Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal “OG Uncle Skip” York.
Jamal, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started off collecting music, not even thinking of being of DJ. Then, a few times in high school I was elected to spin at a house party or three. Once I got to college, I found out about chopped and screwed music and had to figure out how to make my own. Once I developed my own style of chopping music my friends pushed me to put some of my mixes out. During this time I also learned and was taught the basics (blending, mixing, scratching, etc.). In an attempt to try and get my name out there as well as capture peoples attention I knew I needed some type of visual accompaniment to go with the music I was producing and mixing. Between trying to get free footage and avoiding copyright infringement I had to figure out how to make my own videos/visuals/Re-Edits etc. Now I am a DJ and a Visual artist a visual DJ if you will…
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a smooth bumpy road. The bumpy part is mainly due to financing everything on your own. The only budget is yours and you get what you put in. Also Trying to attain recognition, money, and respect in the music field based on pure talent is very difficult nowadays with social media making “being seen” so simplistic. It’s a saturated market, however, doesn’t discourage but pushes me to make my product the best it possibly can be. And at the end of the day, whether I do get any type of acclaim from the art and music I produce, I would still do it simply for the love of creating cool stuff…
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Custom Choppaz Records – what should we know?
My company is Custom Choppaz Records. We specialize in the production of custom music and scores as well as mixes and blends either by request or from the imagination. The Latest Edition is the visual aspect of the company which combines the custom music with custom visuals to accompany. I am most proud of how we are able to adjust with the ever-changing waves of art and music. The “thing” that sets us apart would be that we will give any feasible idea a try.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would have to thank all of my friends who have ever asked for a mixtape whether it was chopped n screwed or not. To name specific people or groups, I would have to say a Funy Muney for allowing me to release his music both regular and chopped and screwed versions, Keith “dstrk.kwby” for being the first to introduce me to chopped and screwed music, Bando Beatz, the production company I DJ for and work with. Through them, I have access to a steady flow of excellent music of all styles. C-Kent who just plays a pivotal part in getting “it” done. My manager Black who actually gave me access to the platform that I am currently on E1. My supporters are too many to name.
Contact Info:
- Website: customchoppaz.com
- Email: oguncleskip@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customchoppaz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oguncleskip/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/OGuncleskip
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2GXLdRSv2EtOfOOay6CTKg
Image Credit:
Spencer Charles
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