DJ Big Lou The Mayor has made his stamp in the Toledo, Ohio club and radio scene. He has traveled in and out of state to open up for Joe, Rich Boy, Young Dro, Soulja Boy, Lil Boosie, Gucci Mane, Biz Markie, Gorilla Zoe, and many more.

I recently had the chance to sit down and chat with him about his career (past, present and future) and his current take on the state of hip-hop.

I remember riding with you to the store to get your first set of turntables and the DM1050 Numark Mixer. How has things changed for you since then?
I've upgraded several times. Running serato with tecnique 1200s and cdjs.
Who was your biggest influence that motivated you to become a DJ?
Jazzy Jeff, Kid Capri, JMJ, Red Alert, people like that i still look up too
I always love watchin djs do there thing. But I started when I use to carry crates for dj 1x [DJ One Tyme] and instead of me kickin it I took an interest in djing. So I saved the money and did what I had to do.
How did local radio stations play a part in your past and current success?
It started off with college radio. I did a mixshow for my brother's college radio show, 88.3 WXUT Toledo, and now im currently mixing on the #1 station in Toledo hot 97.3 WJZE. Those stations have helped me reach a bigger audience as well as put my name out there more.
Has being a member of the Core Dj's helped with your credibility, if yes, how so?
Being a Core DJ has open many doors. It's like a big brotherhood of dj's man. Some of the top dj's in the world [are a part of them]. They look out for each other and help each other out. They also help local artist come up in the game.
Where do you see your DJ career going in the future?
I want to get into the mixtape game more. Keep reaching a bigger audience until my name is everywhere. Doing what I like to do, rockin clubs and traveling more. Get on a few more radio stations [and] help smaller artist get to the top as well as myself.
I know you have a mixtape dropping soon, can you give the readers a little insight as to what to expect from it and what is the title going to be?
The mixtape consist of mixes from myself, DJ Chill Will, and Hutch Daddy Dolla. Its going to be a real treat. We got all the hot joints on there and we even gave love to local artist from Cleveland, Detroit and Toledo that are doing their thing. The mixtape is called The Three Kings "The Campaign".
When is the release date of the mixtape?
Drops Dec 1, then 1 every month.
Lastly, what's your take on the current state of hip hop?
Hip-hop is changing without a doubt. I just wish people would quit trying to blame hip-hop for all the bad things that go on in the world. I love hip-hop its not going anywhere.
Any last words for the readers?
Make sure u grab that mixtape, and check me out at http://myspace.com/djbiglouthemayor and hit me on the email if u want to be on the next mixtape at djbiglouthemayor@gmail.com, and support this website cause its hot and supports real hip-hop!

So, there you have it, DJ Big Lou The Mayor. Cop the mixtape, hit up the myspace, and hit him up with you want to be on the next mixtape.