King Texas
"I was obsessed with turntablism as a teenager," Solano tells The BoomBox. "You could have called me a backpacker, easily. I used to watch DJ Qbert videos, Mix Master Mike clips and DMC Championship battles. It all made sense to me. I was attracted to it all."
One could say that Solano's rap career played off of her DJ career or vice versa, but above all, her love for the culture itself is the driving force behind all of her talents. During her college years, Solano hosted her own radio show called The Secret Spot on Boston's WERS 88.9 FM. She ended up winning an Urban Music Award for Best Female Radio Personality as a result. By 2006, when she moved to New York City, she found her groove in a few different arenas. Solano worked in video production, business management -- while running a small company and label -- and maintained a DJ career at night.
Although she defines herself as equal parts rapper and DJ, there were some periods where one talent overtook the other, like when her 2010 single "That's Not It" made waves all the way to MTVU's rotation or when her skillful deejaying had her opening up for the Rock the Bells concert and touring with Wiz Khalifa that same year.
Solano takes her craft seriously, however, sometimes she deals with club security who don't. "The funniest experience is when I walk into the club and the security treats me like an every day club-goer..." she continues. "Until I walk out and they pull me aside to give me a speech about how talented they think I am and how they hope I come back."
With so many other parts to her career, Solano is still well-versed in what it takes to rock a party. "The key to being a good DJ is knowing the crowd," she says simply. "When you DJ in other states or in other countries, you gotta connect with the people, learn about the scene, get familiar with the local music superstars. You have to represent your personal expression while relating to the community. And I believe that to be a talent more so than a skill."
This record spinner has traveled the globe showcasing her talents and conquered the club so what's next for her rap career? "I just dropped my first single off my upcoming EP, Rap, this January. The song is called 'One on One' and it features Yelawolf," Solano says proudly. "So aside from my DJ life, I also have my rapping life. My life is immersed in music everyday."
Top Five Songs of the Moment
1. "Dickie Riddim," Schlachthofbronx feat. Warrior Queen
2. "Only Man She Want," Popcaan
3. "Sandungueo," Munchi
4. "Ritual Union," Little Dragon
5. "Wreck a Pum Pum," Prince Buster
Top Five Songs to Rock a Party
1. "Poison," Bell Biv DeVoe (Million $ Mano Remix)
2. "I Just Wanna Love You," Jay-Z
3. "Erotic City," Prince
4. "Show Me Love," Robin S.
5. "Who Am I," Beenie Man
See Photos of a Mixtape Timeline
- 1973
- Mid-'80s
- 1986
- Late '80s
- Early '90s
- November 1995
- Mid-'90s
- Mid-'90s
- 1998:
- 1998
- 2002
- 2002
- 2003
- 2004
- 2004
- 2006
- 2007
- Jan. 16, 2007
- February 2009
- 2010
- 2010
- April 2010
- 2011
- October 2011
- November 2011
- January 2012
- Hip-Hop Quiz
- 1. Which of these jobs best describes your daily 9-to-5?
- 2. When you wake up in the morning, the first thing you throw on is:
- 3. You've just won the lottery. The first car you run out and buy is:
- 4. The person you'd want most to sit shotgun in your new ride is:
- 5. Your idea of a fun night on the town is:
- 6. Your idea of a "classic" video is:
- 7. Your drink of choice is:
- 8. In your spare time, you'd most likely be spotted:
- 9. Upon seeing your date get hit on at the club, you calmly:
- 10. You'd prefer to prove your hip-hop cred by:
- Eminem
- Jay-Z
- Nicki Minaj
- Kid Cudi Timeline
- July 2008
- September 2009
- December 2009
- December 2009
- February 2010
- February 2010
- June 2010
- September 2010
- November 2010
- February 2011
- February 2011
- April 2011
- April 2011
- October 2011
- November 2011
- Hip-Hop and R&B Albums: Grammy Wins vs. Losses
- 1996: Best R&B Album
- 1997: Best Rap Album
- 1998: Best Rap Album
- 2001: Best Rap Album
- 2003: Best Contemporary R&B Album
- 2004: Best Rap Album
- 2007: Best Rap Album
- 2009: Best R&B Album
- 2010: Best Rap Album
Watch 'Learn About the History of Rap'
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