DJ Clue
Encyclopedia
Ernesto Shaw better known as DJ Clue?, is a mixtape
DJ
.
DJ Clue is most notably known for his first Mixtape CD, The Professional Part I, which sold over a million copies. He was also the mastermind behind the infamous DJ Clue Presents: Backstage Mixtape, which debuted at #6 on the charts. With a new compilation, The Professional Part II, DJ Clue is headed for a whole other level. What makes The Professional Part II so exhilarating is the artists DJ Clue has assembled - a roster of the hottest and most versatile artists out today: Mary J. Blige, Ja Rule, Jadakiss, DMX, Snoop, Lil Mo, Busta feat. Rah Digga, Eminem feat. Method Man and Royce, and Nas - just to name a few. He also produced half the album along with his partner Ken Durro with whom he has a production company (No Question Entertainment).
A native of Queens, New York, 26-year old “Clue” became fascinated with the artistry of Hip Hop back in 1989, when he (then known as MC Drama) was the front man for a neighboring Queens rap group. It was in the mist of one of their intense practice sessions that Clue gazed over at his deejay’s turntables and immediately became enthralled - shortly after deciding that he’d rather add, subtract and multiply beats, and get the crowd’s undivided attention by making their eardrums dance to what he’s mixing. All it took was a pair of Linear-Tech DD 1700’s, two copies of Chic’s “Good Times” and heart to get started. Now, with a style as personal and established as his name, DJ Clue’s good times are indeed on the rise.
DJ Clue broke ground by releasing his first tape in 1990, Clue #24. The tape took New York City by storm: the tape was distributed citywide, from Queens to the Boogie Down Bronx to Brooklyn and back, and his name grew as fast as his record collection - mainly because he included what no one else could on their tapes: unreleased material. Add live recording street freestyles to the mix and Clue gave the people a tape as diverse as a multicultural classroom. There were mix tapes, and then therewere Clue tapes - and the difference was always apparent. DJ Clue has put together close to two hundred mix tapes within a seven-year span, often selling as much or more than a top record label. “If the RIAA were to count the tapes I’ve sold independently over the years, I would’ve been certified multi-Platinum by now,” says Clue confidently.
In the past three years DJ Clue has earned “Best Mix Tape” awards from the music industry. Now, DJ Clue not only contributes his talent to one of the most popular radio stations in the country - Hot 97 in New York City - but he is also one of the hottest club DJs, dominating the club scene around the world. His radio show is one of the most tuned into, mainly because he exudes the same mixing prowess as he does on his mix tapes.
DJ Clue knows what’s hot, and he brings that knowledge to his new project. “I try to be the voice of the streets,” says an enthusiastic Clue. “From wherever I am to wherever I go, people are always feeling what I’m feeling.” And this is the reason why when DJ Clue steps onto the DJ’s Podium, questions are never asked.
Mixtape
A Mix Tape or Mixed Tape is a compilation of songs recorded in a specific order, traditionally onto an audio Compact Cassette.A Mix Tape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a...
DJ
Disc jockey
A disc jockey, also known as DJ, is a person who selects and plays recorded music for an audience. Originally, "disc" referred to phonograph records, not the later Compact Discs. Today, the term includes all forms of music playback, no matter the medium.There are several types of disc jockeys...
