DJ Modesty

Hip-Hop is a world wide movement now. Who would’ve thought a DJ in France would make a mixtape of thug music from Queens? Modesty’s ‘Kings from Queens’ mixtape ain’t no pause CD, and few DJs from Queens have put out a mix like this recently. Modesty proves that the Atlantic Ocean is no boundary for a fanatic of a particular style of rap from the streets of the East Coast.

Tell me about ‘Kings from Queens’.

It's a mixtape/album of 100% Queens artists with me on the mix. Some great names are on it like Prodigy, Large Pro, Craig G, and many more. I live far from NY, in the south of France but ever since I heard rap from the Golden years I got the calling to DJ my style - with the Thug Muzik.

Any of the French MCs making Thug Muzik?

I started out as a DJ for a French Rap Crew but honestly I'm not connected with the French scene. I haven’t been a fan of what’s going on in that scene since the Golden years.

Golden years of French Hip-Hop?

The best period of French and US Hip-Hop was the mid 90s. While yall had Biggie and Nas, in France we had artists like Rocca, and IAM. I'm nostalgic because since 2000 the sounds have changed. That goes for Hip-Hop from France and the US. I pay attention to the US scene. In France some MCs try to use grimy beats and talk about sad things but I don't know.

Why did you choose to make a mixtape featuring strictly MCs from Queens?

I love Thug Muzik. I came up on Mobb Deep. There’s something about the Queens MCs…dramatic beats, raps about the harsh realities of life…grimy music. This project is dedicated to the fans of that sound from all over the world. It came from a concept I did on my show. I introduce some great talent from the streets.

Tell us more about your radio show based in France –‘THE REAL HIP HOP SHOW.’

It started in 2004. I wanted to represent for the independent artists and do my thing on the mix. This wouldn’t be possible without the internet. The show keeps getting stronger with label support from the US, UK, Canada, and Sweden. It’s played on many FM radio stations and pod casts. I play real Hip-Hop music but I give all the artists a chance. I named it ‘The Real Hip-Hop Show’ because I'm a Golden years fan. I'm happy to work with people who continue to make great sounds that give you the same feeling as the music from back then.

Would you ever move to Queens?

Yup. I find my inspiration over there. I’ve been to NY but I’ve never visited Queens. I’ve heard that some parts are dangerous but I can relate to the music and the drama. My manager wants to set up a show for me in Queens to represent this project.

For more on DJ Modesty:
myspace.com/djmodesty and www.allskool.com.