This weeks Fab Man of the Week is no other than Matt Diamond (aka DJ Dutchmaster). I met Matt a couple of years ago at Club Aer in Manhattan. He was a really cool, chill guy. Come to find out, he’s one of the best DJ’s in NYC (not a Push Play DJ either! He gets it in on the Technics!) and owns his own record label, Coalmine Records. For all you entrepreneurs that want to be successful in the music industry, take notes from this interview. You might just learn something…

Name:  Matt Diamond p/k/a DJ Dutchmaster

Occupation:  C.E.O Coalmine Records

Age:  31

Status:  Single

Zodiac Sign:  Gemini (yo b, i’m crazy)

When did you break into this crazy industry, and what do you feel was your big break?

I started back in ‘97- if you woulda referred to what I was doing as being industry related, I woulda looked at you funny.  I was DJ’ing parties as a student at Indiana University (go Hoosiers) for some extra cash.  I also loved DJ’n, like I was a student of the craft, I learned quick and had a great mentor- shouts to DJ Topspeed, outta Indianapolis…dude is like the Afrika Bambaataa of Nap town lol.  He tought me everything from clockin your bpms, to beat matching, to scratchin and most importantly how to rock a party.  At the time, I never woulda thought that I’d have a career in music- I was a psych major and probably thought I’d end up workin a boring-ass 9-5 somewhere.  As far as my ‘big break’, I wouldn’t define any success I’ve had to date as a break, it’s more of a consistent and steady climb.  I’ve had doses of hard working paying off, but trust me for any one thing that’s worked, there were several that didn’t, but life’s about trial and error so I learn from it. Regardless, I still have a long ways to go…

How did you come with you DJ name, what is the story behind the creation?

It’s funny cause I’m actually not a fan of my Dj name, like at all..I think it’s corny ha.  Usually most people call me Dutch or that’s what I prefer.  I don’t mind seeing it written, but when people are like ‘ayo Ducthmaster’, I’m like ‘oy vey, that’s me’ smh!!  Now since you asked lol, the story behind my name can be broken down in like this.  Ok, so I know I wanted ‘master’ thrown somewhere in my name to follow in the tradition of other DJs that paved the way that I looked up to and emulated…I’m talking bout the legends like Grand Master Flash, Grand Master DST, Funk Master Flex, Waxmaster C (DJ Premier’s former moniker), Mix Master Mike, so on & so forth.  I knew that with the title ‘master’ in my name, I’d be taking a vow that as long as I was gonna consider myself a DJ  that I’d have to keep my skills sharp.  The ‘Dutch’ part is another story…I actually planned on moving to Amsterdam after I graduated from IU, so when it came time for me to come up w/ a name I through the Dutch in there for good measure lol.  Kinda ironic cause I don’t smoke trees and I never ended up moving to Amsterdam. Well, i’m stuck w/ it now, I shoulda just gone to one of them DJ name generator websites…I’m buggin lol.

When and why did you start your label, Coalmine Records?

I formed Coalmine towards the end of 2004.  Truthfully, I was just kinda fed up with the state of hip-hop.  For me, it’s decline was pretty steady from 2000 on.  A lot of my motivation for getting in this game from a label standpoint, was to just put something out there that I thought was dope..shit that was just raw, that boom-bap sound that’s virtually extinct now.  To me, that sound is hip-hop, that’s what I came up on…albums like Ready To Die, Illmatic, The Infamous, 36 Chambers, etc.  It’s funny cause the name of my first 12″ was called ‘The Raw’…it features Saigon, Inspectah Deck and Bekay (Coalmine’s first signed artist).

Do you feel you have a lot of respect in the Hip-Hop world?

It’s funny, a lotta people think Matt Diamond and DJ Dutchmaster are two different people…I’m like Keyser Soze.  Even people that I’ve known for years as Matt Diamond from Coalmine Records had no idea that I’m DJ Dutchmaster.  It’s reallly funny when they find out I’m one in the same.  I guess the duality is just part of my Gemini nature ha.  As far as respect goes, I think for those that know me or have ever worked with me in this industry, respect me.  To date I feel that my reputation is golden, I take that very seriously.  Law 5 of ‘The 48 Laws of Power’…”so much depends on reputation- guard it with your life’.  I take those words to heart..I treat people with a high level of respect and in turn people treat me with respect.

Now where did you grow up? And does your hometown affect your personality?

I grew up in Huntington, Long Island.  My hometown has had a tremendous effect on my personality.  When I tell people that I’m jewish and from Long Island, there’s a certain stereotype that comes along w/ that and I really don’t fit into any of them.  It’s kinda funny actually.  I went to John Glenn High School and at the time I entered the 9th grade, my high school was becoming very gentrified.  There were some nice neighborhoods in my school district, but there was also the hood.  My friends and I didn’t grow up sheltered or over privileged.  We had a diverse crew of friends but for the most part we all did our own thing.  In our circle of friends, we had dead heads and hip-hop heads lol of varying race & religions.  At the time, I wasn’t even the hip-hop aficionado that I am now.  Although I owned all the classics that I mentioned earlier and I was a fan, I was also into a lot of other shit too…from Lenny Kravitz to Gangstarr to Marley & even heavy metal.  My ‘obsession’ with hip-hop didn’t really come into play until college…but I think my hometown and my experiences at the time all had a lot to do with it.

So out of all your DJ gigs, what was your best and worst gig?