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Biography
For more than 10 years, DJ Clue has proven that he is more than just a beat-thumper. His accomplishments show how a turntable genius precisely puts together different songs to make a concoction of beats and melodies that rule the clubs and the streets. This mix tape phenomenon is nothing short of spectacular. DJ Clue has the honed-down expertise and handiness of a veteran, and is undoubtedly on the verge of spinning himself into history. He has turned a personal hobby into a commodity and a booming industry all on his own. The “Mixtape” is one of the most sought after products in the Hip Hop world. His 90-minute compilations are full of the hottest artists, mixed with never-heard-before rhythms and unique freestyles. DJ Clue is known for street masterpieces such as Clue For President, Clueminatti and Show Me The Money Pt.’s I and II; works of art which have traveled around the world faster than Clue himself. And if a song isn’t on a Clue tape, then little attention is paid - because in spite of everything, all this tastemaker has to do is suggest what’s hot and everyone tags along.DJ Clue is most notably known for his first Mixtape CD, The Professional Part I, which sold over a million copies. He was also the mastermind behind the infamous DJ Clue Presents: Backstage Mixtape, which debuted at #6 on the charts. With a new compilation, The Professional Part II, DJ Clue is headed for a whole other level. What makes The Professional Part II so exhilarating is the artists DJ Clue has assembled - a roster of the hottest and most versatile artists out today: Mary J. Blige, Ja Rule, Jadakiss, DMX, Snoop, Lil Mo, Busta feat. Rah Digga, Eminem feat. Method Man and Royce, and Nas - just to name a few. He also produced half the album along with his partner Ken Durro with whom he has a production company (No Question Entertainment).
A native of Queens, New York, 26-year old “Clue” became fascinated with the artistry of Hip Hop back in 1989, when he (then known as MC Drama) was the front man for a neighboring Queens rap group. It was in the mist of one of their intense practice sessions that Clue gazed over at his deejay’s turntables and immediately became enthralled - shortly after deciding that he’d rather add, subtract and multiply beats, and get the crowd’s undivided attention by making their eardrums dance to what he’s mixing. All it took was a pair of Linear-Tech DD 1700’s, two copies of Chic’s “Good Times” and heart to get started. Now, with a style as personal and established as his name, DJ Clue’s good times are indeed on the rise.
DJ Clue broke ground by releasing his first tape in 1990, Clue #24. The tape took New York City by storm: the tape was distributed citywide, from Queens to the Boogie Down Bronx to Brooklyn and back, and his name grew as fast as his record collection - mainly because he included what no one else could on their tapes: unreleased material. Add live recording street freestyles to the mix and Clue gave the people a tape as diverse as a multicultural classroom. There were mix tapes, and then therewere Clue tapes - and the difference was always apparent. DJ Clue has put together close to two hundred mix tapes within a seven-year span, often selling as much or more than a top record label. “If the RIAA were to count the tapes I’ve sold independently over the years, I would’ve been certified multi-Platinum by now,” says Clue confidently.
In the past three years DJ Clue has earned “Best Mix Tape” awards from the music industry. Now, DJ Clue not only contributes his talent to one of the most popular radio stations in the country - Hot 97 in New York City - but he is also one of the hottest club DJs, dominating the club scene around the world. His radio show is one of the most tuned into, mainly because he exudes the same mixing prowess as he does on his mix tapes.
DJ Clue knows what’s hot, and he brings that knowledge to his new project. “I try to be the voice of the streets,” says an enthusiastic Clue. “From wherever I am to wherever I go, people are always feeling what I’m feeling.” And this is the reason why when DJ Clue steps onto the DJ’s Podium, questions are never asked.
Albums
- The ProfessionalThe Professional (album)The Professional is DJ Clue?'s debut studio album. It features appearances from the likes of DMX, M.O.P, Jay Z and more.- Track listing :# "Intro"# "Ruff Ryders' Anthem"...
(1998) - The Professional, Pt. 2 (2000)
- The Professional, Pt. 3The Professional, Pt. 3The Professional 3 is the third studio album from DJ and producer DJ Clue?. It was released December 19th, 2006 on Desert Storm Records, Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings....
(2006)
Remixes
- Heartbreaker (remix) (featuring Da BratDa BratShawntae Harris , better known as Da Brat, is an American rapper and actress. Her debut album, Funkdafied, sold one million copies, making her the first female rapper to have a platinum-selling album.-Early life:...
& Missy ElliottMissy ElliottMelissa Arnette "Missy" Elliott , is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, and actressA five-time Grammy Award winner, Elliott, with record sales of over seven million in the United States, is the only female rapper to have five albums certified platinum by the RIAA, including one...
