REAL TALK: Jimmy Taco

by: Kalani Wilhelm

What was your reaction when Myspace featured you?
I felt honored and surprised by the amount of people who knew me.
It was kind of overwhelming to deal with all of the friend request, and comments in
such a short period of time.

Musically, what are the most important things people should now about you and your attitude towards the art?
They need to know that hip-hop runs through my veins, and I’m not talking about BOW WOW, and CIARA. The entire culture, and the representation of all the
elements. The elements include, djing, break dancing, emceeing, & aerosol art.

How much do you value the recognition you get from other DJs and the local hip hop scene?
I value it with the highest importance. I feel that I have been lucky enough to do what I love for this length of time. It feels good when a young DJ comes up and says you’re the reason why I got into DJ’ing. It’s very humbling as well.

Where does winning the HMA with Tassho rank among your accomplishments in music?
It feels good to be one of the many people behind the scenes on that album. I’m happy for TASSHO, and feel proud to have been able to work with greats like SYZE ONE, DILATED PEOPLES, Q-BERT, & APATHY.


How has your DJing, producing improved from say 5 years ago? 10 years ago?
As far as my DJ’ing, my programming has greatly improved by working with K-SMOOTH, and understanding how to work a crowd at a club, and on air.
Producing, has really fallen off, I don’t have the time to make beats. My knowledge of mixing has really improved in the last 4 years with working on albums for TASSHO PEARCE, OR1GINAL, and THE LUCK.

Your radio show has been a success and integral avenue for local artists and hip hop fans, why do you think "Mind Tactics" has been on the air for so long? Do you see the show ending anytime soon? What are some of your more memorable moments?
These last 12 years have been great. I’m thankful that all of the program directors that I’ve worked with over the years have given me the opportunity to give our local artists this little format to express their music. Some of my favorite memories are being able to meet and interview hip-hop greats like KOOL HERC, GANGSTARR, COMMON, & KANYE WEST. I hope that one day I can pass the torch to someone with the same passion, but I won’t be ready for quite some time

As an accomplished "hip hop DJ" who really has an interest and knowledge for hip hop music, is it ever hard for you to continuously play the more "mainstream" stuff that you might not like?
Yes it can be hard, especially if I don’t like the music I’m playing. But the job of a DJ is to rock his crowd no matter what the occasion. Those instances I see more of a challenge to my skills as an all around DJ, rather than just a hip-hop DJ.

When do you reach that point and say "screw this, i'm playing want I want to play?
There’s been many times where I have felt like that. I just need to remember that either the client, or promoter wants a certain sound for their event and that it’s my job to fulfill their needs.

How long have you been spinning at DnBs?
I’ve been working with dave and busters for the last 7 years.

Other than DnBs what other regular DJ gigs do you have and where else can people find you?
They can catch me hosting Fridays at Level 4, I can also be found filling in for The Nocturnal Sound Crew at Living Room on some Fridays.

Is there anything you want to plug?
My studio Sure Shot Studio is open to all local hip-hop artists. As well as me being available for private gigs, from weddings, grad parties, and corporate events. Email me for price quotes and bookings at sureshotpromo@gmail.com