DJ Lord Ron is a producer and DJ from Los Angeles, CA. He's laced some tracks for some of hip-hop's greatest emcees including Guru of Gangstarr to some of the most popular underground artists such as C Rayz Walz to Krumb Snatcha. During December of 2003, I sat down with DJ Lord Ron at a sports bar in Downtown L.A. to discuss what's he up to and about his love for hip hop.

M: So who is DJ Lord Ron?
D: Dj lord ron is fire, that element that represents the sagittarian spirit, who loves the arts, reading books, sports & without a doubt all types of good music but jazz is my favorite, ya feel me? who has a zest for that raw, grimy boom-bap we call hip hop that is not present in the mainstream anymore & that is where my stubbornness comes in because I will not conformed my style of production 2 these wack A&R's who R ass-kissing clowns workin' for the major label corporations, who have no respect 4 hip hop culture. DJ Lord Ron is raw & honest and respects the realness in everything that this life has 2 offer. Fakeness does not sit well with me & my music is a true reflection of me, word up.

M: Where did you grow up?
D: Born & raised in Los Angeles on 36th Place & Budlong, right down the street from The University Of Southern California College. Between Vermont & Normandie going east to west & coming south of Exposition Blvd going north to Jefferson, that's my old hood's area which was ran by Fruit-Town Brims while Normandie going west had the Harlem Crips and both hoods went at it and are still going at it 2 this day, I wasn't a gang-banger growing up, I was cool with everybody because you went to the same elementry school and once some of us got to Jr. high, they started bangin' but I was about playin' women, playin' sports & tryin' 2 hustle some trees on the low, performing in local talent shows & stealing bikes from students at USC, so I never was approached about being in a gang. My time as a youth was cool though, I miss those dayz yo!

M: What made you fall in love with Hip Hop?
D: When I heard "Freedom" by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious 5 at a high school dance, that joint sparked my love for hip hop culture.

M: You're currently working on your album "Lord Ron Remixes vol.2". What songs are going to be on there and when can people expect that project to be released?
D: Expect some boom-bap beats from some of the best artists who's music I respect. I'll wait until it's done, it has to be done right nah mean.

M: How was the experience working with C Rayz Walz for his latest album "Ravipops (The Substance 5)"?
D: Yo..The Ravi experience was some straight up RCP family love!!..Rough Camp Productions is Killa Kal, C Rayz Walz & Killa's older brother Phat-Man who is the producer and I'm a added member since '94 as a producer but last September, Kal & me went 2 chill with Walz at his crib in Jersey and we sittin' around just talkin' and then Walz started playin some tracks from these different producers like 4th Pyramid, Plain Pat and others nah mean, I gave Walz my beat CD and all of us are talkin' while listenin' to my jointz when the Protect My Family beat came on, Walz was like Yo, I'm feelin' that beat right there & Walz starts freestyling, once Walz likes a beat, he's already zonin' with the ill free style!..Killa Kal was like, Yo Walz! that's Protect My Family right there & Walz starts with the hook & the rest is history nah mean. I sent the track 2 Walz in February, Walz & Killa blessed it yo. That joint is very deep..Have U heard the wordz? I'm proud of both my homies, I love them brothas, that's real talk & I really believe Walz's LP is one of the top 10 hip hop releases for 2003.

M: You and Walz have known each other for years. How do you two know one another?
D: I met Walz, Killa Kal & Phat-Man through my peoples we call Sak who I met through Greg &..Walz was like 16 or 17 at the time and to see where he came from and to see where he is now..his place in this hip hop game on that level with Def Jux is an inspiration to me, that's real talk. Walz is a real talent, everybody can't do this hip hop shit, ya feel me?..He's the real deal and I wish him nothin' but the best...I still have some of those RCP demos at my crib, Walz & Kal reminded me of M.O.P. but in their own Bronx style.

M: Word is that you recently hooked up with Guru of Gang Starr to produce two songs for him "Propaganda" and "Don't Start Nothin'". When are those songs expect to be released?
D: Much love to Guru!!..That'z Fam yo!..I can't comment on that right now until Guru decides.