) - Mariah Carey (1999) - Thank God I Found You/Make It Last ForeverThank God I Found You"Thank God I Found You" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It features guest vocals from R&B singer Joe and American boy band 98 Degrees. Written and produced by Carey along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song was released on January 25, 2000, through Columbia...
(Remix) (featuring JoeJoe (singer)Joseph Lewis Thomas , usually credited simply as Joe, is an American R&B singer and record producer.-Early life:Joe is a native of Cuthbert, Georgia and later moved to Opelika, Alabama. The son of two preachers, Joe spent much time in church singing, playing guitar, and even directing the choir...
& Nas) - Mariah Carey (1999) - It's Gonna Be MeIt's Gonna Be Me ('N Sync song)"It's Gonna Be Me" is a song by 'N Sync, released as the second single in the US and third in Europe from their 2000 album No Strings Attached. The lyrics are addressed to a woman with apparent attachment issues, connected with bad experiences from previous relationships. The singer assures her...
- *NSYNC (2000) - U Remind MeU Remind Me"U Remind Me" is a 2001 single from Usher's 2001 album 8701. It was the first US single from the album...
(featuring Blu CantrellBlu CantrellBlu Cantrell is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter.-Biography:Tiffany Cobb was born in Providence, Rhode Island in 1976. Her father was a Narragansett Native American and Cape Verdean, and played in the National Basketball Association...
and Method ManMethod ManClifford Smith , better known by his stage name Method Man is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He took his stage name from the 1979 film The Fearless Young Boxer, also known as Method Man. He is one half of the rap duo Method Man...
)- UsherUsher (entertainer)Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
(2001) - Overnight CelebrityOvernight Celebrity"Overnight Celebrity" is the second single off Twista's 2004 album Kamikaze. The song was produced by Kanye West. It contains a sample of the Lenny Williams song "Cause I Love You"...
(remix) (featuring Kanye WestKanye WestKanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, Cam'ronCam'ronCameron Giles , better known by his stage name Cam'ron or "Killa Cam", is a Grammy-nominated American actor. He is the founder of the hip-hop group The Diplomats , and also of The U.N. group....
and 50 Cent50 CentCurtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
- TwistaTwistaCarl Terrell Mitchell , better known by his stage name Twista, is an American rapper. He is known for once holding the title of fastest rapper in the world according to Guinness World Records in 1992, being able to pronounce 598 syllables in 55 seconds...
(2005) - Mesmerized (featuring Nas) - Faith EvansFaith EvansFaith Renée Evans is an American singer-songwriter, recording artist, record producer, actress and author. Born in Florida and raised in New Jersey, Evans relocated to Los Angeles during 1993 for a career with the music business. After working as a backing vocalist for Al B...
(2005) - How to Deal - Frankie JFrankie JFrancisco Javier Bautista, Jr. , better known by his stage name Frankie J, is a Mexican singer and former member of the musical group Kumbia Kings....
(2005) - We Belong Together (Remix) (featuring Styles P. and JadakissJadakissJason Phillips , better known as Jadakiss, is an American rapper. He is a member of the group The LOX. Jadakiss is one of the three owners of the imprint known as D-Block. In early 2007, Jadakiss signed to Roc-a-Fella Records / Def Jam Records.-Early life:By the age of 16, Jadakiss was a freestyle...
) - Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
(2005) - Shake It OffShake It Off"Shake It Off" is a song performed by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey, taken from her tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi . It was written and produced by Carey along with Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Johntá Austin...
(Remix) (featuring Jay-ZJay-ZShawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
and Young JeezyYoung JeezyJay Wayne Jenkins , better known by his stage name Young Jeezy, is an American rapper. He is the member of the hip hop group United Streets Dopeboyz of America and a former member of BMF...
) - Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
(2005) - One Wish (Ray J song) (featuring Fabolous) - Ray JRay JWilliam Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...
