DJ KAY SLAY, THE DRAMA KING, WON’T RELINQUISH “REIGN” by Dirty Angel

WHEN IT COMES TO HIS GRIND, KAY SLAY DEFINITELY DOES NOT PLAY

By Khalid J. Strickland a.k.a. Dirty Angel

He’ll slap you’re favorite DJ.

     After conquering the streets of America with his hardcore yet groundbreaking mixtapes, Harlem’s own DJ Kay Slay continues to add new domains to his ever-expanding empire.  The man also known as The Drama King hosts high-profile radio shows on both NYC’s Hot-97 and Shade 45, a Sirius Satellite radio channel backed by rap megastar Eminem. 
     In addition, Kay Slay’s third studio album, “The Champions: North Meets South”, was released by NBA great Shaquille O’ Neal’s record label, Deja34, in August of 2006.  On “The Champions”, which is being distributed worldwide by Koch Records, Slay collaborates with prominent deejay/producer Greg Street of Atlanta.  The compilation album features exclusive songs by rap luminaries such as Fat Joe, Paul Wall, Ghostface, Raekwon, Three Six Mafia, Busta Rhymes, Mike Jones, Lil’ Jon and many others.  The album’s lead-off single, “Can’t Stop The Reign” features verses by Bun-B (of popular Houston duo UGK), Brooklyn’s hot up-and-comer Papoose (who is signed to Kay Slay’s Street Sweepers Entertainment) and Shaquille O’ Neal himself.
     In an interview with Insomniac Magazine, which took place at the office of Koch Records, DJ Kay Slay spoke at length about his latest album, which is straight fire by the way, amongst a variety of other topics.
     “For those who don’t know, Greg Street is one of the most powerful deejays in the Southern market,” The Drama King responded when asked why he chose to collaborate on his new album.  “We were always tight and we always said we would work on something together.  I figured I would grab somebody that I’m cool with in the South just to make the (album) bigger than if I did it myself.  So I reached out to Greg Street.”
     When queried on how he chooses what rappers to record with, Kay Slay explained, “When I get a beat, I can hear who I think goes good with it, that’s part of my talent. I’m good with 75 percent of the rappers (in the music industry).  I just reach out and make it happen.  According to what they do, there might be another artist that I think will sound good blended in with them.  It’s a building process.”
     Although he receives and reciprocates love to all regions of the hip-hop nation, including the Billboard-topping Southern states, The Drama King hasn’t jumped off of the New York bandwagon as many depreciators have been quick to do.  Asked if he agrees with the pundits who argue that Big Apple rap music is insignificant, Kay Slay responds frankly: “You can take five of the hottest rappers you love, combine their album sales and it (still) won’t be equivalent to five million records that (NYC native) 50 Cent just sold with his last album.  The biggest selling rapper in the game right now is 50 Cent.  (NYC native) Jay-Z runs Def Jam with L.A. Reid.  Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, two of the most liked rappers from the South, is under (Jay-Z’s) command.  Not to mention (what would happen) if Jay dropped an album.  Busta Rhymes just dropped an album that’s doing pretty good.”
     “The new artists that are coming up, these label A & R (people) are looking for a quick, fast buck.  So they’re not interested in lyricism or a good rapper now, they’re interested in a simple hook and one record they can try and sell a whole (messed) up album from.  So, it really ain’t New York that fell off.  It’s some of the confused fans and these (messed) up A & R (people).  They fell off.  We’re still here.  This is the Mecca.  This is where everything started; the whole hip-hop (movement), the break dancing and the graffiti.  If you want to get technical, civilization started in the Holy City of Mecca.  Everything revolves 360 degrees.  The West had their time.  The South is having their time.  It might go to the Midwest next but where’s it going to come back to? It’ll come back to the Mecca.”
     DJ Kay Slay and Greg Street’s “Champions”, featuring the beat-making proficiency of Three Six Mafia’s DJ Paul & Juicy J, The Streetrunners (Rick Ross’s “Hustlin”), talented newcomer J-Keys  and The Drama King himself, is a treat for listeners of all territories.  Although Kay Slay rules the airwaves and weighs lucrative record deals for the highly sought-after Papoose, don’t expect The Drama King to soften up for anyone.
     “I don’t compromise certain things.  If this is what got me to where I am and you want me (to work with you), then you have to let me be me.”    

For more stories and artwork by Khalid Strickland a.k.a. Dirty Angel, visit www.supremearsenal.com and www.myspace.com/blackpacino