Toronto’s DJ BLKLUOS Talks New Project, Influences, & Current State Of DJ Mixtape Releases

Coming off his new “WINTER EDITION VOL. 2“ Mixtape we just reviewed, we catch up with Toronto’s very own DJ BLKLUOS in this exclusive Q&A interview.

For readers who don’t know, let’s take a step back in time and tell us about some of your roots in Hip Hop?
My roots in hip hop started when I was pretty young, I’d say around 6 or 7 years old. I was lucky to have older siblings that loved the music. So I was always hearing what was new on the radio and in the underground scene.

Production wise, who are some of your influences?
My influences are constantly changing, but in the begining. It was Timberland, Havoc, DJ Quik, Daz Dillinger, The Alchemist, Khayree. but has since manifested into so many different producer influences from different genres.

From then till now, how has the scene changed with releasing DJ mixtapes?
The change has been so different to be honest. I guess with the world’s new attention span, dropping frequent mixtapes is a dying breed (especially hard copies) with streaming platforms taking over so much. I do feel as an independent Producer/DJ that I have the advantage to take whatever path I choose to release music.

Congrats on the new project, “WINTER EDITION VOL. 2”. How do you know some of the artists on this project?
Thank you so much, I appreciate the support. Most of the artists on this project I have been working with for a few years So it was easy to compile the tracks, my concern was making sure it was cohesive from start to finish. Heartbreak Quotey is my blood brother who passed. “Way 2 Gone” was the last track we recorded together. So it was important the other songs matched the vibe.

Who was your favorite artist to work with?
Hahaha, well this is a tough question & I dont wanna get in trouble. Of course I’d have to say my brother Heartbreak Quotey because we always had alot of fun in the studio. But in all honesty, I chose each of these artists to work with because I respect they’re work ethics and what sound they bring to the table.

What do you have coming next? Any future projects?
Simple, ALOT! expect new music every month from me. Some producer & artist EPs with the usual suspects, Instrumental projects, and Bootleg Szn 5 (a remix project series)

How can readers find more of your work?
Search DJ BLKLUOS on google or any social media or streaming platform. Check me out on beatstars too!

Lastly, any shout outs pertaining to “WINTER EDITION VOL. 2”?
Big shouts to everyone invovled! All the artists and engineers HEARTBREAK QUOTEY, 333ZILLA, UZI MASALINO, SAYZEE, LOVEBOAT LUCIANO, PRAYFORJONES, TABZ, DYRTI SAN, ITSRYAN, DOPEFA$E
TY “RISK” DANELLEY, MIXEDBYDUTCH.