When I was first starting out, I would literally clear rooms..it was a disaster.  In retrospect, I can see why.  I played what I wanted to play and I absolutely resented commercial music…definitely not a successful combination.  I just couldn’t figure out why people wanted to listen to hit records all night, but didn’t want to listen to the shit I liked..lol..i get it now.  I finally got my ‘act’ together and started gettin people on the dancefloor instead of off it.  My best gig was probably the time that I dj’d for ODB.  I was dj’ing at Southpaw in Brooklyn back in september of 2004 for a few artists…nothin crazy, just playin some records between sets and holdin down the after party.  There was a rumor that Ol Dirty was in the spot.  The crowd started thinning out a lil bit and as I’m diggin through a crate of vinyl (this was the pre-serato era) I hear this all too familiar voice say ‘ey yo, whiteboy, i wanna rhyme yo, can i rhyme, is that cool?’  I looked up, sure enough ODB was right in front of me, with that same crazy ass look on his face that you see on the ‘Return to the 36 Chambers’ album cover.  Next thing you know, I throw on some Wu instrumentals that I happened to have in the stash and he got on the mic and within seconds the place was packed in.  He ran through classics like “Brooklyn Zoo” and “Shimmy Shimmy”…it was incredible.  His untimely death came two months later.

Who are some of the people you admire in the industry, and why?

I’m pleased to say that there’s a lot of people in this industry that I admire.  I’m fortunate to have been able to forge strong relationships with good people that make this crazy game all worthwhile at the end of the day.  I just got back from L.A. and I got to meet with Zach Katz.  Zach is currently the manager for super producer JR Rotem and is a business partner of their label, Beluga Heights.  Zach was formerly a very well know entertainment lawyer and at one time was the manager for Hi-Tek, Denaun Porter and the legendary Rakim.  His business acumen is sharp and you can’t help but respect that.  His dealings are fair and to the point and I admire that…no smoke and mirrors.  I’ve also been privileged to have worked with several artists in this game.  Recently I recorded a track with Pharoahe Monch which will be the single for Coalmine’s forthcoming compilation ‘Unearthed’.  Monch is cool as a fan.  His whole approach to making music is that of a true artist.  He’s  incredibly passionate about what he puts into his craft and equally as critical of the outcome.  Monch has always been on my top 5 list, so to work with him was surreal, but to have him be as involved and as passionate as he was was really a blessing.

Who are some of your favorite artist right now?

There’s a tremendous renaissance going on in hip-hop right now.  The bling-era has reached a close for the moment.  With the global issues that have made their mark on the world for better and for worse..from Obama to the recession, it’s reflected in the music.  Even hit records like Kid Cudi’s ‘Day N’ Night’ to Kanye’s ‘Love Lockdown’ to Jamie Foxx’s ‘Blame It’, seem to be more about experiences then they are about possessions.  In New York alone, I see a strong artist movement that’s taken place and it’s a beautiful thing.  I was just down in Austin last week for SXSW and it was dominated by NY based artists that are eager to step outside their boundaries and hit different stages.  Artists like 6th Sense, A. Pinks, Emilio Rojas, Asher Roth, Donny Goines, Torae, Charles Hamilton, Fresh Daily, S.O.U.L. Purpose, Homeboy Sandman, Drake, Fashwan, U-N-I, Pac Div, Termanology, Skyzoo, Wale…represent a new face for hip-hop.  The torch is being passed, pay attention!!

What artist do you wish you could have signed?

If there was any artist that I wish I could’ve signed, it would probably be Saigon.  Sai is cut from a different cloth.  If he came up a decade earlier I think he would have made a very influential and timeless stamp on this game.  There aren’t many street poets left, Sai is part of a dying breed.  For whatever reason that Atlantic Records couldn’t get shit poppin w/ Sai…whether they be political or not is just a shame.  I’m happy to hear that he has a situation with Amalgam Digital, which will at least provide an opportunity for his music to be heard.  I’m amped to hear ‘The Greatest Story Never Told’.

Favorite Vacation Spot:  Aruba, Panama, Prague, Miami

Favorite Restaurant in NYC:   Supper (156 E. 2nd St.) – Italian

Favorite TV Show:  Curb Your Enthusiasm (thank God for On-Demand), Family Guy..not a big TV person..

Favorite Reality TV show:  Celebrity Rehab is always exciting…kinda funny, kinda sad

Favorite Artists:  Stevie Wonder, Ghostface, Pharoahe Monch, Kool G. Rap, Black Thought

Favorite Genre of Music: Hip to the Hoppa

Favorite Clubs in NYC: Home, Pink Elephant, 1Oak, APT, Marquee

Why did you go underground instead of mainstream?

Choosing to put out underground music didn’t seem like much of a choice, it just came natural.  It’s the music that I love and despite the fact that this element of the culture has been smothered it recent years with the influence of commercial hip-hop in today’s market, there’s still a demand for it.  Hip-Hop wasn’t always commercial and I think that the brand of music that I help craft helps supply a specific demand.  At the same time, I want to make it quite clear that I am not pigeon holing myself to ‘underground hip-hop’.  I like good music which shouldn’t be limited or necessarily categorized as underground or commercial.  For example, I recently created a parent company to Coalmine named Diamond Music Group (DMG).  Through DMG, I have assembled a team of producers, singers & song-writers.  It’s through this avenue that I get to be involved with the commercial side of the industry, specifically with respect to the placement of completed tracks for major label projects.

