Recently, I was featured on SWAGGR.com's blog as the first in their "Leaders Of The Old School" interview series. It was an honor to be selected, and I'm very appreciative that my efforts (at least to SOME extent) have not gone unnoticed. Here's the interview portion of the article for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!!!!
1) Name:
Applejac2) Nickname/alias:
Shecky Apple, Sheckniculous, Uncle Shecky, Sheck Boogie (among others...lol)3) Nationality:
African-American4) Location:
Decatur, GA5) Work/trade/aspiration:
DJ/Producer6) Current assignment/focus project:
Several7) Status:
In a relationship8) Type of style you are mostly known for (dress code):
my colorful crocheted crowns9) Age:
mid-30s10) Ethnicity:
Black11) Height /measurement:
6'3" 190 lbs12) How old were you when you decide to embark in this profession ?
10 yrs old13) Who inspired you?
Jam Master Jay (R.I.P) 14) Who are your current mentors or idols?
DJ Spinna, Pete Rock, Kerri Chandler15) How was your first gig? Were you nervous? I
t was pretty good from what I remember (it was in 1992...lol). Actually, I'm ALWAYS nervous before I spin, but once I get in my zone, it's cool after that.16) What are your ultimate goals?
To travel the world DJing and working with really good artists and making timeless music with them.17) What projects are you currently working on?
At the present, I'm working on remixes for Russell Taylor, Alison Carney, Vick Lavender, Green Tea and Ananda Project. On the mixtape side, I have the "Slot Machine 3: Playin The Rush", "Let The Rhythm Prevail", "Let The Rhythm Prevail...again", and the "Do It With Passion" mixtapes on the way. I'm also working on a side project entitled "Variations", where I'm doing covers of a wide range of tunes. So far, I've confirmed Iman Williams, Gabbie McGee, C-Sharp Gomez, and Liv Warfield for the project.18) How long have you been doing this?
Professionally, since 199219) How long do you plan on doing this?
It's my life's blood, I couldn't imagine NOT doing it20) Is your career hard on your personal life?
Not right now because I'm not traveling as much, but it can be hectic at times. Fortunately for me, I have a wonderful Queen who helps me keep things in order.21) If you have to thank someone (outside family member), who would that be?
It's hard for me to narrow it down to just ONE person because so many have been helpful in my career.22) If you have to give someone, credit whom would that person be?
I'd hafta give props to my man Jaycee (Tour DJ for Ludacris). We came up in the game together in '92, and he's really been able to work hard and get at least SOME of what he deserves. I'm very proud of him as my friend and also as a contemporary in this business.23) Name 5 clothing element every person should own?
A nice shirt and tie combo, at least one pair of dress shoes, some slacks, a stylish coat or jacket, and some cufflinks (never know when you might need em...lol)24) The must have of this fall will be?
I don't follow trends so much, so I can't say what the "IN" thing will be, but you can never go wrong with a nice leather jacket25) Favorite watch?
Right now, I'm REALLY into Paul Frank26) Favorite car?
Any one that can get you where you need to go efficiently...lol27) Best place to live?
I've only lived in Decatur, so...DECATUR!!!28) Best place to retire?
St. Lucia, Ethiopia29) You love your city because?
It's given me my roots and my foundation30)f you could add anything to your city, what would it be?
More of an identity. I think it has sort of taken on this image of what Atlanta is "supposed" to be, rather than what it "is"; Some parts for the better, others, not so much.31) What gets you going?
A really good song32) Coffee or tea?
Sweet tea mixed with lemonade33) Day life or nightlife?
I'm a DJ, so it's definitely nightlife34) Favorite music genre:
There's only TWO types of music...Good and Bad. I tend to like GOOD MUSIC!! LOL35) Ten albums everybody should own:
Live (Donny Hathaway), Songs In The Key Of Life (Stevie Wonder), Enter The 36 Chambers (Wu-Tang Clan), Here, My Dear (Marvin Gaye), Band Of Gypsys (Jimi Hendrix), Paul's Boutique (Beastie Boys), Mecca & The Soul Brother (Pete Rock & CL Smooth), Chicago Transit Authority (Chicago), I Am (EWF), Live At The Apollo, vol. 2 (James Brown)36) Five books everybody should own:
The autobiography of Malcolm X, Asaata, Divided Soul, The Invisible Man, The Great Gatsby37) Greatest icon of all time (music, movies, sport, else):
Though everyone will say Michael Jackson (R.I.P), I'm gonna go with Muhammad Ali38) Your favorite season is? Because?
I like Spring, just because of it's "newness"39) Top five place in the city for food, live music, dancing, late night outing, meeting the opposite sex, drinks:
As a vegan, I'd hafta say I like Chinese Buddah, Marco's Pita, Olive Bistro, Soul Vegetarian and California Mart for food. There aren't as many places to hear live music anymore, but I like Variety Playhouse or Center Stage, depending on the act (Sugarhill was the joint too!!!!). I can't dance (lol), I have a girlfriend, and I don't drink, so I can't really answer the other questions...lol40) Give me your life in one word or sentence or one line from a song or a movie:
"I'm just a soul who's intentions were good. Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood" -Nina SimoneTo read more of the article, go to
http://swaggr.blogspot.com/2009/08/music-leaders-of-old-school.html and check it out. Many thanks to Tim Membo and the staff of SWAGGR for conducting a very professional interview and making me feel comfortable...
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