Summary of "DJ Snake Speaks on DJ Culture, Hip-Hop Roots, Paris, World Events + Untold Jadakiss Story & More"

Podcast Episode Overview

In this lively and wide-ranging podcast episode, host Boule Kev sits down with legendary DJ and producer DJ Snake to dive deep into his journey, DJ culture, hip-hop roots, and current world events. The conversation is sprinkled with entertaining stories and candid insights.

Main Highlights

DJ Snake’s Early Days

DJ Snake shares his beginnings as a graffiti artist in Paris, running from cops as a kid, and how hip-hop culture shaped him before transitioning into DJing. He recalls the challenges of DJing with vinyl crates and the painstaking process of building a solid record collection over several years.

Authentic DJing vs. Modern Trends

DJ Snake is praised for sticking to true DJ craft—using turntables and Serato with needles—while many others rely on pre-planned digital sets. He discusses the tension between hip-hop and EDM crowds, noting how hip-hop fans resist electronic music in their clubs, while EDM DJs enjoy more freedom to experiment.

Breakthrough with “Turn Down for What”

He recounts how the viral hit catapulted him from struggling to pay rent to worldwide fame almost overnight. The track, featuring Lil Jon’s iconic vocals, was initially dropped for free on SoundCloud before major labels came calling. DJ Snake credits the song for revitalizing Lil Jon’s career and changing his own life.

DJ Snake’s Production and Collaborations

Teases his upcoming third album dropping in October, featuring artists like Future and Dylan Francis.
Talks about the complexities of clearing features and the politics involved.
Shares humorous tales of artists like Juicy J and Giggs getting upset over being cut from tracks.
Mentions working with West Coast legends and the influence of LA hip-hop culture.

Views on the Music Industry and Culture

DJ Snake critiques the current state of remix culture, especially on platforms like TikTok, calling out corny trends and emphasizing respect for authentic DJing. He also laments the restrictions placed on DJs by labels and copyright issues that hinder remix creativity.

Social and Political Stance

The conversation takes a serious turn as DJ Snake speaks openly about his outspoken support for Palestine, the backlash he faced including shadowbanning on Twitter, and his frustration with political leaders globally. He stresses the importance of humanity over politics and calls for peace, condemning violence regardless of geography or religion.

Memorable Stories

A hilarious and tense encounter with Jadakiss in New York when DJ Snake was a teenager selling bootleg mixtapes on Canal Street—only to be confronted by the very artist whose mixtape he was pirating.
How he unknowingly signed a major deal with luxury watch brand Hublot after wearing a fake watch from a Bangkok mall to a major festival.

DJ Snake’s Relationship with Other DJs

He talks about friendships and reconciliations, like with Dylan Francis after years of silence, and expresses admiration for producers like Metro Boomin and Mustard, noting their shared BPM ranges and potential collaborations.

Upcoming Projects and Shoutouts

DJ Snake gives props to up-and-coming DJs and producers, highlights the vibrant Mexican music scene, and nods to his work with Shoreline Mafia and Jeezy.

Funny and Relatable Moments

From fans throwing shoes at him for playing the wrong song to joking about fashion cycles in EDM and hip-hop, the episode is filled with humor and real talk that fans will appreciate.

Personalities Featured

DJ Snake – Renowned DJ/producer and main guest
Boule Kev – Host of the podcast
Lil Jon – Mentioned collaborator on “Turn Down for What”
Future – Featured artist on DJ Snake’s upcoming album
Dylan Francis – Producer and longtime friend
Jadakiss – Hip-hop legend involved in a memorable story
Metro Boomin – Producer and potential collaborator
Juicy J and Giggs – Artists mentioned in context of track cuts
Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, Shoreline Mafia, Jeezy – Mentioned collaborators or influences

Summary

This episode stands out for its blend of heartfelt social commentary, behind-the-scenes music industry insights, nostalgic hip-hop culture anecdotes, and DJ Snake’s genuine passion for authentic DJing and music production. Fans get a rare glimpse into the man behind the hits, his roots, and his vision for the future.