What are the type of tracks you love to spin, while at the turntables

DJ wise, I like to keep things moving.  I’m not genre specific just as long as the musics hot.  I normally like to start a set with some classics & breaks, some soul grooves & even some funk.  Let the crowd know that you know how to DJ but just build into your set slowly.  There’s no need to bust out a current hit record when the night is still young and the club is just starting to fill in.  Once I get into hip-hop I normally go in bpm order for a lil white.  Most DJs nowadays don’t even know what this means, but I can’t stand when sets are all over the place tempo-wise.  I like to build things up to speed slowly, bring it back down, introduce a new genre, play the necessary mash-ups, go through a quick run of different eras, etc, etc.  You have to take the audience through an experience with you, but at the same time it’s necessary to be spontaneous and ‘read the crowd’ and play what they want…u gotta lock into a certain vibe that the crowd is feeling.  It’s really a combination of being organized & creative but yet impulsive- and that’s not always easy, you have to know music and know your records, know the hooks, know when it’s cool to blend but know when it’s cool to just drop in a new record on the 1 count or even on the snare.  There used to be a lot more ‘doubling up’ of records, but that style seems dead now.  Most club DJs today seem to just race through records, track by track only playing at most a verse.  However, if you know the right records to double, it’s dope as long as you’re in and out and don’t turn it into a DJ Battle with yourself lol.  But my greatest joy is playing a record that I absolutely love at the right time and seeing the crowd just get open, For example, ‘Give Up The Goods’ off The Infamous album. Try playing an underground set for a commercial crowd and you’ll lose you’re residency, but drop that record in a really well put together set at the right time and you’ll have even the bougiest crowds in the meat packing district losing their minds.

Tell us some of your accomplishments to date…

I think something that helped put a lot of wind in my sails when I just started Coalmine was getting a number #1 hip-hop single on the college charts.  I mentioned the song earlier, ‘The Raw’…it just went over really well, from feedback, to chart position to sales.  It helped me get off to a good start and made me realize that I should just keep going.  I’ve put out a lot of singles since then with a lot of different artists from the late Old Dirty Bastard to world freestyle champion Supernatural to some of my favorite groups like Heltah Skeltah and Dilated Peoples.  I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some of my favorite producers and DJs from The Alchemist and JR Rotem to Kayslay and DJ Revolution.  In about March of ‘08, I started being involved in producer management/representation.  My first client is Australian super-producer M-Phazes.  I had the opportunity to represent him in Sha Money’s 2nd Annual One Stop Producer’s Conference Beat Battle and won first prize.  This producer’s conference, which is held annually in Phoenix is revered in the industry as the Super Bowl of Beat Battles.  This win helped create a lot of industry exposure for myself and phazes and it immediately took his career to another level.  Since the One Stop victory, I have helped facilitate several industry placements that have helped M-Phazes reach his goals as becoming one of the industry’s marquis producers.  I’ve also recently helped forge a strong digital distribution network through Diamond Music Group.  This service provides premium digital distribution and ring tone service for several artists and labels worldwide.  I have other exciting projects in the works and for better and for worse there’s still a long way to go.

Who do you consider one of the most influential artist right now?

I could give you the obvious answer and go with Kanye West, but I’m going to take a different approach to this answer.  Kanye is more then music, he’s one of the most influential brands on the planet, however I want to focus this question more on the musical influence then anything else.  I’m going to say that Asher Roth may quite possibly be one of the most influential artists for the moment.  His influence is just starting to bud, but just wait and see.  For starters he’s white.  There hasn’t been another white artist since Eminem to receive such buzzworthy mention.  The race card isn’t an issue to me, however it is to other’s and therefore should be addressed.  Beyond his race, Asher is dope and what he is doing right now could not blend in more perfectly with the climate of what’s going on.  His market is not as unique and different then what we may think.  He’s a white kid from the suburbs…and guess what, so is the majority of urban music consumers.  So far his music is fun and is in-step with what people want…fun music that people can relate to.  I got to see Asher perform at SXSW recently and his live show is a beast.  With off just 1 single ‘I Love College’ and a leak of his album’s intro ‘Lark On My Go Kart’, this kid is making noise.  It’s seems that he’s victim to the love/hate syndrome, which from what I’ve seen with other influential artists is a good thing- it gets people talking.  Props to Steve Rifkind, dude’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit is still by and large unrivaled in this game!

Where do you see yourself i n 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to be doing the same thing…being involved with music for a living, however It’s my goal to take things to the next level.  I want to build Coalmine Records into one of the most successful and cutting edge independent record labels.  I also plan to build Diamond Music Group into one of the premier music agencies in the industry, specializing in project consulting, production, artist/producer management, digital distribution, sync/licensing, online marketing and more.

Tell our readers some of the celebs you have worked with in the past?

Does Perez Hilton count?  I haven’t worked with him, but I did almost run him over at SXSW…bicyclists should not be riding in the car lanes people…smarten up!!!

Who would you compare your DJing style too?

I know who I would like to compare my DJ’ing style too, whether or not that comparison is accurate is another story lol.  Pretty much any core member of The Beat Junkies (Babu, J Rocc, Rhettmatic, Melo-D) is who I’ve emulated over the years.  I’m not even close to being in that league, so I consider this comparison a reach at best, but collectively and individually they represent everything I strive to acheive as a DJ.  I’ve followed them closely for over a decade and a lot of my techniques and style come straight from watching them…and of course, DJ Topspeed!

What label head are you most like?