M: How did you get involved with Zulu Nation?
D: Respect to Bam & Zulu's worldwide. I've always admired & respected what Bam has done in regards to bringing a freshness of positivity through music & education. I took the proper steps that it takes to join. Music does have power to bring about one's culture and that is where the education comes in at nah mean. Check out the Universal Zulu Nation at www.zulunation.com

M: You produced "Clack-Clack" and "Losing Control" on Krumb Snatcha's new album. How did you hook up with Krumb for that project?
D: You really did your homework on me (LOL)..I met Krumb through a good friend of mine name Milan who designed my website, oh! if anybody needs a website, check out mines at www.djlordron.com and you can contact Milan from my site...Back 2 your question, Milan spoke with Krumb about me doing beatz for Krumb & I was given the number and me and Krumb connected the dots but nothin' is final yet until Guru decides. That Clack-Clack joint is on Krumb's mix CD..DJ Dead Eye Presents, Krumbsnatcha - Hate Me More..You can find it online at www.sandboxautomatic.com or www.hiphopsite.com ..Much love 2 Krumb!

M: Who are some of the artists that your currently working with?
D: I did a track for Walz called "Yellow Lines" & I'll be doing some beats for Triple Ace who is my younger brotha, much love fam!..Killa Kal, Selfs-Sufficients who are from Toronto, Canada, Will-Matic from The Last Kind who has a dope EP out right now..Me & Lil Sci who is nice with his & just moved here to LA from Atlanta by way of the Bronx are going to do something & other things that are like on hold but we'll see nah mean.

M: What emcee or group would you like to work with someday?
D: I have a few tracks that are perfect for M.O.P...I like Royal Flush..I would love to work with Grandmaster Caz.

M: Since you're a DJ, do you spin on any radio stations, shows or clubs?
D: I've done shows & clubs, have done a college radio show and I'm currently spinnin' every Sunday at The Sugar Honey Lounge in the City Of Industry and is brought to you by 3rd Place Family who is DJ AC The Program Director & Omar..Other DJ's like E-Roc, RayOne, Ron..Hmmm..K-Ozz, Roc1 & Sunny Phono are spinnin' also on a regular and you can call 626-965-4700 for more info on the club. I spin with Fam at ThaFormula.com Records when they have In-Stores, check'em out at www.thaformula.com

M: If there was one thing you could change about hip-hop, what would it be?
D: I wouldn't change nothin'..It is what it is nah mean..We gotta have that dope shit and that wack bullshit..360 til infinity..Hahaha!!

M: Whats your opinion on how DJs are today using CDs istead of vinyl?
D: I prefer vinyl yo. I'm too stubborn like spike lee's pop'z..Hahahaha!..On the real, I just do me like the next man gotta do what he gotta do. Technology is about tryin' 2 make things easier & better but DJ Lord Ron is sticking with the wax.

M: Who are some of your favorite DJs?
D: I respect many regardless of styles from the past to the now but these are some DJ's I respect and admire for their skills..Grandmaster Flash, The Ultimate DJ Double KK, The Incredible Grand DJ Charlie D, Grandwizard Theodore, DJ Charlie Chase, DJ Tony Tone, Jam Master Jay, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Cash Money, Marley Marl, 45 King, DJ Premier, The X-men, The Beat Junkies, DJ Aladdin, DJ Ivory, Tony Touch, Kid Capri & Mixmaster Wolf..Respect 2 all DJ's worldwide..DJ's truly have the power!..Knowledge that!!

M: You have any shout outs?
D: Shout Outs To: I know too many headz in the hip hop game & they know who they R, Love iz Love with them. A shout out does go 2 U Matt & Hip Hop Elements 4 giving me a platform & I gotta show love 2 my manager Alyssia who was the bridge in hooking up this interview. Peace 2 ThaFormula.com Fam, C Rayz Walz & Killa Kal, Triple Ace, Guru & Krumbsnatcha..Big shout out goes 2 the peoplez worldwide who have bought my music, thank you 4 your support, that's wassup!

Michael Laron Stringer aka "DJ Lord Ron"....Who Dealz In The Now!
Management: Alyssia Caila, Esq., J.S.D., Ph.D.
Office: (212) 330-8394 E-mail: alyssiacaila@yahoo.com
Official Website: http://www.djlordron.com