24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.
DJ Infamous aka Da Missin Link, reppin Virginia, otherwise known online as DJ Infamous804. Official Stunna Liqueur DJ, 704 DJ and Slip-N-Slide DJ. Being the club record breaker in VA, I hold very much and being a voice for pushing Indie artists, no matter the genre.
 
24: What is the significance of your name, DJ Infamous?
Well on earning that name back in ’98 was with my partners at a party. Being very crazy on the turntables, the distinctive style I had, that’s what my friend Selector Fabolous called me.
 
Why did you first get into DJing and how long have you been a DJ?
The enjoyment to truly please the people and music being a passion. I’ve been djing for 15 years.
 
What first drew your attention to hip-hop?
Wasn’t just on hip hop. Just music period and as the transition of hip hop started to come around more and it was just the way of life.
 
Who have been your biggest influences?
Biggest influences, as a DJ first off is Jam Master Jay, Jazzy Jeff and Funk Master Flex. I’d even have to say my mentors who taught me a lot, DJ Foot (Trey Songz DJ), P-Phunk, MG,Fonz, Herb Luva and Casper
 
What makes you different from other DJ’s?
First to say my ears because I listen to so much music, studying music to a T. Also the ability to change style of djing, since there are various forms of scratching and being versatile in playing different genres and not losing a beat.
 
How would you describe the changes from when you entered the game to now?
Actually being within what people call “the game”, it starts back in ’98. Since then just the “circle of music” changed. Where at a time Biggie, Pac, Nas, Big L, you can even say Outkast and Trick Daddy were really on top. Artists were very passionate on their craft towards telling stories and not fabricating it for entertainment. Industry on their talent search truly changed to find just one-hit wonders, thinking they were going to blow big and then flopped. Many things, I could go on and on which have changed. One thing I know that really didn’t change was the leakage of music. That’s always been around just not as heavy as it is now.
 
24: What was the first hip-hop equipment that you ever bought and when did you start scratching and mixing on the turntables?
My very first piece of equipment  that I bought was a Gemini mixer. Scratching and mixing took time but to say it took some years to really reach a certain level to be decent since starting at 14. So to say around 18 , it really showed. Then practicing countless hours after turning 18 to really pick up.
 
24: When you are up there do you have a play list or do you read the crowd?
Read the crowd and move. At times I may revert to a 2-3 song set because I know what will amp them but most times I don’t even step into play that set.
 
24: Tell us about your company DMEnt Group and what other business ventures you are a part of?
Well it’s not my company but a management group based in NY. As stated earlier, I’m the official DJ for Stunna Liqueur, advertising it, doing business with fellow partners in making the drink very successful.
 
24: Do you prefer playing at clubs or doing mixtapes?
To be honest; mixtapes. You have leverage on having your voice heard and brand spread far and wide. Using that mixtape as your portfolio to open doors can earn you gigs in clubs, just depends on how discipline your focus is and your ambitions.
 
24: Hearing the music that’s out now, do you relate more to the newer artists because you haven’t been completely jaded by bad business of the major labels?
Well newer artists to me would always be the Indies. By what the business is putting out, it’s really hard to tell who is who because they have a misconception of what’s “good”. They’ve forgotten that DJs are your true valuable assets to this business on breaking records and letting them pick up and grow to a level where people can grasp new artists. So within all I lean more into finding and listening to new talent that the labels haven’t even heard of and work with them because eventually a label will hear of them.
 
24: Do you enjoy the social networking aspect of the game or do you look at it like it’s something you have to do?
I enjoy it. Especially Twitter. It’s opened a lot of doors for me and for many others but being a true DJ, just beyond spinning records It’s something you have to do to maintain a certain level of credibility.
 
24: How do you feel about the current state of music in general?
Its backwards. The Internet being the gateway to being heard faster is cool, but what many forget is being in the streets handing material out. Some good music aren’t even on the internet because it’s so saturated. So much good talent out here that hasn’t been heard it’s a shame and it seems like the only way to truly be heard is by internet.
 
24: What are your future plans?
Working with few artists X.O. (Black Wall Street), OTS ( in Arizona), JD Era (Toronto), Supastar (Texas), Janelle Nadine, Archie Eversole and Grafh, helping them in small ways. Also, continue branding the drink far and wide. I’m already working on starting a team of DJs for the drink in different cities with the Stunna Liquour family. I’m working with J Milly and those she’s bought to my attention including 24HourHipHop, also a few other sites and magazines and just building in the right way. In the meantime, work on mixtapes with bigger artists to build more credibility.
 
24: How can fans get in contact with you?
Twitter.com/DjInfamous804, Listen to me on www.Hot1079.net (Hot 107.9 in Charlotte and other syndication stations)
 
24: Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview, do you have any last words for your present and future fans?
Always look for a mixtape from the vault (laughs) and continue to network, show true support to help each other with the common goal of being successful no matter how big or small it maybe.