(2005) - Don't Forget About UsDon't Forget About Us"Don't Forget About Us" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It was written by Carey, Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox and Johntá Austin, and released as the fifth single for the re-issue of her tenth studio album, The Emancipation of Mimi...
(Remix) (featuring Styles P. and FabolousFabolousJohn David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
) - Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
(2006) - Ride for YouRide for You"Ride for You" is an Pop/R&B ballad written by Bryan Michael Cox, Kendrick "Wyldcard" Dean, and Adonis Stropshire for Danity Kane's debut album Danity Kane . Co-produced by Cox and Wyldcard, it was released as the album's second single in fall 2006 . The song peaked at number 78 on the U.S...
- Danity KaneDanity KaneDanity Kane was an American female music group signed to Bad Boy Records, first established in 2005. Formed on the third installment of MTV's Making the Band reality television series, the quintet comprised members Aubrey O'Day, Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgett, Shannon Bex, Dawn Richard, and Aundrea...
(2006) - You Should Be My GirlYou Should Be My Girl"You Should Be My Girl" is a R&B song performed by Sammie, who is signed to Dallas Austin's Rowdy Records. It was first single to be released from his self-titled second album. The song features Sean P of The YoungBloodZ. It was produced by Jazze Pha and released in June 2006.It managed to chart...
- SammieSammieSammie Bush , better known by Sammie, is an American soul and pop singer. He is best known for his hit, "I Like It" from his debut album, From the Bottom to the Top . He returned with his second studio album, Sammie in 2006...
(featuring Sean P) (2006)
Production
- "HeartbreakerHeartbreaker (Mariah Carey song)"Heartbreaker" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey. It was released on September 21, 1999 by Columbia Records as the lead single from Carey's seventh studio album, Rainbow . The song was written by Carey and Jay-Z and produced by the former and DJ Clue...
" (featuring Jay-ZJay-ZShawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
) - Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
(1999) - "Last Night a DJ Saved My LifeLast Night a DJ Saved My Life (song)"Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life" is a song written by Michael Cleveland for R&B–New Wave–dance group Indeep. It features vocals from Reggie and Rose Marie Ramsey, and its protagonists recall how they were bored to death until a DJ played a hot song and saved their lives by giving new energy to the...
" (featuring Busta RhymesBusta RhymesTrevor Tahiem Smith, Jr., better known by his stage name Busta Rhymes ,Smith is an American rapper, producer and actor. Chuck D of Public Enemy gave him the alias Busta Rhymes after NFL wide receiver George "Buster" Rhymes...
and FabolousFabolousJohn David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
) - Mariah CareyMariah CareyMariah Carey is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her eponymous studio album in 1990, under the guidance of Columbia Records executive Tommy Mottola, whom she later married in 1993...
(2001) - "Trade It All Pt.2" (featuring Jagged EdgeJagged Edge (band)Jagged Edge is an American R&B group, with the lead singers, Brandon & Brian, born in Hartford, CT on October 13, 1975, Kyle Norman of Decatur, GA born on February 26,1976 and Richard Wingo of College Park, GA born on September 3, 1975. Wingo was a late addition to the group, added after Kandi...
and P. Diddy) - FabolousFabolousJohn David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
(2002) - "Hurry Up" (featuring Gunz) - Mya (2003)
- "One Wish" (remix) feat. FabolousFabolousJohn David Jackson , better known by his stage name Fabolous, is an American rapper of African American and Dominican descent. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. Part of his early popularity arose from his hit single "Can't Deny It" in 2001, from his debut...
- Ray JRay JWilliam Ray Norwood Jr. , better known by his stage name Ray J, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor.-Early life:...
(2006) - "The Gold" - Mobb DeepMobb DeepMobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
(2006) - "Superwoman" (featuring Fabolous - Lil Mo
- "Dopeman" - Jay-Z
- " Keepin It Gangsta" - Fabolous
External links
- Desert Storm Records
- The DJ Booth: DJ Clue? Interview
- DJ Clue at Artst Guild & Gallery