Although relatively unknown on this (European) side of the Atlantic, Brooklyn raised, DJ Oji has been around for two decades. A period that would see him finding a new home in Baltimore alongside long time partner DJ Pope then launching their Poji records label by the mid 90's to be used as a platform for local talents such as Carolyn Victorian, Rashaan Houston and Sandé. Not to mention Una who he has worked with on the already classic "We Lift Our Hands (At The Sanctuary)" as a tribute to the DC club of the name where he has a DJ residency. That same pair looking ready to rock the floors while having their "Nobody" song (our current Single Of The Week) released today on West End Records…

Hey Oji. Been around for quite a while now. Tell us about your starting point.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised there for 17 years. I started out as a lover of break beats and hip hop music. This was way back when hip hop was first getting started. However, the hip hop scene became very violent. It was no longer cool for me. I just wanted to hear some good music and have some fun. I discovered the garage one night with a friend and that was all she wrote. I was converted to a househead and my record collection started to change.

Your real name/age ?
I am now 34 years old. Oji is my real name. Although I am from New York, my parents gave me a Nigerian nam, Oji meaning strong black man.

What has led you to do music ? If not a musician/producer, what would you have done ?
I was always inspired to produce music. Even in the early days of hip hop, I spent my savings on studio time. Making music was in me. My dad was a drummer in a band. I tried my hand at a few instruments, but the band was not necessarily my calling. I started spinnin'. As a DJ, I felt the urge and need to make the music that I loved to play so much. That is still true today. The difference now, is that I have also found a love for writing the lyrics too. If not a producer, I would be a DJ and if not a DJ, I don't know what I would do. I have always been a salesman and I have a degree in Business management. Honestly, that is what puts the food on my table.

What has decided you to leave NYC ? Why go to Baltimore ?
I left NY to go to Baltiomre for college. I attended Morgan State University there.

The local scene and its evolution since your arrival. Any connections over there with people like the Basement Boys, Charles Dockins, Ultra Nate ? I am connected with all of the above. Ultra and I have been friends for as long as I can remember and even longer than our friendship has been my friendship with Basement Boys and even longer than that with Charles Dockins. At some point in time, I have worked with them all and continue to do so. Charles and I have several releases together over the years and we have just reunited for another production which is forthcoming. I have a monthly residency called 'Spiritual Journey' in Baltimore which is hosted by Ultra Nate'

The new faces to watch out ?
New faces ? Well, although there are many in Baltimore, they are not limited to the surroundings. I have come across some very talented people in other cities. Working Underneath, 280 West, Kenny Carvajal (New Jersey), DJ Buzzard (Baltimore), Divinity, DJ Pirhana, DJ Mintz (Detroit) Soul Mecca, T-Kolai (DC), Tyrone Francis (NYC)… These are some producers to watch for. I know I have excluded many others, so I apologize for that, but I cannot remember a time where there was so much good music to choose from.

The people involved around you (your posee) beginning with your long time partner, DJ Pope ?
My family is known as The Underground Family. We are Deep in numbers. Also known as The POJI Camp. First of course is my Brother in the Struggle, DJ Pope. Carolyn Victorian, Lynnette Smith, Sande', Una, Mustafa, and the InnerCornerBand. DJ Buzzard is down with us and we have more cousins than we can count (Ultra Nate', DJ Spen, Charles Dockins, Karizma, Sam the man Burns, T-Kolai)…

How long have you known each other ?
Pope and I met in college. That was way back in '88 or so. So it's been about 16 years. He is from Chicago. We crossed paths because we were both headed in the same direction. So we decided to take the journey together.

Who's doing what ?
Of late, we have been doing our productions individually. Pope has a project coming out on Slaag Records. He also has another POJI release called "Sign Of The Times" featuring Mustafa Akbar. Also look out for a mixed CD from Pope on POJI records this summer.
As for myself, I have "Nobody" featuring Una to be released 5/28 on West End. Also look out for my record featuring Carolyn Victorian "He's My DJ" on King Street in June. Another DJ Oji & Una song which was a collaboration with Dr. Bob Jones (Chillifunk) called "Soul Underground" on POJI records. There is a Deborah Bond remix that I did on Sahara records for my DC cousins T-Kolai. The collaboration I did with Charles Dockins features a male vocalist named Pedro which is unsigned. It's called "The Mighty One" I am crazy over this song. I wrote it and it's from the heart. Also, I will do another Sancsoul Record release. An EP called "Spirtual Journey".

You have had an album which to me stands as one of last year's best ? Your influences ? Your heroes ?

First of all, thank you for your support on the album. Perhaps many have slept on it, but many of the songs were licensed to compilations and so fourth. My father was probably my biggest influence. He used to but the records and hip me to the music. Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Ashford & Simpson, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan. Frankie Crocker was a big radio influence when I was growing up in New York. DJ influences include, Larry Levan, Tony Humphries, Louie Vega and every other DJ that I have ever listened to. That's new and that's old.

So there's this new single on West End or shall I say, it's rerelease as a single (taken from your last year's album). Any other project of that sort with this label ?

No other records signed to West End, but we will see how this one goes. I am very excited about this first release. One of the first records I ever bought (Tanaa Gardner "Heartbeat") was on that label. For me, this is a milestone.

How was Miami for you at the end of the day ?
Miami was great. It was the best time for me ever. Great parties. Great networking and some good exposure.

You're spinning in Detroit this week-end. How do you see this event as compared to Miami ?
Never been to this conference. I will have to answer that question after Detroit.

Your residencies ?
I currently hold residencies in DC at DC Sanctuary, Club Red, and in Baltimore a 1st Friday monthly (Spiritual Journey) at Ultra Nate's party Sugar You can find me in the mix Wednesday's on handzonradio.com 3pm-5pm EST. Also many mixes on deephousepage.com

The Sanctuary. What has decided you to have a foot in DC ?
DC is a very cultural city. In many ways it reminds me of New York because of its diversity. That is what motivated me to migrate towards DC. DC is 45 minutes from Baltimore. I live in between the two and it's just a matter of 20-30 minutes in either direction for me.

Today's situation ?
Today's situation is critical. The music is better than ever before, but the market is smaller. Vinyl sales are way down and CD file sharing is probably going to be the death of this industry. I am fearful for the future.

How is it to make oneself a name today ? Suppose you're a newcomer, would you do today the way you did knowing what you know ?

The best advice I can give is to make absolutely sure that what you are producing is top quality. You should be able to play your song right behind your favorite songs produced by someone else. If you are still dancing after the transition, then you are ready. If, not you have to go back to the drawing board. Finally, you should never stop trying. I have been doing this for so many years and I am a long way from where I thought I would be by now. However, this music is in my heart. So that should be first. It must be in your heart.

DJ OJI & UNA "Nobody" (West End)
DJ OJI X-Perience The Underground LP (Poji Records)
More infos : pojirecords.com / westendrecords.com)

You may catch DJ Oji behind the decks on 05/29 at DC Sanctuary Sessions alongside Brett Dancer and Shadrach @ Camillian Cafe, bet. Monroe & Randolph – Downtown Detroit (infoline : 313 964 4815)