I think I’m like most of ‘em…Jewish lol.  I’m just playin, honestly, I couldn’t say that I knew any “label head” well enough to make a comparison.  There are however many I greatly respect…Steve Rifkind (SRC/Universal), Zach Katz (Beluga Heights), Dru Ha (Duck Down), P. Diddy…and of course, Richard Branson.

What is something a lot of people don’t know about you?

I’d rather be blind then deaf…in the words of Erik Sermon and Marvin Gaye, “Without Music baby, (Ow, I’ll go crazzzzzy)”

What new projects can we expect from Coalmine?

We just dropped a compilation titled The Foundation, produced entirely by Germany’s super producer Shuko.  Shuko is a real dope and dynamic producer that has produced tracks for legends like O.C. to burgeoning artists like Tyga on to mixtape rappers like Papoose.  The project is hosted by Heltah Skeltah and is mixed by yourstrulyJ.  The Foundation includes guest appearances from many of today’s most iconic and celebrated hip-hop artists, such as Rakim, Papoose, Talib Kweli, Sean Price, Skyzoo, Jae Millz, Canibus, Torae, R.A. The Rugged Man and more.  Go support good hip-hop..its on iTunes if you’re too lazy to get ur bum to the record store ha!

http://allthatsfab.com/2009/03/29/fab-man-of-the-week-christian-of-harlem-heights/ http://allthatsfab.com/2009/03/29/fab-man-of-the-week-christian-of-harlem-heights/#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:36:57 +0000 Ian Jarrell http://allthatsfab.com/?p=6602

Here at Allthatsfab.com we have been slacking bringing your Fab Men of the Week. But we are back and bringing you the best that NYC has to offer. This weeks Fab Man is none other than Christian of BET’s Harlem Heights. ATF’s own Ian Jarrell sat down chatted with the shows “playboy”, and he opened up about his future, relationship style, and his rumored relationship with Brooke of Harlem Heights. You can read about this and much more after the jump…

Name: Christian Grant-Fields

Age: 27

Occupation: Lifestyle Editor @ Dime Magazine

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Ian Jarrell: So why did you decide to join the cast of Harlem Heights?

Christian Grant-Fields: I don’t really watch reality shows, because I never see anyone I could relate to. I wanted to be someone young black guys watching the show could relate to. I wanted viewers to see a young dude like myself doing something and handling business. The show was also a really good opportunity for me.

ATF: Were you hesitant about doing a show on BET? BET doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to programming or showcasing African Americans in the best light.

CG: BET has bad rap! They are really trying to go in a different direction. You don’t hear people talking about BET Honors. I was happy to be on BET in all honesty.

ATF: That is true you really don’t hear too much about their positive shows. Now what makes you different from the other cast members?

CG: What I have gone through makes me different and unique from the other cast members. Everyone has their own story. That is what makes the show so cool, because there is always someone you can relate to. I grew up in suburbs of New York, but went to school in Harlem, and then I went to college in Atlanta, so that gives me a different outlook on things.

ATF: How has life changed for you since Harlem Heights?

CG: It’s weird that people recognized me. I am still getting used to that. But I don’t think life has really changed at all.

ATF: So man how does it feel to see all that personal stuff on camera? A lot of people always say it didn’t happen the way it appeared on screen. Are you one of those people that blame it on the editing?

CG: Everything that happens on the show I did, so how could I be mad if it gets aired (laughs).

ATF: So now I recently read something Brooke wrote about the girls of the show not being shown in the best light. They show the girls of “Harlem Heights” arguing or just being catty and mean. But they guys are shown as role models; she blames it on what I call the Obama Effect. Black men aren’t going to be shown in a negative light, because our president is black. What is your view on all of this.

CG: Well I just think that the show started taping at that point in our lives. Who’s to say if they started taping right now you wouldn’t see drama involving the guys. The girls were going through stuff at the time, so that is what is being shown on television. We are all family at the end of the day. Family argues then they patch things up. That’s just the way things work sometimes.

ATF: Now you had to know this was coming, what is up with you and Miss.Brooke from Harlem Heights? The blogs are buzzing about you two. Our blog didn’t stay away from that topic either (laughs).

CG: Yeah I have been reading the blogs. Brooke and I are just really close friends. She is like my big homie, I confide in her and she confides in me. We hang out and play rock band, and go to the movies. People are going to talk though. But yeah Brooke and I are just very good friends.

ATF: What cast members on Harlem Heights are you closest to? But you can’t say Brooke!

CG: I am very close to Bridget, she is very good friend. She cares about the people in her life. I have always been able to talk to her, she gives really good advice. I am also close to Jason (Young Harlem), that’s my boy. I if I had to choose the people I am closest to I would have to choose Bridget and Pierre.

ATF: How did you end up at Dime Magazine?

CG: Well I played basket ball all my life. I wanted to do something with the NBA. So I interned at DIME, which later lead to me getting a position once the fashion editor left. It was really one of the best things that happened to me.

ATF: Why did you decide to work behind the scenes, instead of just playing Pro ball?

CG: I am a very good basket ball player, but that wasn’t the route I wanted to go down once I left Morehouse.

ATF: Fame or Success?

CG: I am going to have to choose success, because if you’re good at what you do fame will come.

ATF: Love or Money?

CG: Isn’t that the title of The-Dream’s new album (laughs)

ATF: Yeah I did get some inspiration for his album title (laughs)

CG: Well Love is very important! There are people out there with tons of money, but they are unhappy because they don’t have love in their lives.

