By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
A major fixture on the New York hip hop scene is Don Mega. Much more than major, this man is a legend, but he spends most of his time in Miami now. The famed producer for D-Block is living up to the line Jadakiss spit on Jay-Z’s “Reservoir Dogs” off Vol. 2… Hard Knock Life with his fellow L.O.X. members and Beanie Sigel.
Don Mega is not on vacation down in Miami, as he is working harder than ever at expanding both the D-Block name and his own name. Alongside Brick Squad executive, Mack Drama, Don Mega is doing the “Don Mega: Make Me A Star” tour. The two have had so much success, they are booking date-after-date.
Hip Hop Vibe had the chance to kick it with Don Mega and he talked about some of the moves he is making in his career. A position in the game is just that and it is what a person makes it. Being “just a producer” wasn’t enough for Don Mega, he has taken that and built an interesting brand he discussed with Hip Hop Vibe.
Read the entire interview below:
Before we get into it, can you explain how you became a part of D-Block? In the early 90s I began producing for D-Block and worked with them for several years. When I moved out to Miami I began D-Block Mega Muzik Records and brought the label out to the South and Midwest and ran with it. It’s a blessing to be able to work with them.
Last year, we talked to Mack Drama and he spoke highly of you and the joint work you guys have coming. Can you speak more on this? Since that interview with Mack Drama, we launched and are on the second leg of the D-Block Mega Muzik/Brick Squad Kartel Records’ “Don Mega: Make Me A Star” Tour. I’ve been going state to state looking for artists to work with and sign to the label. Shout out to Mack Drama who has been key in making all of this happen.
It is an exciting time in D-Block right now, can you tell us more about the tour? Yes, we’ve started the tour since November 2011. We’ve been to seven states already, including most recently Michigan, Chicago, and East St. Louis. Some places, the demand was so much, we went back twice and plan to go back again. The demand has been real and I am humbled by how each state has been so receptive and excited to have us.
The D-Block Mega Muzik / Brick Squad Kartel Records “Make Me A Star” Tour started as a 10 city tour however it may end up being more. We have been recruiting artists to work with the label and in some cases artists have been signed. We have further been working hand in hand with local youth organizations to help bring not only opportunities to these kids but most recently in East St Louis spoke about creating jobs. This tour has turned into a movement and although the foundation is searching for artists has become so much more than that. Creating opportunities is an amazing thing and important to the label.
Outside of the music, you also are working on a reality show, can you speak more on that? “The Label” is an industry-based reality show that is based on my life as a label owner/producer and five hungry artists that will be signed to the label. The five label-mates will be put to the test, as each artist will have to upgrade his image, build his fans, and help get tour dates. They will compete to prove why they are the best, all the while knowing that each of them could be “cut from the roster” by being put on the shelf if they don’t bring their best to the table. After all this, if they make it, they will launch to the world that all important single allowing the true journey to begin. Backed by D-Block and 1017 Brick Squad, I will be whipping these artists into shape and of course celebrity guests are scheduled to appear.
The first season of “THE LABEL” is 8 episodes long and is scheduled to begin production winter 2013.
How important do you feel it is to network when you get in this industry to branch off into other businesses? Very important. This industry is based around two things with the first being numbers and fans always staying in the mainstream with them while the second one is bringing other markets and ventures as we have and plan to more of with clothing, liquor, and more. The more people you reach, the better it is for everyone. The industry is SO relevant to both and it all works hand in hand.
You have had a lot of success in the industry, what do you attribute to your strong run? Dedication, Perseverance, I love what I do and I know where I want to take this label. Without the artists and fans showing demand and support we would not be here, and my team which has held strong and has been dedicated throughout the entire stretch.
Could you give us a brief list of the people in the industry you have worked with? D-Block’s Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch. I’ve also worked on a number of projects that include artist and labels such as Lil’ Boosie, Webbie, Trill Will, Savage Life Entertainment, Ty, and Pretty Ricky. There are way too many unsigned artists to name.
What project are you the most-excited about right now that you are working on? All of them. Everything has been in the planning stages for so long, it’s exciting to see it all executed and in the works. We’ve just launched the Dope Boi / Dope Gurl Clothing line, which has been in high demand; “The Label” and the “Who Is Don Mega?” documentary are top of my list after the “Make Me A Star” tour. The tour has been an adventure and meeting all the artist along the way keep me motivated and inspired. Looking forward to travelling to more states and meeting / signing & working with more artists as the movement keeps going. It’s all blessed.
Where can we connect with you online? Facebook is Don Mega, Twitter is @DAREALDONMEGA, and visit our site WWW.MEGAMUZIK1017.COM for all the latest label announcements & news, mix tape opportunities and tour destinations.
Follow K.B. Tindal on Twitter @KBTindal.
