Unlike many DJ’s today DJ On Point can actually, well, DJ. As a youngster he was a musician playing several instruments until he was drawn into hip-hop by his fascination with the 1’s and 2’s.  While playing local gigs and spinning at clubs,  On Point decided to throw his hat into the mixtape ring and he did so in an original way, he released an instrumental mixtape that still has people fiending to this day.

Now a mixtape and club staple,  DJ On Point has become one of the biggest DJ’s in hip-hop. Sixshot.com sat down with DJ On Point to discuss his ambitions as a DJ, his instrumental mixtapes, and the Mood Muzik series.

Sup man, how's life?

Life is pretty cool I can’t complain. '07 ended pretty strong for me so I’m just trying to keep that momentum going in '08.

So what was life like for you growing up in Queens?

It wasn’t bad. I grew up in a pretty good neighborhood. I did regular things went to school, played sports, listened to music, played video games, etc.

You played a lot of instruments before you got into spinning right?

Yea I played several instruments before getting into DJ'ing. I played the sax, violin, drums and the piano.

How did you decide you wanted to be a DJ?

My mom had a f ew friends who DJ'd and I would see them spin but what really caught my attention were those DMC  battle tapes. My aunt had a couple of them. After watching those tapes and seeing DJ's like Roc Raida and Babu going at it, I was fascinated with all the tricks and scratching that the DJ's would do. I can’t forget the movie Juice that also had a big influence. Come to think of it I remember back in elementary and junior high school we would have parties in the classroom from time to time and I would be the one to provide the music. I used to enjoy putting together tapes with all the hottest music for the parties. That was years before I actually really knew what DJ'ing  was.

You studied music in college for a while right?

Yeah I went to college for a couple years and music was my major. I ended up dropping out. I plan on going back.

What's your recipe for rocking a party?

I have no real recipe; every party is a lil different. For the most part I feed off the crowd and just improvise with my set.

You made some mixtapes and then backed off the scene for a while, why?

I have a hard time just throwing out anything. I really live by the phrase quality over quantity. However,  I have noticed that the average consumer could care less about that. I only say that because some of these DJ's would not be in business anymore if the average consumer did care.

You're instrumental mix CD's are your trademark, tell us about those.

Doing an instrumental CD was one of the best things I could of done. At the time I decided to make one there were only a handful of other DJ's  doing the same. I was able to brand myself and my "Is This What You Want" sample. Doing instrumental CD's took everything else I did to another level. The impact I had with instrumental CD's is crazy I only say that because I bump into random people all the time and when they find out I’m DJ OnPoint, the first thing they usually mention is my instrumental cds.

I haven’t released one in about 3-4yrs and I only released maybe 8 or 9 instrumental CD's for my career but everyone still ask me to this day when am I dropping another one?

Who are some of your favorite artists to work with?

Joe Budden of course, Mobb Deep, Cassidy, Busta Rhymes. There’s to many to name those are some of the most memorable. I also got some new artist from Queens that I’m working we call it "Queens The Movement" that consist of Vic D aka Vic Damone from South Jamaica who was just recently signed over at Universal/Motown, OX from Laurelton, Lanlord from Shadyville, Lexx 9Eleven and One Shot who are also from South Jamaica.

How do you manage to stand out with so many DJ's in the game?

Well for starters I can actually dj. Everyone that makes mixtapes are not DJ's. They are what I call "mixtape personalties".

Second,  I’ve kinda already established a name for myself. I definitely still have a lot more work to put in but my foundation is already there. I just gotta keep putting out the quality material that I have been and do it a lil more consistently.

Do you feel the newer DJ's are lacking skills on the turntables?

Oh yeah, definitely. Like I just mentioned a lot of them are not DJ's  they are "mixtape personalities". N ot to say there is anything wrong with being a mixtape personality because some of them actually make quality stuff. It's the ones that have access to the internet and a CD burner and they homeboy knows how to use photoshop and think they can make a quick dollar by putting out mixtapes.

You tour a lot, any favorite spots?

As of right now my favorite place is Australia... it is absolutely beautiful out there.

What are your favorite clubs to spin in NYC?

I’d have to say Stereo, Ppumm, and Sol.

What projects can we expect to see from you?

You can expect to see more projects similar to what I’m doing with Joe Budden and the Mood Muzik series. Similar as far as it being more like an album than a mixtape. Also be on the look out for this Queens The Movement project... these dudes are serious!!!

Anything you'd like to say to your fans at Sixshot.com?

I’d just like to say thanks for all the love and support. It’s definitely appreciated