Check out SNICKA's interview from HHN E-newsletter.
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HHN: Who and where is DJ Snicka reppin'?

SNICKA: SNICKA is reppin the NY, Shadow Entertainment and my crew DoubleEdge

HHN: How many mixtapes have you dropped? And tell us a little about Biggie Blendz. Why a Biggie mixtape?

SNICKA: This is my 48th mixtape. Looking back it’s hard to believe I haven’t done a Biggie mixtape yet. He was the greatest MC and basically changed the game into what it is now. Everyone aims to be that hard mc with commercial appeal. Everyone has that formula to first come out with a joint for the streets and then one for the clubs. Biggie started that.

HHN: What sets it apart from the other Biggie mixtapes that have come out?

SNICKA: Biggie Blendz is totally different from any other Biggie mixtape because of the songs I have. Yes, a few DJs have gotten a few Biggie Acapellas and remixed them. But I got my hands on 18 acapellas and put over some hot beats. I make it sound like biggie rhymed to these beats originally. Like he wrote the lyrics to these beats, that’s how beautifully matched they are. Big shout out to Mr. Cee and DJ Enuff of Hot 97 in NY who were both former DJs of Biggie. They have both given Biggie Blendz their seal approval. The only bigger compliment would’ve have been getting props from The Notorious himself.

HHN: What are your opinions on Guerilla Black? A dude that is catching a ton of heat for his near sound-a-like Biggie flow and lyrical content?

SNICKA: It’s weird that dude looks so much like BIG. He can’t help that. But I heard he dropped an album before and sounded exactly like Mystikal. Now he sounds like BIG??? It’s definitely a move for sales. The label probably took one look and said “wow you look like BIG, can you rap like BIG?” And it worked; he wouldn’t have gotten that much attention if it weren’t for that controversy. Imitation is the best form of flattery, but this guy has taken it way too far.

HHN: Out here in Toronto, Canada, the Canadian Recording Industry Association cracked down on mixtapes a few years back and now they aren't sold - at least in full view - at the record stores around the city. This has put a big crunch on Canadian DJ's. What are your feelings on a crack down? And how do you respond to the association's views that selling mixtapes are just like selling bootlegged CD's?

SNICKA: Mixtapes are a promotional tool. And the labels recognize this. Nowadays labels have mixtape spending as part of an artist’s budget. They used to fight it, but now they embrace it. Artists voluntarily give their music and make appearances on mixtapes, it helps them sell more records and the labels realize this. I think the labels just need to let the RIAA know to chill.

HHN: What are some of your other ventures outside of DJ'ing?

SNICKA: The goal is to make Shadow Entertainment a full-fledged label grooming and developing artists. Our first artist is Fuzzy Byskitz (pronounced biscuits) out of Washington DC. We’re working on his demo right now, he’s crazy with the battles, now we’re focusing on making songs. Not many can make the jump from battling to making hot albums, but Fuzz gonna do it. Remember the name. And of course I’ve made the natural progression of DJ turn Producer. I’m doin’ my own remixes right now and getting them out there. I’m going to start shopping them soon. A&R’s holla at me!

HHN: As a DJ, what artist or artists can you throw on your tape that you know people will be feelin' every time? Who's a sure bet?

SNICKA: Jay Z has been the most consistent hands down. It seems like every time I drop a tape, he’s got a hot joint out. Of course it’s been Kanye’s year this year, it was 50 the year before. Everyone wants to hear who’s hot at the moment. You gotta give the people what they want.

HHN: How important are exclusives to you?

SNICKA: Right now it’s all about the exclusives. That’s what the Kay Slays, the Clues, and the Big Mikes are killing the game with right now. But that is also why I came out with a Blend tape, to showcase the skillz and give people something different, an alternative. It’s how I diversify my self from those “exclusive” DJs but at the same time coming with something so different that it itself is exclusive. Everyone gets the new 50 cent and everyone is saying it’s their exclusive and you heard it first on their tape…do something creative that no one else has thought of and that’s when you’ll be truly exclusive.

HHN: DJ Premier said in an interview that a mixtape isn't a mixtape unless there is cutting, scratching, turntable tricks, etc.? Do you agree? Why or why not?

SNICKA: I have mad respect for DJ Premier, he’s a legend. But like I said before you gotta give the people what they want. DJ Clue figured out if you just put out hot joints on a tape without any scratching or blending people will buy it. I respect the art of cutting, scratching, and blending and I try to incorporate it in all my CD’s, but the mainstream will take exclusives over skillz any day. That’s just the way it is.

HHN: What are your plans for the future? Both DJ'ing and outside of that venue?

SNICKA: DoubleEdge and Shadow Entertainment are the future. I’ve retired from the club scene and have been focusing on the mixtapes. Next step is producing and getting Fuzzy Byskitz out there. DJ/Producer/CEO – I’m gonna do it all!!

HHN: Where can people go for more info on DJ Snicka?