ATF: This is one of those common questions all interviewers ask. So Christian, what is your 5 year plan?

CG: I plan to stick around the NBA, this is a business I have always loved and been around. I have always loved basketball so I will definitely stay in that realm. I would love to be an agent or something. I do love my job at DIME Magazine though.

ATF: Now a lot of females read our blog, and they would probably be interesting in knowing your relationship style. Are you the romantic type, or are you the player?

CG: To be honest I don’t have a style. I am really big on friendship with a lady. I like to just be able to chill and hang out with a girl. I want to feel that I can talk to her. Communication is key in any relationship I involve myself in. But overall I just want someone that I can talk to and just chill with. Maybe watch a game or something (laughs)

ATF: (Laughs) Well so you basically are hinting at something with Brooke, you guys are close friends. People are going to pretty much read into that and pull something out. It comes off as you guys are just DATING but there is no title.

CG: She and I are just close friends man, but yeah I know people are going to read into that.

ATF: Any Who (laughs), why do you let some of our female readers know what grabs your attention about a woman, and nothing shallow..

CG: Well everything starts out shallow. But a lot of things grab my attention about a woman. I am very big on toes, but it’s not a fetish or anything (laughs). I also pay attention to how they carry themselves. You also got to have a sense of humor, because I love making jokes. I tend to also watch a woman’s mannerisms, just like to see how they interact with people you know.

ATF: So my final question for you is why should our readers get into show Harlem Heights?

CG: You won’t find a crew that is doing their thing like we are in New York. We are all unique and individual. The show really shows a new group of black young people, that you won’t see anywhere else. Just watch the show and watch the fun ride.

ATF: Thank you so much for sitting down and talking with us man.

CG: No problem thanks for taking the time. And keep watching the show!

]]> http://allthatsfab.com/2009/03/29/fab-man-of-the-week-christian-of-harlem-heights/feed/ 1 http://allthatsfab.com/2009/02/09/fab-man-of-the-week-chavis-aaron/ http://allthatsfab.com/2009/02/09/fab-man-of-the-week-chavis-aaron/#comments Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:34:49 +0000 Ian Jarrell http://allthatsfab.com/2009/02/09/fab-man-of-the-week-chavis-aaron/

 

There are many models that come into NYC with a dream. Chavis Aaron is one of those models, but he truly does standout amongst the crowd. He is humble, talented, and unique. Chavis is not the type of model you can just put in a box. From ad campaigns to magazine covers, Chavis is truly on the come up. AllThatsFab.com present Chavis Aaron as the new Fab Man of The Week..

Name: CHAVIS AARON
Occupation: MODEL, ACTOR, TV HOST, DANCER
Ag: 21
Status: IN A RELATIONSHIP
Zodiac Sign: VIRGO

Ian Jarrell: So Chavis when did u decide to get into modeling?

Chavis Aaron: WELL I STATRED YOUNG WHEN MY MOM GOT ME INTO TO IT, THEN I STOPPED AND SERIOUSLY GOT BACK INTO IT FULLTIME LIKE 6 MONTHS AGO.
<!–[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]–>
<!–[endif]–>

Ian Jarrell: What was your big break? What made you think, I finally made it?

Chavis Aaron: WELL I AM STILL WAITING ON THAT HUGE BREAK. I HAVE HOW EVER DONE A LITTLE HERE AND THERE, IT’S GREAT TO DO WHAT I LOVE..

Ian Jarrell: Now most models I know don’t do anything but model. So what else do you do besides model? It seems like you have more going on.

Chavis Aaron: WELL I CAN DO ANYTHING WITH CREATIVITY: DANCING, ACTING, HOSTING SHOWS! ALSO I AM LOOKING TO START MY OWN BUSINESS DOING STAFFING SO IF YOU NEED HOT, INTELEGENT MODELS AND TALENT TO WORK, LET ME KNOW… (laughs)

Ian Jarrell: How is it possible to do all of that stuff?

Chavis Aaron: I HAVE NO CLUE MAN (laughs)

Ian Jarrell: Now where did you grow up? And does your hometown affect your personality?

Chavis Aaron: I GREW UP IN ATLANTA AND INDIANA.

Ian Jarrell: Indiana? (laughs)

Chavis Aaron: YA I KNOW INDIANA? WHO’S FROM THERE? A LOT OF PEOPLE ASK BUT IM GLAD IM FROM THERE BECAUSE IT HELPS GIVE ME THAT HOME CLOSE FEELING THAT I THINK EVERYONE NEEDS!

Ian Jarrell: Yeah being from places like Indiana will give you a different outlook on life. You tend to be way more humble. So now here your chance to not be humble, tell us some of your big jobs?

Chavis Aaron: WELL SIR, I HAVE WORKED FOR SEAN JOHN, ECKO, I HAVE BEEN SEEN IN JEZELBLE MAGAZINE, YRB MAG, AND I WAS A COVER MODEL FOR BLUE MAGAZINE, AND I AM IN A NEW CAMAIGN FOR CAROLS DAUGHTER!

Ian Jarrell: So out of all your gigs, what was your best and worst gig?

Chavis Aaron: I NEVER HAVE BAD GIGS I JUST LEARN FROM ALL OF THEM, AND TRY TO MAKE CONTACTS AT ALL OF THEM.

Ian Jarrell: Would you ever go nude for work?

