Disco D Interview

photo by Tatiana Arocha- www.servicio-ejecutivo.com


A few post back, I told you about an up and coming producer Disco D. He produced, among other things, the crazy hot track "The Ski Mask Way" by New York's real Drama King, 50 Cent. With it's player's ball type loop chopped up in the background, and 50 spitting some of his tightest crime rhymes yet, going back to his "How To Rob" days with a flow that "ruined Jeffrey's career". It's sure to be, in the words of Mimi Valdes, "a club banger!" This should be expected from Disco D, as he is far from a rookie in this game.

Disco D has been putting in work for a minute now. He was one of the main architects of Ghetto Tech, a sound that me and my Ghetto Kidz crew were feeling and trying to put our own spin on (our Ghetto Metal ep scared the shit outta every A&R in New York). He has several releases under his belt, including a string of independent techno singles, his mix cd "A Night At The Booty Bar" released on Tommy Boy Records, and several tracks on the Nina Sky album. Disco D has continued to keep the faith and like all of the faithful, he has been rewarded. On top of all that, D is a real cool dude. So cool that he agreed to chop it up with your boy Q! (Thanks to Michelle for hooking it up!) I emailed him a few questions and he responded in kind. Check it out.

Canhead:
What's up D? You' re making some big moves these days. Are you officially making the move from ghetto tech to hip-hop?

Disco D:
Part of the problem in music in general is people genre-fy too much. To me Ghettotech was always about drawing from whatever and not giving a fuck. That's why I can produce a 137 bpm record for sara stokes that has a commodores sample and can mix with 2 Live Crew or stuff in that range, or co-produce a song like "Turnin' Me On" for Nina Sky or the upcoming Gunclap riddim I did with Max Glazer of Federation Sound which can feature both The Clipse and Vybz Kartel on the same song. I write music with feeling and emotion in mind, not with genres. We only had to put the name Ghettotech behind what I was doing before for marketing purposes at the time.




Canhead:
Some are already saying that "Ski Mask Way" is the hottest track on the new 50 Cent album. How does it feel to have one of the hottest joints on one of the hottest music stars album?

Disco D:
It's a blessing, but I really wrote that instrumental about/for my girlfriend (now fiancee) when we were dealing with distance and language issues last October. Due to what 50 and Nina Sky and everything else has provided for me I no longer have to be apart from her ever so I'm cool with that. I also no longer have to take the proverbial dick from the industry anymore, and I can use this influence to help inspire positive change.




Canhead:
OK, many may not know of your past, but I do. Tell the people a little bit about your past.

Disco D:
Ha, well that's a looong story. I've been DJing since 16, and I used to put out 'underground' uptempo vinyl only releases that never sold more than 1,500 copies - the first one I put out when I was in high school. I started and deaded two labels myself when I was in college.

My name recognition as a DJ was such that I could make a decent living at it and travel a lot. I had my share of shitty offers, which I took when I was young and green but then after getting screwed over early I decided I would go to business school and I figured out how to make the right moves on my own.

Canhead:
Do you have any "beef" over Ghetto Tech? I know people were hating on it a little back in the day, like it wasn't the real techno. How did you deal with that?

Disco D:
The more people talk about you the more attention you are getting. As long as I stay right by me I'm cool. I learned to read between the lines and get the big picture on all that talk.

Canhead:
Let's talk about booty...I mean The Booty Bar. Is it still at Filter 14?

Disco D:
The owner actualy sold that spot. I gave the trademark to DJ Salinger. He can use it more than me. If there is something with it he wants me to put my name and time behind and I feel like its the right thing I'll roll with it and help him all day.

Canhead:
Ok..on a serious note. With all the attention on sexism in music these days, many may point to you and your style of music (booty music, ghetto tech, etc.) as part of the problem. What do you have to say to those who say your music is just misogynistic?

Disco D:
I'm an engaged man and a spiritual man. I don't write that many lyrics, only shape sound. If you actually listen to records with my name on it, that I have writing credits on, the only real mysogynistic one was the first EP 'D-Down' which had a lyric like 'dick that bitch down' that was chopped in a clever way. I recorded that before I even lost my virginity. I didn't know any better.




Canhead:
What's next? Any appearances, or dj gigs planned?

Disco D:
I am not touring right now. It doesn't make sense this second, later I'll do a tour with all of Federation Sound and it will encompass the entire scope of what they/I represent. In terms of production, here's what's on the new promo flyer:

"Out 2005:

50 Cent's 'Ski Mask Way

'Nina Sky's 'Turnin' Me On' (w/ Cipha Sounds & Black Chiney)



Federation Sound presents the Gunclap Riddim (produced by Disco D and Max Glazer) featuring songs by Mr. Vegas, Lexxus, Mad Cobra, The Clipse, Ward 21, Jigsy King, Kardinal Offishal and friends

Sara Stokes album featuring the Disco D produced 'Can I Get That,' 'Just Shut Up And Dance,' 'Keep The Change,' 'Shakedown,' 'Make The First Move,' and 'I Remember'

Lumidee, Tiearra, Kato, Bee & More"

This is everything the public knows about. I have holds from several platinum and multiplatinum artists as well as probably the biggest ad I have ever been involved in going on right now. My new website just launched as well - anyone needing advice on music business, production, DJing or whatever go visit the forum at my website http://www.discod.com.

The first episode of my self filmed documentary DVD series DiscoDVD will be available for sale on the web in the next 2 weeks. The first episode features me recording with Sara, Kato, meetings with Lumidee and G-Unit, as well as an inside look at the 50 Cent MTV mansion party and concert. It's a pretty hilarious look at one week of my life, because all that filming really took place like a week ago. Hard to believe.

Canhead:
Cool, thanks for your time and getting back with me D!

Disco D:
No, thank you!


Canhead:
Ps--people slept on the Nina Sky shit. "Runaway" needs to be a single, if it isn't already.

Disco D:
ha! thanks! that beat I had done b4 I even met them.

Canhead:
I need a signed copy of the (A Night At The Booty Bar) CD. Can you make that happen?
I collect autographs, I have that XLR8R "Ghetto Tech" issue somewhere around here too.

Disco D:
I don't know if I have more cds but I have plenty of that XLR8R in question. I can for sure do that.

~~end of interview.~~

You heard him right? I got a signed XLR8R coming to me! Don't hate! Make sure your on the lookout for more from Disco D in the near future. I have a feeling we will be hearing alot from this guy. I think I'll try to talk him into a GhettoTech revival, without as much "Ass and Titties" this time around..well maybe just a little bit. D may be in a relationship but Q is not. I may have to take his spot at the Booty Bar, ya know, keep the chair warm for him.

Here are some links for you to check out. I re-posted the MP3 link to "Ski Mask Way" for you too. Make sure you check out the 50 Cent album party on MTV next week too.

EXCLUSIVE! 50 Cent "Ski Mask Way" MP3- user name=50cent/ password=discod

Disco D's website-check it out, he has a clip of 50 on Shade 45/ Sirius Radio talking about the new album and D's track.

Inuit.com article on D

Pitch.com article on D

Tommy Boy Records listing of "A Night A The Booty Bar"