A true fan of the “Golden Era” of hip-hop and an admirer of New York City, French born DJ Modesty was destined to be a part of the hip-hop culture.

The 29-year-old turntabalist has spun records all over the world and hosts a forum for unsigned and independent artists to be heard on his international radio Show, The Real Hip-Hop Show.

Modesty, who is currently gearing up for the release of  his project titled Kings of Queens,  a collaborative mixtape of emcees from Queens,  recently chopped it up  about his career, radio show and forthcoming project.

What made you start DJing and leave MCing alone?

I decided to start deejaying because I liked to listen to the mix.  It was magic to hear sounds of the ‘Golden Years’ mixed together, so in  the end of the 90’s I bought some turntables to do the same. I still write lyrics but I don’t consider myself a MC. I write as a form of therapy. 

What DJs are you inspired by?

I was inspired by Funkmaster Flex and his great 60 Minutes of Funk series.  The French influences were Cut Killer & DJ Poska.  All these DJ’s were very strong during the ‘Golden Years’ and their mixes were exclusives with technique, originality and   musicality.  I also like Primo (DJ Premiere), as a beat maker and DJ JR Ewing.

Do you wish to work with any of them or have you already?

I would like to work with them but it’s not the same thing right now.  Many of them changed with the years and sounds are different.  But why not, it’ll be like a dream if I could mix with Funk Flex on a project or a show.  Maybe in the future,  if God blesses me.

What made you do a mixtape with all emcees from Queens?

Everything started with The Real Hip Hop Radio Show.  I received some sounds from my contacts and as a fan of "Thug Muzik" and Queens rap artists,  it was the opportunity for me to create something.

So I contacted some of the more established QB MC's and some of the new and underground MC’s. I started in 2006, so it’s the product of 1 year of hard work, Kings From Queens.

How can people purchase Kings of Queens?

The CD can be purchased directly from my website , www.allskool.com. The CD will be available in stores very soon, New York, Canada, France.

What artists should we look out for?

Prodigy, Large Professor, Littles, Grafh, Mazaradi Fox, Infamous Mobb, Twin Gambino, Tragedy Khadafi , Killa Sha, Prinz, Camilianao, Tru N Skee, Ramadan, Foul Monday, Imam Thug, Trez, Koron , LordRoc, Tone Corleone …Willie Stubz, Jak Danielz, Craig G, DJ JS1, Curt Digga, Misphit , Musik G , Royal Flush and Ruc Da Jackel, among others.

How can people listen to The Real Hip-Hop Show ?

The best way to listen to the show is logging on to www.allskool.com. All the radio info is there.I do two shows. The first is on Saturday and you could hear it on www. radiolaser.fr and www.djmodesty.podmatic.com. 

The second show is on Thursday on Warrior Fm, live from France.

Can unsigned artists get their music heard on your show?

For sure.  The concept of the Real Hip Hop Show is to promote unsigned artists and independent labels. I try to give a chance to everybody.  I like to play a lot 90's rap and stuff from Primo, Pete Rock and Alchemist.  I don’t like crunk, reggaeton and dirty south music that much, but I try to play all the good sounds that I receive if the quality of the music is good. 

You could directly send your materials to my mailing address and your mp3’s to djmodesty@aol.com with all your labels info and a message to introduce yourself.  Your drops will be requested.

What advice would you give aspiring DJs?

Be your self, be original and respect the artists, respect the Hip Hop culture & learn  about the Old school because the foundations were here. Take your time because it’s long and hard work.

Do you have any shows or tours coming up?

I’ll mix for the bigger Top Dance challenge at The Juste Debout in 2008 at Paris for the fourth . I'm looking for some bookers to do some shows in France and around the world. Contact DJ Modesty at DJBRAYDS@aol.com.

What’s next for DJ Modesty?

The promotion of the Kings From Queens is big work.  I hope that it could help the artists inside the project (I would like to thank them). The Kings From Queens Volume 2 and 3 will be coming soon, and many others projects for some artists including hooks and mixtapes.

I’m actually working on the Misphit mixtape but I’m open for all business.  I’ve also started producing some beats too and I’m looking to connect with a bigger radio station in the US, if somebody is interested in The Real Hip Hop Show concept.

I just want to improve my show, my name and to be respected by real hip hop people.