Chavis Aaron: HONESTLY I WILL GO NUDE EVENTUALLY. FOR THE RIGHT JOB AND THE RIGHT PAY, I WOULD DEFINETLY GO NUDE. AT THE END OF THE DAY MODELING IS ART AND EXPRESION SO WHY NOT!

Ian Jarrell: That is a good way to look at things, now why did you move to the big apple?

Chavis Aaron: I MOVED WITH A DREAM LIKE MOST PEOPLE THAT MOVE HERE, PLUS LOVE THE FAST PAST OF NY!

Ian Jarrell: Now on a more fun note, If you had to choose a reality show to be on, which would it be?

Chavis Aaron: GOOD QUESTION! (laughs) IT WOULD HAVE TO BE SOMETHING LIKE THE NEW SEASON OF REAL WORLD SO PEOPLE CAN JUST SEE THE REAL ME AND HOW MUCH I GRIND AND HUSTLE

Ian Jarrell: Who are some of your industry idols, and why?

Chavis Aaron: MY INDUSTRY IDOLS WOULD HAVE TO WILL LEMAY, BECAUSE HE IS ONE OF THE TOP MODELS THAT HELPED CRACK OPEN THE DOOR FOR MY LOOK WITHIN THE INDUSTRY. ALSO MARC JACOBS, FOR HIS CREATIVITY AND OF COURSE SEAN COMBS FOR IS ENTREPRENUERSHIP AND CREATION OF HIS EMPIRE!

<!–[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]–>
<!–[endif]–>Favorite Things….

Favorite Models:  CHANEL IMAN, KATE MOSS, WILL LEMAY

Favorite Restaurant in NYC:  JOYA IN BROOKLYN

Favorite TV Show: NIP TUCK

Favorite Reality TV show: AMERICAS BEST DANCE CREW

Favorite Artists:  ADELE, JOHN LEGEND, DUFFY

Favorite Genre of Music: ELCLECTIC, SOLD R&B

Favorite clubs in NYC: TENJUNE, GOLD BAR, KISS AND FLY

Favorite Designers: DOLCE AND GABANNA, DIESEL, YSL

Ian Jarrell: Now for all our female readers, tell us what are the qualities of your perfect woman?

Chavis Aaron: THE PERFECT WOMAN WOULD BE SMART, FUNNY, CREATIVE, GOAL DRIVEN, AFFECTIONATE, AND CARING, ONE THAT HAS AN X- FACTOR: MEANING UT HER IN A ROM SHE STAND OUT AMONGST ALL! HARD WORING, OPIONATED, JUST COOL!

Ian Jarrell: So what makes you so different from these other models? Everyone has a different answer for this question. I would really like to hear yours.

Chavis Aaron: I THINK WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT IS THAT I LOOK AT MODELING AS A ART FORM. THE ACT OF GIVING AND EVOKING AN EMOTION WITH OUT SPEAKING, AS OPPOSED TO SOMETHING TO DO FOR JUST NOW! ALSO THAT I HAVE A VERY DIVERSE LOOK TO CROSS OVER TO MANY EHTNIC MARKETS

Ian Jarrell: Good answer man. Now tell are readers something most people don’t know about you?

Chavis Aaron: MOST OF YOUR READERS PROBABLY DON’T KNOW THAT IM A REALLY COOL DOWN TO EARTH GUY. I AM JUST A CHILL TYPE DUDE.

Ian Jarrell: Why should are readers be interested in you?

Chavis Aaron: I REALLY DON’T KNOW, I JUST THINK THAT I AM VERY WEL ROUNDED IN ALL APSECTS OF LIFE AND LOVE ENJOYING AND EXPEIRINCING NEW THINGS WHICH I DON’T MIND SHARING WITH ALL THAT ARE INTERESTED!

Ian Jarrell: Now I hear you’re dancers who have u danced with in the past?

Chavis Aaron: I HAVE DANCED FOR CIARA. I OPENED FOR LUDACRIS AND MIKE JONES. I HAVE ALSO DID A FEW MUSIC VIDEOS: BOW WOW/ OMARION, TYRA, 3LW, JARVIS, AND CIARA.

Ian Jarrell: If you weren’t a model, what do you think you’d be?

Chavis Aaron: HMMMMM I DON’T KNOW. I WOULD PROBALLY IN SCHOOL OR HAVE A CORPORATE JOB SOMEWHERE DOING MAKRETING AND ADVERTISING.

Ian Jarrell: Thank you so much Chavis for sitting down with us.

Chavis Aaron: NO PROBLEM SIR, THANKS FOR TAKING AN INTEREST IN ME.

For more information on Chavis Aaron:

http://www.myspace.com/aaronchavis
http://www.modelmayhem.com/chavis

]]> http://allthatsfab.com/2009/02/09/fab-man-of-the-week-chavis-aaron/feed/ 4 http://allthatsfab.com/2009/01/05/fab-man-of-the-week-dj-whutevva/ http://allthatsfab.com/2009/01/05/fab-man-of-the-week-dj-whutevva/#comments Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:45:40 +0000 Ian Jarrell http://allthatsfab.com/2009/01/05/fab-man-of-the-week-dj-whutevva/

All That’s Fab has been showcasing the male models for the past couple weeks so we decided to switch it up a bit. This week’s Fab man is DJ Whutevva. He is a popular club & radio DJ. DJ Whutevva is one of the DJ’s at New York’s own Power 105.1 FM. He has worked with the likes of Mary J. Blige, DJ Clue, Ludacris, Akon, and many others. ATF’s own Ian Jarrell got to chat it up with DJ Whutevva. This interview will help you get to know the man behind the turntables. You can check out the interview after the jump….

