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DJ Toomp: Platinum Status
February 16, 2008 | Interviews
DJ Toomp Interview- by Tommy D.R.E.A.D. (photo credit- Johnny Nunez)
Aldrin “DJ Toomp” Davis is an individual that has produced and written platinum hits for hip hop performers such as Jeezy, T.I., Ludacris, and Kanye West, just to name a few. Included in these hits are two songs that won Grammy Awards, “What You Know” by T.I. (2006 Best Rap Solo Performance) and “Good Life” by Kanye West (2007 Best Rap Song). DJ Toomp may not be in the limelight, however, he knows how to produce a hit record. The night after the 50th Annual Grammy Award Ceremony, Insomniac Magazine was granted an exclusive interview with the awarding winning producer regarding his trek into producing.
How and where did you get your start in the entertainment industry?
I started as deejaying in Atlanta, GA and learned how to read the crowd. While deejaying, I learned how a record is arranged, with the introduction, chorus, breakdown. I was specifically studying rhythm and blues records. Basically it was the love of music, which; I knew it would lead into something (a lifetime career).
In 1986, you won a deejay competition that occurred at the Civic Center (Atlanta, GA). What was the name of the event?
The event did not have a name, like the New Music Seminar DJ Competition in New York City or Disco Mix Club (better known as DMC World DJ Championships). Actually it was a big party with the 2 Live Crew performing, which the event was sponsored by the local Police Activity League. I did all the tricks in the competition, whereas; the competition was just basically scratching. I taught most of the deejays in Atlanta how to mix.
What was the result of you winning the event?
I became MC Shy D’s deejay from 1987 to 1991. The irony is that MC Shy D is a Miami based artist, just like the 2 Live Crew, but he was not at the event. Instead he heard about me at the event and offered me a chance to go on tour with him.
In those days what were the differences in the hip hop scene in Miami and Atlanta?
In Atlanta the hip hop scene just started to pop off, and, records were just local hits. The distribution of those songs was limited and never left the state to make an impact like other regions. For example Ichiban Records is a label that is based in Atlanta, but it never made an impact like Luke Skyywalker Records (later changed to Luke Records after George Lucas of Star Wars fame brought legal action to the label) had records like “Throw the D*ck” and, “We Want Some P*ssy” that had some influence outside their immediate area. Even Macola Records that was based in the State of California. Macola released early NWA records had an impact in areas beyond Los Angeles.
In terms of performers, an Atlanta performer would perform one night and be home the next. Atlanta performers did not have the exposure of a New York Artist, by performing and going on extensive tours like Fresh Fest or Raising Hell. Regarding Miami, they had a real early start in hip hop. There were acts that were established. Besides 2 Live Crew and MC Shy D, there were acts like Le Juan Love, and DJ Magic Mike that were on national tours.
How did you make the transition from being a deejay to a producer?
Basically, it’s the same thing studying how a record is arranged. I used to play around the piano and drum machine. Also, I hung around different studios and learned many of the technical aspects of making music. Music was a hobby and I did not know that there was a lot of money to be made.
Since you have worked with a variety of performers from Professor Griff (of Public Enemy) to Kanye West, how do you differentiate your production methodology?
It’s funny that Professor Griff was mentioned. I remember doing some production work on the “Disturb N Tha Peace” album, but; not the song(s) that I worked on.
The production style is based on the musical melodies, subject matter, and previous body of work. Somebody from Miami will get that home feel, but; they will get that Toomp flavor. I will pay attention to their previous works, but will not duplicate it. Also, a producer has to be selective with the artist that they work with.
Since you are affiliated with multi-platinum and award winning artists, do you have a publishing deal with Def Jam Records?
No, I do not have one with Def Jam or any other label. In the past, I have been offered a publishing deal. I held on to my publishing, because, I know the [monetary] worth. I treat it as a “break glass in case of emergency”. Instead I have an administration deal with EMI, where I own 90 percent of the publishing.
Most people would have had 2 or 3 deals, since I came into the business. Some producers will accept a publishing deal, maybe because their financial situation may not be right.
-DJ Toomp, thanks for the insight. Flair, this is a good look.