As promised, I finally had a chance to chop it up with DJ $crilla. $crilla hails from Cleveland Heights, Ohio and has been rapping since the 9th grade. He went straight to college and graduated from Kent State University in 2006. He has dropped seven independent albums, with his last release being My Story: Everybody's Got One. $crilla took time out of his busy schedule to let the LiveHip-Hop readers know a little bit about what he’s doing right now and where he is going in 2008.

Profit: $crilla, I know you were out in San Diego recently. How was everything
out there?

$crilla: I have been blessed to have the opportunity to visit a lot of places, but none compare to San Diego. That’s not a knock on any other city, it’s just San Diego has a special vibe. The show was crazy, the people were crazy, everything was just crazy!

Out of all the in and out of state performances that you have done,
where was your most favorite?

Well, some of my most favorite places I have performed have been Hollywood, Gainesville, FL, San Diego, CA, Baton Rouge, LA, & Tempe, AR. I guess you could say out West and down South have been some of my personal favorites.

You have been in the game for a while now and you have been involved
with making songs for different colleges and fraternities, what new
avenue do you plan on taking in 2008?

I don’t really plan on doing anything too new, I just plan on being me. As I grow, my music will follow. As long as I’m happy doing my craft, being positive, I’m good. Feel me?


Yeah I know what you saying. Tell me, how has being a DJ and an artist made you more successful in your career?

Being a DJ has helped me tremendously in regards to my music. It has really enhanced my ear musically, to the point I’m able to hear and notice things in songs, I couldn’t notice before. That may sound strange to some people, but if you are really dedicated to this music thing, you know what I’m talking about.


Who do you credit as being your influences to both DJ and become an artist?

Well growing up in Cleveland, OH we were exposed to a wide variety of music. It’s one thing I have to tell you about Cleveland though….There is a lot of southern influence here. Before the mainstream recognized southern rap, we were on it. Geto Boys, UGK, Outkast,Goodie Mob, and even Master P were all big influences growing up. Though I love my south, my biggest influence was 2Pac hands down! As a DJ, I’m influenced by some of the more recent DJ’s in the game. Vlad, Green Lantern, Dirty Harry. I also love the legends like Jazzy Jeff, Red Alert and [DJ]Premier.

What producers would you like to work with?

DJ Toomp is probably my favorite right now. His instrumentation is crazy. He has some similar elements to Mannie Fresh that I really like.


What's your next project and when is it coming out?

The next project is a solo album coming out at the beginning of 2008. I haven’t decided on a title yet, but know I’m in the lab creating and crafting a masterpiece. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!


Any last words for the readers?

Follow your dreams. Yeah it sounds cliché, but it’s the truth. Don’t settle for less, settle for the best. I can’t say it enough. Lastly, don’t be afraid to be you. As long as you like what you are doing and are happy doing it, it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks.


If you wanna know a little more about DJ $crilla check him out his webpage here. Also, be on the lookout for his new website coming soon and his new CD in 2008.

Don’t forget to check out his latest single What It Is Tho.

What It Is Tho



If you are in the area, check out one of his upcoming shows:

Mar 8 2008 10:00P
California State University, San Bernardino San Bernardino, California
Apr 17 2008 8:00P
Austin Peay University Clarksville, Tennessee
Apr 18 2008 8:00P
University of Nevada-Reno- Private Party