Name: DJ Whutevva

Age: 25

Occupation: Club & Radio DJ

Relationship Status: Chillin! lol

Ian Jarrell: How long have u been in the game?

DJ Whutevva: I been djing for about 9 years but would say I got in the game heavy about 4 years ago

Ian Jarrell: When did u decide you wanted to DJ?

DJ Whutevva: When I went by one of my peoples crib and they had turntables. These dudes were cutting and scratching and had records (real vinyl) all over the bed. From that point I knew that’s what I wanted to do. It looked fun

Ian Jarrell: What was your big break?

DJ Whutevva: When I got to meet the Kool DJ Red Alert and DJ Kut. They saw how passionate I was about djing and really guided me in the right direction. Getting info from two legends is the biggest break I could have asked for.

Ian Jarrell: What are your Top 3 career goals…

DJ Whutevva: Become Legendary, Become legendary and become more legendary

Ian Jarrell: Whose party would you love to DJ?

DJ Whutevva: The Kool DJ Red Alert. I would love to DJ one of his parties, but you’ll would have to tell him to take it easy on me with the poo poo juice (laughs)

Ian Jarrell: That sounds like an inside joke, I ain’t even going to ask. So what made you start working at Power 105.1?

DJ Whutevva: I got an internship at Power my senior year in College. I always dreamed of being on the radio, so after my internship I harassed Marc and Darren to hire me on the street team. You only get one shot sometime to get into a radio station. And with me being a dj I would have cleaned floors if I had to to stay in the building. I had to sacrifice and make 6 dollars an hour after being a college graduate but it was worth it for me.

Ian Jarrell: So where did you grow up?

DJ Whutevva: Bronx NY all day, the birthplace of hip hop kid!

Ian Jarrell: Where do you see yourself in 09?

DJ Whutevva: Everywhere, parties, mixtapes, radio, television. Grinding to get to that legendary status

Ian Jarrell: Explain your love for the turntables, what makes you love DJing?

DJ Whutevva: DJing is an outlet for me. I get to create music and make it sound the way I want it to. Its kind of a control thing too, when you dj at a party you are running the show, it’s kind of a powerful thing kid lol. I love music so djing is just fun to me, and Im glad and blessed to be doing it for a living.

Ian Jarrell: Now how did you come up with your name?

DJ Whutevva: That’s a long story. Pretty much a lady that I met told me that my old dj name was wack because she could not remember it. So while she was continuing to destroy my old name she said the word Whutevva. And I was like oh shit I like that. And that was it. And Im not telling you my old dj name (laughs)

Ian Jarrell: You don’t have to reveal all that info (laughs). Tell us some of your accomplishments to date…

DJ Whutevva: Aww man where do I begin, for one a huge accomplishment for me is doing what I love the most and making a great living at it. Other then that I have dj’d at concerts for Wyclef Jean, Ray J, Nice and Smooth, and Good Charlotte. I am a DJ in the number 1 radio market on New York’s Power 105.1. I have been on Sirius Satellite Radio, and most importantly I continue to influence a lot of young people who listen to me. It’s important to get across to the youth that they can become anything they want in life.

Ian Jarrell: Why are you different from other DJs

DJ Whutevva: Cause I will not settle and get all comfy like most DJ’s do. I’m not just concerned with clubs or radio in New York, I’m gonna be global with this.

Ian Jarrell: List your favorite songs of 08 that you loved spinning…

DJ Whutevva: T.I feat. Rihanna- Live Your Life, Ron Browz – Pop Champagne, and The Game and Lil’ Wayne joint. I can’t even remember the name of that one but it was hot (laughs)

Ian Jarrell: I think that was called “My Life” or something (laughs)

DJ Whutevva: Yeah that’s it kid..

Ian Jarrell: Where can people catch you spinning?

DJ Whutevva: Everywhere right now, clubs from New York to China. As well as on Power 105.1

Ian Jarrell: Be honest, is DJing a difficult thing to do?

DJ Whutevva: Nah not anymore lol. At first it was because no one taught me how to spin, but like with anything you get used to it after a while. I’m addicted to it so it’s easy as hell.

Ian Jarrell: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

DJ Whutevva: On the top of this DJ ish. Doing everything from here to Africa. You might catch me in a movie or two as well, or sitting on the couch with Oprah.

Ian Jarrell: That is a big goal to sit next to Oprah. Now tell our readers some of the celebs you have worked with in the past?

DJ Whutevva: Greg Nice, Mary J. Blige, DJ Clue, Ludacris, Akon, Pitbull and of course the Celebrity DJ Whutevva.

Ian Jarrell: What is something a lot of people don’t know about you?

DJ Whutevva: That I love to watch the History channel and A&E. I like shows like the first 48 and stories about how the train system in New York was built. That shit is interesting son (laughs)

Ian Jarrell: How does a girl get DJ Whatevva? What are some qualities a woman has to have to attract you?

DJ Whutevva: She has to be sexy, independent and have a nice personality. She needs to be able to make me laugh. A nice ass wouldn’t hurt either..(laughs)

Ian Jarrell: Who would you compare your DJing style too?

DJ Whutevva: Nobody! I learned from a lot of legends but my style is all mine.

Ian Jarrell: Who do you look up to in the game, and why??

