uncool, when in fact; doing right, paying it forward, etc… is super cool. No personas or yes men in my camp.

Was there ever a time when you doubted who you are or what you wanted before your current successes?

I’m one of the most outgoing, humble, patient, god-fearing, optimistic people you’ll meet, but yes, I’ve been a place of disbelief and doubt. Most of my fears or doubts came from not knowing what to expect, not knowing who to believe, the long process of hard work with no payback, lack of a networking scene, and sometimes financial backing. Some of my moments of wanting to give up came from the negative views on my dreams from my peers. In these moments I dig my heels in even more and pray harder knowing my talents are truly god-given. At times, just playing a song I’ve written, a song my artist made, a song my team did, a crowd’s reaction to my song selection while performing, puts me right back on top. I can say I haven’t been in that place for a long time. God’s got my back, so I’m good no matter what the outcome.

What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?

One of my most memorable moments while spinning happened when I was in Spain rocking to a crowd of 200,000 people singing Michael Jackson hits and chanting “Hola, DJ Fadelf!” Another would be performing with my Artist Nehemiah in Kuwait, garnering the opportunity to teach a group of kids a song he wrote that they later performed.

Of all the acts you’ve worked with… who can you say was or is the most enlightening as far as artistry is concerned?

I’m gonna have to say my team The Product G&B, and I’m not being biased. The Product G&B are the voices behind the hit record “Maria Maria” with Carlos Santana; a two-man duo consisting of Marvin “Money Harm” Moore and My cousin Sincere Gubano. These two brothers are true-to-life singers, writers, and performers. Whenever we take the stage together we tear it down. There hasn’t been one show we haven’t gained positive feedback.

Tell us about your upcoming projects?

At this present moment, I’m preparing to shoot two pilots, a reality show and a talk show surrounding the DJ and entertainment life. I’m in a band called Guitars N Bandanaz and we have been performing around New York City and preparing the release of our EP. The Product is also in the studio preparing for major shows, tours, and more for 2014. I’m also in the continuation of building and branding my entertainment company Luxe Sound Entertainment. I’ll always be spinning the clubs, radio, tours, political galas, and corporate events. The New Year is going to be amazing!

What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next 5 or 10 years?

Dance music is at its peak in North America because all music has it’s time, its phase, and its turn. I appreciate the progression and influence it’s had over the music industry and club scene. It’s allowed DJs to offer more to a room of mixed audiences than the typical run of tracks. I think in years to come it will still be in the run of top choices of music but not the leading genre. Dance music is universal and will always be around. It’s always been music of the people.

Remixes and night club appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. And successful remixes help build a DJ’s status, provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?

At the present time I don’t do remixes but one of my projects that gained me a good amount of success amongst new fans and artists was a mixtape series I called L.I.D. (Long Island Discovery). L.I.D. went on for three parts and consisted of up and coming artist I considered to be making noise, about to be signed and deserved to be heard. The success of the mixtapes allowed me to put together series of shows for the artist to perform and gain more fans for them and I. In the process of meeting the artist, preparing the mixes, setting up shows and preparing for my next move, I learned to build on my relationships and the process of preparing concerts.

What are your top 7 party venues and why?

Top 7 venues would be TAO and Marquee in Vegas, Reign in ATL, SL, WIP, and the Boom Boom Room in NYC and Opera in L.A because they all have great sound systems, good DJ booths, sexy people, great fun-filled environment and good detailed rooms.

If you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business, what are five things you would tell him/her to look out for?

I’d tell them to watch out for people looking to take advantage of them because they’re new. I’d tell them to watch out for themselves, let them know not to be their own worst enemy. They’d need to know to constantly remain humble. They’d need to know to have a good character and great work ethics. They’d need to know it’s not gonna come easy and they need to be able to work just as hard as they would if they were getting paid. I would want them to remember to always stay on top of their craft. I’d ask that they not get lost in the lights, drinks, drugs, and sex. I think great mentors are needed and they are very rare in the music industry. I think he or she who desires to be mentored should lookout for the right mentor, research, and ask questions before being a student to anyone.

View photos of the BET Hip-Hop Awards MIx Masters Masters event online at www.uslmag.com – Check the “Events” section.

Photography By: Michael Eaton

Connect with DJ Fadelf:
Twitter: @DJFadelf
Web: www.djfadelf.com
Facebook: IAMDJFadelf
Linkedin: DJFadelf
Interview By Patrick Kelly
Twitter: @PrettyboyPK
Photos By: Michael Eaton