About this episodeKid Capri discusses his evolution from Bronx DJ to Grammy-winning producer, emphasizing the importance of DJs …AI summary
Kid Capri discusses his evolution from Bronx DJ to Grammy-winning producer, emphasizing the importance of DJs commanding respect and equal pay as headliners rather than background support. He shares specific anecdotes about navigating the dangerous 1980s Bronx club scene, his strategic approach to touring and crowd reading, and his recent health journey with thyroid cancer that led to a new herbal business venture.
Key takeaways 5
DJ Compensation Strategy: Capri argues that DJs who can sell out venues should demand headliner pay rates, citing a specific instance where he earned $210,000 for a single show by filling four floors, proving that a DJ's ability to drive attendance justifies top-tier compensation.
Crowd Reading Science: Capri emphasizes that successful DJing requires researching local trends before arriving in a city, calling local promoters or top DJs to learn what is 'popping' in that specific market to ensure the set resonates with the audience.
Mixtape Era Economics: In the late 80s/early 90s, Capri sold mixtapes for $20 a tape (costing $1) on street corners in the Bronx, generating up to $2,000 an hour, and received direct payments from figures like Al Po and Richard Porter for exclusive shoutouts.
Industry Critique on Beef: Capri criticizes the music industry for profiting from artist beefs (like East Coast/West Coast) by playing diss tracks on radio and turntables, only to call for peace once violence occurs, labeling DJs as 'arms dealers' in these conflicts.
Health and Business Pivot: After being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2023, Capri lost 67 pounds and launched 'Herbal Reset Plus,' a business selling natural herbs like sour sap and saw palmetto, inspired by his recovery and the success of other artists like Montel Jordan.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I'm not the dude that's happy to do your event. I'm happy to do your event if everything is treated the way it's supposed to treat for the people that pay to get in to come see me. They are the number one thing. Not me, not the promoter.”
▶ 1:05:40Capri explains his philosophy on prioritizing the audience experience over personal ego or promoter demands.
“It's a strategy. It's a science. Don't be mad because somebody has a science and you don't. You just free falling.”
▶ 18:18Capri defends his strict control over his setlists and opening DJs, arguing that DJing is a calculated science rather than just playing records.
“Y'all [__] are the arms dealers in the war... Once bullets start flying, we got to keep the peace. That's why I don't [__] with the industry.”
▶ 1:28:54Capri's critique of how the music industry and DJs fueled hip-hop beefs for profit before condemning violence.
“I was doing this [__] every day. These [__] was selling $20 cracks. I'm selling $20 mixtapes.”
▶ 37:17Capri describing the high demand and value of his mixtapes during the early hip-hop era in the Bronx.
Chapters & Sections (52)▼
0:00Kid Capri's Early Career in the Bronxchapter2
1:48Kid Capri's Early Career in the Bronx
3:00The Infamous Castle Club in 80s Hip-Hop
4:54The Real Story Behind Slick Rick's Near-Death Experiencechapter1
6:59Legendary DJ's Global Touring Experiences
8:53The Golden Era of Hip-Hopchapter1
10:41Respecting Pioneers in Hip-Hop History
14:28The Subjectivity of Top Five MC Listschapter1
17:03The Importance of Authenticity in the Music Industry
18:53Childhood Experiences and Early Career Highlightschapter2
20:12Early Career Experiences in the Music Industry
21:50Touring with Biggie and R. Kelly
23:00Touring with Biggie and R. Kellychapter2
25:01Touring with Biggie and R. Kelly
26:03Early Days of Def Comedy Jam
27:25Tour Life Stories from Music Industry Professionalschapter1
29:07The Rise of Comedy Jams in the 90s
31:29Meeting Janet Jackson and her familychapter1
35:06The Golden Age of Mixtapes in New York
37:07Street Corner Mixtape Sales and Entrepreneurshipchapter2
39:01Childhood Experiences in the Bronx
40:14Kid Capri's Early Career and Influences in the Bronx
42:20Managing Debt and Unpaid Business Partnerschapter1
43:46The Art of Creating a Viral Hit Single
46:39The Evolution of Hip-Hop and Music Careerschapter2
48:40Early Days of Hip Hop and Block Parties
50:28The Importance of Authenticity in Hip Hop
52:05The Mindset of a Successful DJchapter1
53:57Transitioning from DJ to Rapper
56:44The Evolution of DJ Culture in Hip-Hopchapter1
59:21The Evolution of Hip-Hop and DJ Culture
1:01:27The Value of DJs as Performing Artistschapter3
1:02:57The Value of Being a Successful Artist
1:04:54DJ Competition and Performance Expectations
1:06:34Importance of Understanding Event Dynamics
1:08:43The Importance of a DJ's Role in Music Eventschapter1
1:11:28Cultural Relevance in Music Selection
1:12:57The Art of Reading a Crowd as a DJchapter
1:16:35The Evolution of DJ Battles in Hip-Hopchapter2
1:18:13The Art of Constructive Competition in Hip-Hop
1:19:21The Value of Competition in Hip-Hop
1:21:25The Dangers of Escalating Hip-Hop Beefchapter2
1:23:20The Limits of Battle Rap in Music
1:24:40The Art of Battle Rap and Social Media
1:26:23The Evolution of Battle Rap Culturechapter2
1:28:00East Coast vs West Coast Hip-Hop Beef
1:29:18The Dark Side of Hip-Hop Beef Culture
1:31:13Gangster Rap Battles and Violencechapter1
1:32:54DJ Career and Entrepreneurial Ventures
1:34:29Overcoming Health Struggles and Mental Wellnesschapter2
1:36:31The Dangers of Underestimating Powerful Entities
1:37:21Healing and Health Alternatives in Hip Hop
Transcript
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