How DJ Drama Went From Mixtape King to Mogul | Blueprint

The music bug started for DJ Drama in Philly at age 13 with his first turntable, and continued through Clark Atlanta University, where his name began to ring bells. Soon came the birth of his legendary "Gangsta Grillz" series, spawning collaborations with T.I., Young Jeezy, and Lil Wayne that revolutionized the mixtape game. And then, the feds tried to shut down his operation forever. Bowed but not broken, DJ Drama re-emerged with a second life as a music mogul whose Generation Now record label continues his legacy of uncovering emerging talent, including Lil Uzi Vert and Jack Harlow-and whose voice is still loud and clear on Tyler, the Creator's Grammy-nominated album.
There are more ways than ever to "make it" these days, and like snowflakes, no two journeys are identical. On "Blueprint," a diverse range of influential people reveal the lessons they learned on their paths to success-direct to camera with no filter. From the origin stories of Lyrical Lemonade founder Cole Bennett and TV mogul Mona Scott-Young to the career pivot of rapper-turned-exec Lil Bibby, learn how small victories can add up to big wins. Also featured in the series: unconventional advice from Twitch's most popular streamer Hasan Piker and words of wisdom from Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John. These are their blueprints-it's up to you to create yours.
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COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop. #TheBlueprint #DjDrama

[@vanessabrown5576]

We are so proud of all you have achieved in this industry and beyond. Can’t wait to see your next chapter.

[@ladidaix]

DJ Drama forever one of my fav GOATs in the industry 🔥🔥🔥 love this!

[@keyfrom92]

Love this series. Ima b on here one day explainin my empire to yall. Thanks for the motivation.

[@ktmichaels5149]

Facts

[@TheProtagonistDies]

...

[@integrafreak1]

@@TheProtagonistDies ….

[@adshowpgh]

⚡️

[@keyfrom92]

@@integrafreak1 that mean sum idk about? Lol …

[@grassmaskrecords2408]

Mr. Thanksgiving!!!💯💯💯💪💪💪........ One Of My Favorites DJ's

[@TheHomieChepps]

He solidified in the game for real. Crazy to see how far he's come, nothing but respect. I remember making a stank face hearing that "Gangsta Grizzils" at the start of a song 😂

[@MichaelPetersFenwicks]

wow........great interview......

[@cybertron50]

Gangsta grillz 🔥🔥 absolute legendary 🙏

[@francinalatoyagentles5235]

Nice interview

[@younguofficial310]

Reporting live from lynwood CA letsgetit salute

[@jesusfranco4571]

Realer than most rappers today!!! HE IS A LEGEND!!! he had his own genre

[@riseonthetrack]

THE🐐🙌🏾

[@EThio4444ANGELNUM]

Dedications wayne's gangsta grill is the best thing ever

[@leonardborgesx]

Awesome!

[@marlinthrower1067]

good video

[@wilesmedia]

incredible

[@witness1013]

Mogul, loooool!!!!

[@GawdGenetics]

Man when I saw juice it made me wanna be a DJ for real though dawg 🥴

[@scotxhbonnick1046]

What’s that instrumental at 0:20???

[@jeremiahwoods8200]

Shot out to Saga for that second mixtape cover

[@sibongakonkekhuzwayo7581]

This intro samples like mopstick by french and Kodak

[@Noirlore]

Shoutout the 215

[@The213pr0ductions]

Cannon- Dj Drama ft Lil Wayne 🔥

[@keezdahalfpint1408]

Dedications trap or die and Gucci the movie

[@richiemc_]

nah his career needs a movie or sumn

[@JesseJames19699]

Where’s the talk about that new Clyde Guevara Gansta Grillz album? Old Me is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@coolman949]

'92 was not the early inception of hip hop. The new school was being formed at that time but to use that terminology is a slap in the face to all the artists in the 80s that literally paved the way for those newer 90s generation of artists. Cats like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, LL Cool J, Run DMC, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Kool G Rap, etc...That's the problem with this newer generation. They refuse to pay homage and in some cases, even acknowledge the history.

[@garywilcher9497]

When your playing in midwest you kinda gotta have ot all too west,east south north,,,very diverse at least in naptown

[@orlanduswhite7131]

I wish lil baby had a gangster Grill.

[@ph10silva39]

Nunbers dont lie

[@ctfinest8603]

Dj Dramaqueen

[@rodrickhood5707]

how wat has he did????

[@obu2108]

Ain't the same without Noah.

[@witness1013]

This guy was popular a couple of decades ago ? Is that the story ?

[@dylanfadl968]

Hatin

[@INCOGNITO-kd5ub]

367 that's how many times he said mixtape

[@yeasashikder3704]

1st View

[@compacris]

Sheeesh 5th comment

[@clayadams-el7072]

After you beat the RICO..did they return your cash and property?

[@paulfrompaulnjen9789]

Stop. This mans career is as crusty as his lips.

[@tannyland6412]

Jesus loves you he died on the cross for your sins. All you have to do is believe in him and you will be saved. ❤

1st View

[@O09ttt]

Loser bought acc