DJ Toomp, a legend in the Atlanta hip-hop game

                                            DJ Toomp with Bryan Michael Cox                        

DJ Toomp has been a staple in the Atlanta hip-hop scene for more than 30 years. He started out DJing doing tricks on the turntables scratching with his mouth and sneakers. A classical musician, DJ Toomp employed his skills while working production on  T.I.'s album King, that is laced with samples of classical music throughout the entire album.  Featured in the documentary ATL: The Untold Story of Atlanta’s Rise in the Rap Game, the elite producer talks about his latest projects and working with Tip.

PW: What made you get into DJing?

DT: My dad used to sing and I got into DJing in 1982

PW: So you’re trained a musician how did you use that in producing and DJing ?

DT: Believe or not I trained myself. I can play the piano and drums. I arrange everything myself by the ear.

PW: Most people know you from producing T.I.’s album King, that had a heavy classical music influence, what was the idea behind that?

DT: There were a few things going on a that time. T.I. was filming ATL and wanted to do something big. What Ya Know is the biggest song on the album and I wanted it to be big.

PW: What is the next step in your career from here?

DT: I keep saying I am going to learn music theory and actually learn how to read music, but I am afraid it may take away from my creativity. Although I am getting older and you know you have to start doing other things. I may take it to the next level.

PW: What projects are you working on right now?

DT: I am working on T.I.s new album Paperwork and I am producing three songs on Rick Ross’ new album