In conversation with Damizza
Damion Young, better known as Damizza, is the biggest name in the Westcoast's hip-hop game. For a young man of 28 years old, he's probably the best producer of his generation. Damizza showed his talents on his first release, the all-star featured compilation "Damizza Presents... Where I Wanna Be", and on his latest release "The Baby Ree Mixtape Vol. 2" hosted by Pamela Anderson and a lot of other releases.
He's also the Senior VP of Programming and Artists Relations of Power 106 in Los Angeles. He worked with artists like Ja Rule, Bone Thugs n Harmony and Nate Dogg and was personally asked by Mariah Carey, to remix her song "I Still Believe", after the best-selling pop diva heard one of his tracks in the background of a cellphone conversation they were having.
Damizza owns Baby Ree Entertainment, which is named after Damizza's grandmother. He's also a really great and funny guy with a good laugh and above all, he's real. Damizza has been so kind to answer a few questions. I selected the most interesting among all the questions sent to Heroes of Mariah/Go 4 Hit Promotions. How did you become interested in music?
It all started when I was 12 years old. I turned on the radio and it sucked me in. I kept calling the radio station KHTY in Santa Barbara until they hired me as an intern. I did all the jobs in between until I was 19 and started programming it. I was eventually in charge of three radio stations. It all began there to where I am today. Are there any new artists you would like to work with as a producer in the near future?
Stacee Adams, Lil' Flip. I actually just did a remix with Korn their remake of Cameo's 1986 hit song "Word Up". How do you plan on reviving Westcoast hiphop?
Very very carefully... What is your advice to anyone looking to get into the music game?
If it's in your heart than do it. If I've made it this far, than anyone can. And most importantly, do not give in to negativitiy. What has been the most gratifying or exciting moment during your career in the music industry?
Definitely working with Mariah Carey. What song or album are you feeling at the moment?
I'm feeling DJ Quik's new hits collection. It's like a greatest hit package. If you had the choice to start all over again, which other career would you choose?
Probably in movies, like acting. Why was your song with Mariah Carey, "Mizza", never released commercially, other than a release on a mixtape?
We did it for the mixtape. We also did another one which is coming out on the Baby Ree Mix Tape Volume 3, which comes out September 2004, but it's a surprise. What's in your opinion the best song you've ever produced for Mariah?
It has to be Crybaby. We are also doing another remix on the Volume 4 Baby Ree Mix Tape. What is the perception of Mariah from most industry insider's viewpoints?
That she is purely a hitmaker. (Heroes of Mariah)
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