By: Vinny Keys
Rapindustry.com

 

DJ NEWMARK AKA the Throwback King of Hip Hop and R&B has a DJ career that spans over three decades in six countries, 30 States and 90 cities. He’s a tour DJ, music promoter, radio personality and an award-winning mix show DJ. He has over 450 live concerts and show performances to his credit. DJ Newmark’s passion for old school Hip-Hop, R&B, and Freestyle culture is a testament to his work. He has successfully built a legacy that honors the roots of hip hop while making it accessible and relevant to today’s generation of listeners.

You can catch him on his show, The DJ Newmark Experience on South Florida’s number one radio station for classic Hip Hop and R&B, Yo 107.1 FM. And at 3 pm EST on the Flavor on Top of Flavor Mix Show on weekdays at 5:30 PM, and also on weekdays at 6 PM. 

We recently caught up with the workhorse to tell his story.

 

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Let’s jump right into it, you grew up in many places around the world being a Military kid. How has this strengthened you as a person being exposed to so many different cultures?

Pressing the “reset” button every three years of my life as a military kid really helped me learn to talk and network with people in the new communities that I instantly became a part of.  I’m sure that had a direct level of influence on my self-confidence and communication skills. Being exposed and learning different cultures certainly allowed me to appreciate the differences and commonalties that people across the world share.

What was it like growing up as a bi-racial kid?

Growing up as a bi-racial kid was at times really difficult.  Diversity and inclusion was not the same talking point back in the 80’s as it is today. I often faced many forms of prejudice from the White kids because I wasn’t White, Black kids because I didn’t look Black and from Asian kids because I didn’t look or sounded Asian.  It wasn’t until I learned to play basketball in 5th grade when all of that started to change.

When did you know you wanted to be a DJ? What made you gravitate towards DJing?

Globally speaking, people wasn’t aware of Hip-Hop until 1981 even though the Sugarhill Gang released “Rappers Delight” in 1979. Many of the kids in urban communities were listening to “New Wave” and “Pop” music. The sounds of the New York streets were a fresh and rejuvenated sound.  That sound along with the clothes, speech, dancing and art is what we know today as Hip-Hop. It was that movements energy that drew me in as a middle school kid.  As far as being a DJ, everyone was a rapper, beat box or dancer because it was free to do. I wanted to do something not too many at the time was doing and that was being a DJ. I instantly became popular because it was a rare service in my area. 

When did hip-hop become your back bone?

Hip-Hop became my back bone instantly. It was literally “Love at first sight”. I absorbed the music, dancing, speech and energy of it all from day one. 

What’s been your most memorable moments as a DJ?

With over 3 decades of being on the turntables there are so many moments. I will say that my best times in the industry were when I was with DMX.

Talk about your early experience/relationship with DMX and Ruff Ryder…

I first officially met DMX in 2011.  I was a member of the Fort Knox, KY Ruff Ryder chapter and was known as “Slow Lane”. X and other artists/executives of the label would often visit chapters across the country when big events are held. He witnessed me DJing at an event, we talked and the rest is history. My relationship with X was on a different level outside of the music. I was in the military at the time so I didn’t drink or smoke and was very clean cut. I didn’t fit the mold of the group of people that was around him on a routine basis and he loved that part of me. I am also a very candid person, where there were a lot people that would say “Yes” to him, I would be that guy to say “No”.  He never called me “Slow Lane or Newmark” during the entire time I knew him. He called me “Soldier Boy”.  I miss him dearly, although he had his demons, to this day he is the most down-to-earth, humble and honest celebrity that I have ever been around. RIP Earl…

Who have you toured with as a DJ that we may not know about?

As a stand-alone DJ, I can’t say that I have actually “Toured” with anybody in particular. I’ve performed several shows and shared the stage with comedians like Tommy Davidson to Hip-Hop legends such of DJ Lord Jazz of The Lords of the Underground and DMX to R&B artists like Karyn White. I do however go on international tours sponsored by the military to entertain the troops. It’s definitely my way of giving back. 

What’s your take on hip hop reaching 50+ years now?

Nobody within the mainstream music industry expected this to happen, they said that it wouldn’t last as if it was a fad like disco music. I’m so proud of what the Hip-Hop culture has accomplished.

Are you happy with how its evolved?

Yes, although every generation of music listeners will say that their music is better, I am overall happy that the culture has captivated the attention of current and past generations of listeners. But I’m all about the Throwbacks!

People may not know but Gensu Dean is your 1st cousin. Are you guys pretty close? Have you guys ever worked on anything together?

I am blessed to have a rather large family tree. My dad was number 8 of 10 children raised in Belzoni Mississippi. Gensu Dean’s dad was number 9 of 10 which put our dads in direct competition with hand me down clothes, food scraps, girlfriends and other resources while growing up. He was also my favorite uncle.  Coincidently, he is the only person other than my Dad to ever spank me. Dean and I haven’t worked on anything together yet but I’m sure its bound to happen at some point. He is my Favorite relative.  

 

Aside from your recently released double album, entitled “Hot Tracks” which you dropped last year, How extensive have you gone with music production? Any rappers we might know of that you’ve produced for? Is this something you will be doing more of, or is it strictly DJing for you right now?

X laid several tracks for me in my home studio but they became lost over time. I manly focus on producing local and underground talent to help their dreams of entertainment become a reality. As I have gotten older, I must admit that some of my “creative patience” is gone so I mainly stick to DJing now a days. 

Who’s your top 5 rappers of all time?

For me it’s LL Cool J, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, 2Pac and Biggie

How about DJs, who’s your top 5?

For me it’s DJ Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, Grandmaster Flash, Cut Creator and DJ Cheese

Is there any artist(s) or celebrities that you’ve met where you went “full fan-boy” on?

DMX (But he never knew how much of a fan I was. I treated him and he treated me as just another man)

Did you watch the Paris Olympics? What was your take on the inclusion of Breakdancing?

Yes, I did catch some of the games. I think breakdancing should be an Olympic game due to the tremendous amount of athleticism, strength and control it takes to break (unless you are from Australia, LOL!)

You were the Official DJ for the Oakland Raiders at one time? is this correct? how was that experience?

Yes from 2014-16 there as a group of 3 of us that rotated. It was a dream come true. I’ve bled Silver and Black ever since I was aware of the NFL. To be affiliated with them as a DJ was a dream come true. Playing in front of Raider Nation is unparalleled!!

Have to ask, Being in South Florida, you a Miami Dolphins fan? If so, what’s your take on the team this year going into the new season?

I support the local professional sports teams here in South Florida but I’m not a “fan”. I’m happy for the community when the teams do well, it boosts the positive energy here. Since you mention the Dolphins, they are expected to do well. My Raiders are coming to town this season and I can’t wait! 

What do you do in your free time?

What free time LOL? I am the weekday host of the number 1 radio station in the Palm Beaches for classic Hip-Hop and R&B music YO! 107.1 FM. “The DJ Newmark Experience” is on from 3-7 PM with the “Flavor on Top of Flavor Master Mix” at 5:30. People can join our worldwide audience by visiting our website at yopalmbeach.com and listen live 24/7.  During basketball season, I coach High School basketball within the school district as well. 

What’s next for you?

I would like to try moving my broadcasting platform to XM radio in the near future.

Anything we have missed, Any last words?

Mad respect to the team at RapIndustry.com for taking interest in my story and giving me the platform to share my thoughts to your readers. Tap in on my Instagram @djnewmark and refer to this story in my DM I will follow you back and if anyone should be in the South Florida area, let me know, let’s break bread. Peace and Blessings.