Scottie B & Kool J

Scottie B & Kool J are probably just about the hottest property in clubland right now! This dynamic duo are resident DJ’s for Twice As Nice and they never fail to impress. Kool J is the MC that always gets the party jumping and Scottie B laces together a 2 hour set that dares anyone to leave the dance floor!

Their star is about to shine brighter than ever with the launch of a brand new TV show courtesy of Channel U! The new flagship Channel U show titled ‘The Lockdown’ will be a mix of music, fashion and entertainment with a dash of sport and film! The new show is scheduled to start airing around June 2007 so watch this space for more information.

In the meantime we caught up with Scottie B & Kool J en route to a big Twice As Nice bank holiday bash in Birmingham and got the inside track on the route to fame.

What is your official job title?

Scottie B: Professional DJ
Kool J: Entertainer

Describe what your job entails?

Scottie B: Entertaining the public, through radio, TV or clubs. Mainly playing music and making people go crazy and enjoy themselves.

Kool J: Presenting radio and TV shows, hosting a range of events from charity to corporate and club nights, DJing nationally and internationally, acting and event management.

What was the pathway to your current job?

Scottie B: I started when I was 15. I used to do a lot of sports and basically I had to make a choice….sports or music. (don’t get it twisted I was good at sports..lol!!!)

Kool J: As a child I was surrounded by music, my father was a musician and my uncles had sound systems, I often found myself sneaking downstairs to a few house parties, hiding in a corner listening to the music and watching my uncle DJ. As I grew older I mimicked my Uncle’s voice on the mic and played a record or two, soon developing my own unique style. At 17 years old I started following my Uncle to his radio show and gigs, he gave me a chance to showcase my talent and Entertainer Kool J was born!

What events / people were instrumental in you getting to where you are?

Scottie B: Events: Twiceasnice, Friday Fantasy (Back in the day), Sexy & Stylish, Souldeep, Goodies & Spoilt 4 Choice.

Scottie B: People: The list is endless but the main people id say would be: Everyone in the Twiceasnice office, G-ent’s Supreme Squad, Smooth Connection, Gal Flex, Freek Fm, Xtreme Fm. Also Heartless Crew, EZ & Shortee Blitz (My Inspirations).

Kool J: My father and mother always playing music, my family being the music industry.
My church, Michael Jackson, Eddie Murphy, my uncles: Frank, Richie, Natty and Divine.
Bruce Forthsyth
Will Smith
Jamie Foxx

What successful music industry personality would you like to meet and what 3 questions would you ask him/her?

Scottie B: I’ve met loads but I’ll say Timberland (Producer) or Michael Jackson
I don’t know what id ask them, id probably just wana see them do what they do for real…

When you were little what did you want to be?

What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?

What successful music industry personality would you swap for?

What is your favourite part of your job?

Scottie B: All of it!!!!!!!!! I Love it!!!!!!!!
Best part is probably the travelling….

Kool J: When I see everyone enjoying themselves, with smiles and receiving positive feed back from audiences.
What part of your job would you pay someone to take away?

Scottie B & Kool J: Driving long distance gigs!!!
How much do you make a year?

Scottie B & Kool J: LOL!!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!! Not enough!!!!!!!
Name some of the projects/campaigns you have given the Midas touch to?

Scottie B: I helped Twice As Nice put together there urban club classics album which sold 88,000 copies. I also mixed the 3rd cd in there 3 disc album ‘’Twice As Nice – The Weekender’’, which went gold and sold over 100,000 copies….
I also teach kids how to Dj at a youth center in north west London.

Kool J: UMF, Jay-Z official after party, BBC London 94.9 fm, xtremeformusic.com, and my own drama school, hackney youth awards,
Charity organisations - ministry of restoration-Richards House hospice

What has been your most rewarding project to date?
Scottie B: The gold selling album!!!!!!!!!!

Kool J: Entertaining people internationally through ‘’Twice As Nice’. My charity work inspiring young people.

Is the UK black/urban music industry ready to 'Get PAID'? Give the reasons for your answer......
Scottie B: It will be when people stop the violence around the music scene. Also when the politics within stop!!!

Kool J: We have well known established DJ’s, MC’s, singers, music TV shows, music venues and radio broadcasting 24/7 we have the foundation so we are over due for payment.

What are the most important things you have learned about getting ahead in the game?

Scottie B: Don’t trust everyone. Talent doesn’t always come first (not straight away anyhow). Its not as straight forward as u think…

Kool J: Wait on no person, if you want something either get it or ask for it.
What advice would you give to someone trying to achieve a similar success to yours in your particular area of the business?

Scottie B: Love what u do, don’t just do it for the money. Stay true to yourself and those around you. Work & Practice Hard and be patient
Kool J: You need confidence, a sense of humour and always have an eye to brand and create new things.