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NON-PROFIT MUSIC PROGRAM THE DJ PROJECT USES HIP-HOP ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO ENGAGE YOUTH
Youth program announces release of its sixth compilation, "The World is Not Enough," written and produced by high risk youth from San Francisco
February 24, 2004 (San Francisco)
San Francisco non-profit program The DJ Project proudly announces the CD release and party celebrating "The World is Not Enough," a compilation CD produced by youth from low-income neighborhoods in San Francisco. The community party at the Women's Building on March 20 from 7-10 PM will feature youth performances, video screenings and performances by noted hip-hop professionals.
The DJ Project is an arts entrepreneurship program built on a hip-hop foundation. It uses music to engage young adults, giving them opportunities to develop in a context familiar to them. Through small business management, audio and video production, job readiness training and community service, The DJ Project model is a creative learning experience for the hip-hop generation.
"I wasn't doin' nothing before The DJ Project. I'm more active now, more serious about my life. We learn to make beats, use recording software, learn about business, practice time management and take responsibility. I'm most proud of the fact that we made a record - from start to finish. A lot of folks say they think I'm gonna be a dope fiend, but I'm driven to prove people wrong." Saucey, 18.
In each DJ Project program cycle, participants collaborate to produce original music, they storyboard and shoot a music video, and learn to market their finished product to local retailers. Team members work on tight deadlines, acquiring marketable skills in event planning and project management.
The DJ Project curriculum challenges participants to sharpen their critical analysis of the recurring themes in urban music, such as materialism, homophobia, violence, race and sexuality. It asks them to explore their identity and set it to a hip-hop soundtrack.
This CD compilation is a tribute to the development of 21 year-old Juan Guillermo as a leader, mentor, teacher and producer. Juan was the first DJ Project youth participant back in 2000. Today, he manages the Mission district studio, engineers recording sessions with aspiring young MC's and is employed to facilitate program cycles. Acclaimed MC Azeem (Spearhead, V.U.) and electronic musician Gustavo Lanzas (Cybrid) assisted Juan with teaching the youth from this cycle.
Since launching in 2000, The DJ Project has received instant support from the local music community. Musicians and speakers visit the studio to conduct workshops, sharing their knowledge of music and stories of their business experience. Guest artists have included noted turntablist/ producer DJ Zeph (Wide Hive), world-renowned turntablist DJ Quest (Space Travelers, Livehuman), saxophonist David Boyce (Broun Fellinis) and djembe player Leon Mobley (Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals).
For more information on The DJ Project, contact Jeff Feinman at
(415) 487.6714 or visit www.theDJproject.com.
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