Ever since Nabs’ hip-hop group Kriss Kross sparked the teenage craze of wearing shirts and pants backwards with its double platinum Jump in 1992, the DJ has put his best foot forward.
That same year, the group opened for Michael Jackson on the European leg of his Dangerous tour, when Nabs, who will play a mix of hip-hop hits during a tribute evening to the King of Pop at Room 18 tomorrow, performed to stadiums full of wild fans.
“Words like incredible or amazing just seem to fall flat when talking about Michael Jackson and what he meant to me,” Nabs said in an e-mail interview earlier this week. “He channeled a lot of love into his music and I felt it every time I saw him perform or hear his music now.”
Nabs started out deejaying in Atlanta, Georgia, and was noticed by Jermaine Dupri, who signed him to his label So So Def. He went on to become the exclusive DJ for Kriss Kross, Da Brat, Xscape, and Bow Wow.
During his time at the label, Nabs learned the ins and outs of the entertainment industry from Dupri’s father, Michael Mauldin.
“He told me that it’s important to have the right name to brand and the right people around you to make the most of every opportunity,” Nabs said. “You have to have vision.”
Nabs’ vision goes beyond deejaying, touring and making mix CDs. He’s been working in artist development with Mauldin Brand Agency for the past
seven years.
“I’ve learned a lot on the managerial side of things working with this team,” said Nabs. “It takes quite a bit of patience, money and understanding to deal with hungry new artists, but when it works, the rewards are outstanding,”
His advice to new artists is simple. “Find some things unique about yourself and develop it so that once an opportunity arises, you stand out,” he said. “In other words, no one is looking for a Drake if there’s one out there already. Learn from a Drake but be yourself. Be unique.”
Independence Day Weekend Michael Jackson Tribute with DJ Nabs is tomorrow from 10:30pm to 4:30am at Room 18, B1, 88, Songren Rd, Taipei City (台北市松仁路88號B1). Admission is NT$700, which includes two drinks. On the Net: www.djnabs.com and www.room18.com.tw
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