Interview with DJ Vlad AKA The Butcher, Hip-Hop Mixtape Mastermind

DJ Vlad, AKA the Butcher, is a well known DJ in the mixtape game. A resume doesn't get much bigger than the one he totes around. DJ Vlad has worked with many well-known artists in the hip hop industry. His brag sheet features artists such as Alicia Keys, Wyclef, Xzibit, Jadakiss, Busta Rhymes, Bun B and even the NBA Star Shaquille O'Neal. Vlad started in the hip hop game back in the early 80's with break dancing which eventually evolved into being a local producer in the Bay Area.

With all things progressing, Vlad switched up and became a DJ creating mixtapes. With experience and knowledge, Vlad started to become a hip hop head in the mixtape game. DJ Vlad left the west coast to further his career as a mixtape DJ by moving to the Mecca of hip hop; New York.

Since then Vlad has appeared in Rolling Stone, won the mixtape series in Vibe Magazine, appeared in XXL, and now hosts "DJ Vlad Presents" on 'Def on Demand' channel which is on Russell Simmons, the founder of Def Jam's, H2O Channel. With that said, The Green Beat was honored to get a chance to catch up with the mixtape master.

Andrew Bess-dagreenbeat-How did you get started in the mixtape and DJ game?

DJ Vlad-One of my close friends died of a cocaine overdose. When I was at his funeral, I realized that life was too short to not follow your dreams, so I quit my regular job and went all out in the DJ thing.

Andrew Bess-Name some of the artists you have worked with?

DJ Vlad-The Game, Paul Wall, Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal), Bun B of UGK, Keak the Sneak, Dem Hoodstars, San Quinn, Balance, 40 Glocc, and Chingo Bling to name a few.

Andrew Bess-You have a nickname of the "butcher," where did you get the name from?

DJ Vlad-I chop them beats up.

Andrew Bess-Who has been the best artist to work with and why?

DJ Vlad-Bun B - He's the fastest and most flawless rapper I've worked with.

Andrew Bess-You have a line of DVD's "Hot in Here." What's the story and creation behind it?

DJ Vlad-It's to show people out there the Rockstar lifestyle that I live. I kick it with some of the hottest artists, porn stars, crack heads, and models out there. I wanted people to see it for themselves. That's why my new DVD series is called Rockstar.

Andrew Bess-How has being from the West Coast added to your swag and style in your music?

DJ Vlad-Hell yeah. I always rep the west. I'm always throwing the 'w' up. I've been in NY for the past couple years, but I just got a new spot in downtown LA, so I'm about to start the takeover once again.

Andrew Bess-What are you currently working on and what are you promoting?

DJ Vlad-The Rockstar 2 DVD, Brazil Gone Wild DVD, my TV show on h2o hip-hop channel.

Andrew Bess-What is 'Urban Myth DVD'?

DJ Vlad-That's my DVD website - www.urbanmythdvd.com - you can cop all the hottest urban and porn titles there.

Andrew Bess-Any shout outs you would like to make?

DJ Vlad-Shout out to all my 54,000 myspace friends out there. Check me out at www.myspace.com/djvlad