In the DJ game, not only do you need to be a great DJ to succeed but you also need the business acumen and hunger to get to the top. Need someone to learn a thing or two from? Hot 97's DJ Drewski is your best bet. The hustler turned DJ grew up in Elizabeth, NJ and went from selling white tees, bandanas, and making beads for the neighborhood gang members in high school to hosting his own show on one of the most prestigious Hip-Hop radio stations in the country. Without any prior connections in place, Drewski finessed his way into the right circles and is on path to build his own brand as not just a DJ but a creative force in the industry. Follow his story from the city streets of NJ to the major airwaves of America.
Two things were certain for Drewski from a young age: we was into Hip-Hop and he was going to become a DJ. When we asked when he realized he wanted to become a DJ, he told us, "I don't even remember when it hit me. Maybe I was just born a DJ/entrepreneur. I always had love for music and a leadership trait. So I figured when you put those two things together you get a DJ." He was diligent in sneaking into clubs with his older brother to study the DJs as well as book himself for local baby showers and birthdays since he wasn't old enough for the clubs. In high school, he would commute into Manhattan to take notes on DJ personalities like DJ Clue and Cipha Sounds. The latter would eventually become his mentor after Drewski persistently introduced himself at each meeting.
After building the initial connection with Cipha, Drewski worked his way to becoming a producer for the Angie Martinez show. He would pick up on her professional demeanor, like when to speak and when to listen, as well as building the right team to make sure that he was on top of the latest trends. As he came into his own, he started his own show with Cipha called The MVMT to showcase talent from the tri-state area. Although Cipha has left Hot 97 and Drewski has since changed the name of the show to The New MVMT, the formula is the same: "Cipha made a joke as if he was Baby from Cash Money and I am Lil Wayne with Young Money. But no, the New MVMT is just the name of the show on Hot 97. The MVMT is still Cipha and I as a group." When we asked him about the questionable identity of NY Hip-Hop in recent years, Drewski replied with a confident belief that it's on the come up since everything goes in cycles.
Outside of the New MVMT, Drewski also produces a Jersey music meeting show where he invites industry professionals to network with unsigned new artists. He has plans on working on a website platform to gain exposure for great talent. And don't think it's hard to reach Drewski. As someone who hustled everyday to get to where he is, he is a firm believer that those who want it bad enough will find a way to contact him:
"If you are from the tri-state there is no reason why you can't pull up on me, introduce yourself and give me that heat. If you want it bad enough and believe in yourself you should be comfortable putting a flash drive in my hand. I always ask other DJs what they are hearing or what's bubbling in their city."
Drewski may not be the most technically impressive DJ, and he admits to it, but he does know how to play the crowd and network his way into advantageous situations. Part of that is knowing when to co-sign an artist before reaching national fame. Fetty Wap is a perfect example. A friend of his, DJ Shy, gave Drewski the heads up on Fetty Wap since he was getting a great reaction from the strippers in the clubs. So when Mister Cee mentioned Fetty, Drewski gave the thumbs up and Mister Cee was the first to play the then new artist on Hot 97 (Drewski didn't have a show yet).
With a Dutchmaster tour, working with Jim Jones and Maino, and his shifts at Hot 97, it seems like Drewski couldn't possibly take on any more responsibilities. That's where we're all wrong: "Man, I don't think I'll ever feel content. There are too many opportunities and money out there. I never want to stop growing and working. I take time to appreciate everything I've accomplished but I know there is much more to go. I feel I was made and built for this game, so we will take on as many responsibilities as we can." Sounds like he's learned his lesson since entering the DJ game years ago:
"For a long time, I would see things that could have benefited me, but would just let them pass because I didn't want to speak up or get ahead of myself. But I've learned no one will hand you opportunity. You have to go and take it!"
Last Call
1. What is your favorite movie of all time?I really don't have favorites...
2. As a young DJ, who was the one DJ you looked up to?Funkmaster Flex, DJ Enuff, Cipha Sounds, Mister Cee. They turned DJing into a career and lifestyle. And now I am able to work with them. So blessed!
3. As a DJ, what's your biggest pet peeve?People in the booth while I'm trying to work. I don't come to your job and bother you while you are working.
4. What is your current set up at home?Right now I have a Rane mixer and Pioneer CDJ set up.
Keep up with Drewski on his Instagram, Youtube, website, and Twitter. You can catch him on Hot 97 Mondays to Fridays ("New at @2AM") from 2AM to 3AM, Saturdays from 3PM to 7PM, and Sundays ("The New MVMT") from 11PM to 12AM. All times EST.
Bryan Hahn once sold tickets to his school play. One time. He's on Twitter: @notupstate.