DJ Whutevva: I look up to dudes such as Red Alert, Marley Marl, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Kut, DJ Clue, DJ Khaled, and any of them dudes that are doing it big and who took the game to another level. I look up to them because they created a lane and pimped it to it’s fullest and that’s exactly what I’m in the process of doing. People can sleep on me now if they want, trust me they won’t be 2 years from now.

Ian Jarrell: Thank you so much man for sitting down with us.

DJ Whutevva: No problem kid, Good lookin my dude…

You can get more info about DJ Whutevva here

]]> http://allthatsfab.com/2009/01/05/fab-man-of-the-week-dj-whutevva/feed/ 5 http://allthatsfab.com/2008/12/16/fab-man-of-the-week-bryan-taylor/ http://allthatsfab.com/2008/12/16/fab-man-of-the-week-bryan-taylor/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:49:19 +0000 Ian Jarrell http://allthatsfab.com/2008/12/16/fab-man-of-the-week-bryan-taylor/

This week’s Fab Man of the Week is model/photographer, Bryan Taylor. He is educated, talented, and a romantic. Bryan has worked along side our past fab men Miguel Perdomo and Emmi Grullon. Ian Jarrell got to know Bryan a little more during this in depth interview. Check out it out after the jump..

Age: 23

 

August 9^th (LEO)

 

From: Baltimore, MD

 

Occupation: Model/Photographer

 

Race: Black, Italian, Indian

 

Ian Jarrell: So Bryan where did you go to school? You seem like the educated type.

 

Bryan Taylor: I went to Morgan State. I graduated with a BA in Science, class of 07

 

Ian Jarrell: So why did you decide to get into modeling? You went to school to become a model? (laughs)

 

Bryan Taylor: Well my cousin is a retired model, who made millions as a model. I was really attracted to his life style and success, so that made me want to get into it.

 

Ian Jarrell: So tell us what have you done in the past?

 

Bryan Taylor: Well I have done a lot of things. I was in: Spiderman 3, Step Up, Nokia commercial, DNA modeling agency, that’s just a few of them.

 

Ian Jarrell: Now what do you like about NYC?

 

Bryan Taylor: NYC is very liberal!!! I love that about this city. Everybody is just so free spirited. I consider myself a free spirit so that I was I love most about NYC. I came to New York with a plan for my career. Most models just come here without a plan. My path was more thought-out. I was in the corporate world before modeling, so I big on thinking things through.

 

Ian Jarrell: So what was you big gig to date?

 

Bryan Taylor: I am going with my first time in a Fashion week, was in fashion week. I was in a Rick Rocket show.

 

Ian Jarrell: Where do you stay in NYC?

 

Bryan Taylor: I stay in Harlem by myself. I love it, it’s expensive, but I love it in Harlem.

 

Ian Jarrell: Who are some of the models you admire in the industry?

 

Bryan Taylor: Miguel Perdomo, Chad White, Christian Monzon, Will Lemay. But most of all I admire Tyson Beckford. He set the bar for us male models. He made having tattoos cool. I try to follow his career the most.

 

Ian Jarrell: So what is one of your big goals?

 

Bryan Taylor: I would like to be first light skin big model. It’s usually the dark skin or brown skins guys who really get far. I hope Barack Obama can change the image

 

There is still a lot of racism in the industry. I think NYC follows after Europe too much, when it comes to trends and images. Don’t get me wrong I love NYC, it’s a wonderful city, but they aren’t being original.

Ian Jarrell: Tell us something a lot of people don’t know about you?

 

Bryan Taylor: I was actually the fiirst Bleu Berry for Bleu Magazine. A lot of people don’t really know that. I am also a photographer for the magazine. I have a lot of

 

respect Devon of Bleu, he is such a visionary.

 

Ian Jarrell: This is a section I always like doing. I want to know some of your favorite things. These questions are more geared towards our female fans..

 

Favorite Body Part: I am going to go with my face just to be safe, but I would have to say below the belt is my favorite part.

 

Favorite things about the opposite sex: I have to say Class, Beauty, Brains, Confidence are the things that attract me to women.

 

Favorite Restaurant in NYC: Block Heads in Hell’s Kitchen

 

Favorite TV Show: Nip Tuck

 

Favorite NYC Area: East Village & West Village, because of the nightlife and diversity.

 

Favorite Clothing Line: Club Monaco & Dolce & Gabana

 

Favorite Vacation Spot: Brazil…especially the nude beaches. I am a big fan of nude beaches. I consider myself a nudist…Mostly all Leo’s are nudist. I am extremely comfortable with my body. I think most of my friends have seen me naked.

 

Ian Jarrell: Now this is a section ATF likes to do with our fab men. You have to tell us everything about yourself that women would love to hear.

 

Bryan Taylor: Okay let’s do it.I am very spiritual. I am in love with God. I don’t follow everything in the bible. I am still human, I drinks, smokes, and party. But at the end of the day I am still spiritual.I am very smart and educated. I have a goal driven life. I’m extremely focused, perfectionist, I can be a little anal about things. I believe in monogamy. I believe in marriage. I want to get married at 33, when I am mentally and financially stable, before I commit to someone. I want 2 kids, but a boy first.

 

Ian Jarrell: Thank you so much for speaking with All That’s Fab..

 

Bryan Taylor: No thank you man. I had an awesome time.

]]> http://allthatsfab.com/2008/12/16/fab-man-of-the-week-bryan-taylor/feed/ 15