DJ Vlad made a lot of noise in the mixtape recently with his release of Notorious B.I.G.'s "Rap Phenomenon" mixtape. He's bringing the much-needed creativity and originiality back into the game. See what one of the dopest DJ's in the mixtape game has to say about his future plans, Busta stealing one of his tracks, and his next mixtape project.

When did you start spinning?

I've been spinning most of my life, but it got real serious about 5 years ago.

What were the first records you were spinning?

Wow.. back in the day it was Run DMC's first album, the Beat Street soundtrack, Egyptian Lover, Planet Rock..

How did you practice and get your skills up?

I came from a production background, making beats. When I got into seriously doing mixtapes, I applied the same principles to that. I really try to create new songs on my mixtapes. When it comes to turntablism, I train with DJ Iemerge - he was the 2002 ITF World Champion.

How'd you link up with Dirty Harry for the Biggie "Rap Phenomenon" mixtape?

I had admired Harry's work for a while. When I moved to NY, we hooked up and started trading tapes with each other. My camp came up with the idea for the Biggie mixtape, and it started to come together.

That was a really dope mixtape, do you have plans on doing something like that with other artists?

No Doubt. In September, we're dropping 2Pac: Rap Phenomenon Part 2. DJ Green Lantern is joining the team on that mixtape.

What's your opinion of the mixtape scene right now?

Can't knock the hustle. It's really brought me a long way in a short period of time.

There's a lot of fucked up things about the mixtape game. Should artists have to pay in order to get on DJ mixtapes?

It depends on the artist and the DJ. A lot of artists get deals from being on major mixtapes - look at 50 Cent, the Diplomats, the Lox, Fabolous, etc. If you're relatively unknown, I think it is money very well spent to get on a big mixtape. If you've hustled and built up a buzz, then mixtape DJ's will be coming to you.

What's your selection process like when making a mixtape?

I try to start of my mixtapes with a real, real hot blend. My specialty is getting really rare and unreleased acapellas (vocals without the beats), so I'll flip those vocals and make a really hot song that you've never heard before. I make my own exclusives.

What do you think of Busta and Spliff Star using your Biggie blend from "Rap Phenomenon" and what was going through your mind the first time you heard that?

LOL... Harry was real mad when he first heard it, because we didn't get any credit for it. But as time went on, we got our recognition, so it's all good. I feel honored that Rap Phenomenon made such a big impact on the music industry, that even major artists are borrowing from it.

Who are your picks for next to blow?

Joe Beast, Brooklyn, Peedie Crack, Sly Boogy, Saigon, LG, Balance

What's the number one thing which needs to change in the mixtape game?

We need more creativity in the game. Dirty Harry, Green Lantern and me are forming a crew of sorts, where you'll see a certain logo on our mixtapes - that way, people will know that this is a creative tape, as opposed to a Newsweek mixtape.

How are the talks going between you and labels on working out a deal?

A couple of major labels are very interested right now. Can't really say too much beyond that.. lol

What's your advice to up-and-coming DJ's?

Do you. There's already a DJ Clue, already a Drama King, already an Evil Genius. Put together the shit that you really feel, and people will recognize it.

When's the next DJ Vlad mixtape hit and how can Heads cop it?

R&B Angels is out now. There's going to be a "Hip Hop Rock" tape out soon. I'm doing the official Wake Up Show (Sway & Tech) mixtape, and of course there's Rap Phenomenon 2 coming in September. Check out my website - www.djvlad.com

Shoutouts:

Dirty Harry, Green Lantern, DJ Warrior holding down LA, my man Ed from superbeats.com, Neil at Ecko, Balance, my man Zack in LA, Joe Beast, Brooklyn, Zack, Carl Thomas, Jon B, and of course, my parents for all the support.