HHNLive.com writer Tanya M. Fowlow hooks up with Dj Smallz to chat about working with the stars, playing a key role in the careers of emerging artists, his very own radio station and more!

Dj Smallz on what’s coming up: “Lately I've been in the studio workin' hard on my Southern Smoke album. The South will never be the same once this album drops! It's the official soundtrack to the hottest brand in the south – Southern Smoke!”

Tanya M. Fowlow: You've got some serious turntable skills; can you share how long you have been at it and what got you started?

DJ Smallz: My head was really into school. I got a scholarship to college and everything. I was DJin' as a hobby ever since middle school and I was ready to get my club game poppin’ in high school. The first Southern Smoke CD was really a demo for me to get into clubs. It was the hottest Southern music put together,… mixed by me. People passed the CD around in high schools and clubs,… word of mouth spread and one thing led to another. That's how the Southern Smoke movement really began.

TMF: Nice. I've got to ask, where did the name come from?

DS: The name came in my middle school days. I used to be the shortest kid in class height wise, and when I played basketball that was my nickname “Smallz". When I was djing in high school it stuck with me so I kept it.

TMF: Who's a DJ that you really looked-up to, admired, and/or respected? What was it about them that intrigued you?

DS: DJ Clue - the godfather of mixtapes. When I first came into the game, mixtapes weren't even a movement down South, it was an East coast thing. DJ Clue really helped make mixtapes commercial, especially by establishing a DJ Clue album ("The Professional" series) that you could go cop at major chain retail stores like a Best Buy or Circuit City. So I definitely looked up to Clue when I tried to establish that same formula down South.

TMF: Is there a moment that you can pinpoint when you started to move from the underground scene into the mainstream where you are now?

DS: I come from the underground and continue to support the underground; I never felt I turned mainstream … yet!

TMF: You've been the number one DJ of the South for quite some time; what is it that you do, what is it that you've got that sets you apart from the rest?

DS: My ear for music sets me apart from everyone!

TMF: Ok, ok! So, you've worked with quite a few notable artists, can you list a few?

DS: I've worked with everybody! From the legends such as Uncle Luke (of 2 Live Crew), Pimp C (of UGK) and Master P to the next generation of artists such as Young Jeezy, Plies, and Lil' Boosie.

TMF: If I told you that you could only work with one more artist and I forced you to pick only one, who would you choose? Yes, only one! [Laughing]

DS: Andre 3000 of Outkast... he is the hardest person to hold still on the face of the planet earth! One studio session with him, and we'd create some magic!

TMF: In addition to working with those who are seasoned in the industry you are somewhat known for the work you do with new artists. Share about some of the "up and comers" you are working with right now. Who are they? Who's really got next?

DS: I'm workin’ with Yo Gotti, 2 Pistols, Gucci Mane, Lil' Boosie and Plies as of late. They all got next! They are the next generation of hip hop!

TMF: What would you say has been the most rewarding moment/experience in your career so far?

DS: Definitely performing in front of my fans, especially my fans overseas. I love performing overseas! Last year I DJ'd in 4 different countries – Canada, Germany, Japan & Switzerland. I've seen people speak a totally different language then me, but sing all the words to a down south hit and dance all the video moves to it. It's truly amazing to witness hip hop at its best - breaking barriers and joining different races and cultures together. It's truly a universal
language.

TMF: The Southern Smoke brand has a pretty strong street presence. Tell me a bit about what you've got going on over there. (Project, initiatives, artists, anything you want to share.)

DS: Lately I've been in the studio workin' hard on my Southern Smoke album. The South will never be the same once this album drops! It's the official soundtrack to the hottest brand in the south – Southern Smoke! As far as DJ albums go, I'm raising the bar with this Southern Smoke album release. I have album concepts and marketing strategies that have never ever been done with an album of this calibre. I am planning to release the official single sometime very shortly…. Stay tuned!

TMF: I hear you have your own radio show is that true? When and where can the fans tune in?

DS: Southern Smoke Radio is my 2 hour weekly radio show I host and DJ on Sirius Satellite Radio (Channel 40 - Hip Hop Nation) every Thursday night. Sirius has a 3 million listening base - it's crazy! We just got a major deal for syndication, so look out for the show coming to a radio station near you. For more info hit up http://www.SouthernSmokeRadio.com

TMF: Do you have a lot of freedom to play what you want on the show?

DS: Yes, that's the most important thing I love about it. It's also explicit, it's all raw!

TMF: Well then! [Laughing] Recently you did a college tour right? Share a bit about that.

DS: I'm working on the third annual Southern Smoke College Tour now! We will be visiting a slew of college campuses this fall. Last year we had Flo-Rida, Gorilla Zoe & 2 Pistols on some tour dates. Now we gearing up again. If anyone wants to perform or sponsor the tour, log on to http://SouthernSmokeCollegeTour.com for more information.

TMF: I heard you were doing some shows over in Germany and you mentioned you were over there last year. How was it over there?

DS: Germany was crazy! The fans were crazy! And the wet t-shirt contest was crazy! Wait till you see the footage on http://SouthernSmokeTv.com soon!

TMF: I’m sure it will be interesting to watch! [Laughing] Where are you headed next?

DS: Japan! For the third summer in a row, we got 4 shows lined up July 4th weekend! For more dates and venues, check out http://www.myspace.com/southernsmoke

TMF: Besides the album, what else can we look forward to seeing from Dj Smallz in the near future?

DS: Well I just produced my first major record called "Welcome To The Gunshine State" featuring 30 Florida artists together on one record, featuring everybody from Plies to Flo-Rida. The record was a "next generation" concept that I put together and I produced the beat as well. You can download the record for free on djsmallz.com. The record is a catalyst for the "Southern Smoke" album… coming soon. I've also established "Fear Factor Music Group" directed to strictly help with the record breaking process for artists and record labels. If you need your music broken the correct way or you need a campaign created, hit up FearFactorMusic.com. Speaking of the internet I just started working on my official daily blog! Go check that out at www.SmallzSpace.com

TMF: Seems like you’re a busy guy! Do you have any advice to share with anybody out there that just hasn't gotten their "big break" yet? (What can they do?

DS: I love breaking new artists and new music. If any artists need my help, please call me at (305) 490-2143.

TMF: Any shout-outs?

DS: Once again, don't forget to check out the official website DJSmallz.com. I love breaking new artists and new music. If you want me to host your mixtape or DJ your next party or event, please call me at (305) 490-2143. Big shout to HHNLive.com for holding me down always!!!

TMF: Awwww thanks! Final words to the readers at HHNLive.com?

DS: Shout out to all my fans out there, thanks again for your continuing support!