Sonically in key with Mick Boogie
He’s the master at making Mixtapes, an artiste in fact. DJ Mick Boogie has worked with the likes of legendary Jazzy Jeff, Talib Kweli, Little Brother and more recently his work with Slum Village the ‘Dirty Slums mixtape’ due to drop tomorrow.
From 80s, Rock & Soul to disco and of course Hip-Hop mash-ups, there is no limit to what Mick Boogie can do, he has the ability to mash up different genres to create a masterpiece you’d watch over and over again. We catch up with Mick Boogie about why working with Jazzy Jeff was the highlight of his career, what his playlist would be if he did a 90’s party in Australia, and an exclusive on his latest mixtape with Slum Village ‘Dirty Slums’. Margaret Tra writes.
The first thing you think about when you think of Australia?
Kangaroos. Sorry.
Can you divulge anything about the Dirty Slums mixtape you’re working on?
It comes out next week; it’s a whole new version of Slum [Village] including T3 and J Dilla's Brother, Illa J. It’s pretty dope. Slum for a new generation, but still ‘Slummy’.
What would be on your playlist if you did a 90’s Hip Hop party in Australia?
Tribe, De La Soul, Outkast, Biggie, Souls Of Mischief, Wu-Tang. Nice & Smooth.
You are a mixtape genius; walk us through your production process.
It's all about the idea. Find a concept that no one has done, find the right team to pull it off, and make sure the quality and creativity are there. After that, good marketing is essential.
You have worked with a lot of Hip Hop legends, who would has influenced you the most?
Jazzy Jeff! An honour! Jazzy Jeff is the reason I became a DJ, and to be a friend and collaborator of his is a highlight of my career. Maybe “THE” highlight.
It would be unfair of us to ask if you have a favourite mixtape, but is there a mixtape that was close to your heart?
‘Viva La Hova’. It changed my life. Viva La Hova opened so many doors, in both the hip hop and rock communities for me. People honestly treat that mix as an album. MTV featured it on television; Coldplay had it on their site. It really blew up and got my brand in front of people who would never have downloaded a mixtape before.
Is your work centred around the artists you admire? Or do they approach you?
Both. It's a two way street... One I'm happy to live on. (Laughs)
You allegedly pursued a career in Hip Hop after your mum bought you a turntable, is this true? And why did she do this?
This is true. She saw me messing up her record player, and decided it would be better for me to have my own. The rest is history.
You seamlessly mash up different genres together, from Adele, Colplay to Jay-Z, how do you do this?
It has to make sense and be logical. You can't do it, just to do it. It has to be believable and real, and sonically in key. Then... it wins.
The most unbelievable thing that has happened to you whilst DJing?
I met my wife while DJing. When I saw her, it was one of those magical moments where time stood still and she had a glow. Not a soul-glow, but a nice glow, none the less. Our first date lasted from that night until four days later, and we got married exactly a year from the day I met her. She's awesome.
What stimulates your soul?
Soulful music, good food, and a nice sunny day. As weird as that sounds.
To listen to Mick Boogie's mixtapes click here.
Download The Dirty Slums here.