Thanks again for taking the time…

1. - For those that don’t know… How long have you been a DJ, and how did you get into it?

I have been playing since 1988-89. I started by watching other DJ’s in the projects I lived in, as well as listening to the radio jocks.

2. - You are from originally the NJ/NY area… what made you come to North Carolina? And do you plan on returning to your roots? or staying in NC?

College brought me to NC. The success of my djing career kept me here as a resident, but most of my gigs are out of state (NJ, NY, ATL, etc).

3. - You DJ for one of the two major urban radio stations in Raleigh/Durham… How did you get into that? And do you feel it helps you get extra exposure you might not normally get?

I never planned on being on the radio. I was always a club jock, until they came to a club I was playing at and asked would I be interested in radio. I figured it could not hurt. It definately helps build your resume.

4. - Most DJ’s make mixtapes, do you have any the people should know about?

Yes, I have 4 mixtape series out! One is called “Classics, Past, Present & Future”. Others are “Ride With Me” (old school R&B), “I Want That Old Thing Back” (old school Hip Hop), “I’ma Need About A Hour” (all exclusives). For more on my mix cd’s hit me up at MYSPACE.COM/DJKOOLSHEED. Big shouts to my man DJ D Boogie.

5. - Is hip-hop dead? Or basically just not what it used to be? Or is it in a better place today?

Hip Hop is not dead, it’s just in a bigger place which means that it is more diverse and it contains more cultural influences than its norm. But I do understand when people do say it’s dead because it’s run more by business men, than the actual talent that got it where it is today, but hey, that comes with the territory.

6. - Hip-Hop/Rap Battles and Beef… The Game Vs 50, Nas Vs Jay-Z, Biggie Vs Pac… etc… Good for the business or bad because of the negative publicity when it goes too far like Biggie and Pac?

Hip Hop has always been competitive. Battles are great for Hip Hop, but Beef is not a good thing. Alot of today’s rappers are sensative. It’s almost like the kid in school who don’t mind laughing at others, but he don’t like to be laughed at.

7. - Can people expect to hear you spin outside of NC anytime soon?

Yes, I’m actually headed to SC now, then Queens, NY for a magazine release party with Kesha Monk from 98.7 KISS FM (NYC).

8. - Other than music, what are some of the things you are interested in?

Other than music, I’m into helping teens fight peer pressure that will lead then down dead end roads.

9. - What do you think when you hear the words Hip Hop?

When I hear the words HIp Hop I think of expression. Being able to take an instrument used for one thing and flipping it into another and then influencing others with it.

10. - Don’t hate on me for the last question, but I ask it to everyone… Who is your celebrity crush? Was or still is?

Wow, I would have to say Thelma from “Good Times”.

You can check out DJ Kool Sheed on his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/djkoolsheed